AI Bio Sector Development Roundtable
"Preparing a 'National AI Bio Strategy'"
"Sharpening AI to Drive Innovation in Basic Science"
On the 21st, Minister of Science and ICT Hoon Bae announced, "We will prepare a 'National AI Bio Strategy' that will present a national roadmap for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) bio technology and comprehensive support for the entire bio data cycle."
Minister Hoon Bae of the Ministry of Science and ICT (right) visited Biome, a tenant company at Seoul Bio Hub in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 21st, listening to the research status and encouraging bio researchers. Provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT
Minister Bae made this statement during his first field visit after taking office, at Seoul Bio Hub in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, saying, "AI will go beyond simply assisting research and become a true partner to researchers."
He added, "Some people worry that investment is being skewed too much toward AI rather than basic science, but I believe that driving the great AI transformation is an urgent task." He emphasized, "We must thoroughly hone the AI capabilities we possess to drive innovation in both basic science and industry." He also expressed his ambition to make Korea the world’s leading nation in the AI bio sector.
Seoul Bio Hub is home to bio and medical startups. Minister Bae visited tenant companies, listened to key research updates, and discussed strategies for fostering the AI bio sector with experts in the field.
His first visit to this site is seen as an expression of his commitment to realizing the government's goal of making Korea one of the top three AI powerhouses, as well as boldly supporting the acquisition of future strategic technologies such as advanced bio.
Since his nomination, Minister Bae has consistently emphasized that innovation can be achieved by combining AI with science and technology. After his inauguration, he stated, "If there is a place in the field of basic science where AI is being used to create new innovation, that is where I want to visit first."
The Ministry of Science and ICT explained that this first field visit "reflects Minister Bae's strong determination to foster advanced bio and accelerate innovation by integrating it with AI."
Science and ICT Minister Hoon Bae is visiting Seoul Bio Hub in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul on the 21st as his first field activity to discuss development plans for the AI bio sector with experts in the field. Photo by Kyungjo Noh
At the meeting, Jinwoo Nam, Head of the Next-Generation Bio Division at the National Research Foundation of Korea, gave a presentation on "The Present and Future of AI Bio," introducing the current state of development and international examples. He also proposed policy directions for AI bio convergence. Opinions from AI bio experts in academia, industry, and research institutes followed.
Minister Bae did not stop at listening to the participants' opinions; he also asked questions about the number of employees, sales, and cases of international cooperation, engaging in active communication. He even asked Seongjin Cho, CEO of Curebus, how the company manages large-scale investments.
Industry representatives expressed high expectations. CEO Cho said, "I have great expectations because Minister Bae has made understanding and listening to the challenges of the bio sector his first official activity after taking office." Sangok Song, CEO of Standigm, added, "I was surprised to see that Minister Bae has a deep understanding of the bio sector as well."
Minister Bae reiterated the importance of achieving significant results in the bio sector, which is at a turning point globally. He stated, "To drive a paradigm shift in advanced bio together with AI, we will build an ecosystem through comprehensive support across the entire cycle, including active research and development (R&D) investment, AI computing infrastructure, opening up bio data, nurturing convergence-type talent, and regulatory improvements."
He continued, "The public will be able to enjoy healthier lives through faster and more effective new drugs and personalized treatments, and we will also achieve a sustainable bio economy by addressing challenges such as climate change and food security." He added, "As Minister of Science and ICT, I will broadly support the adoption and utilization of AI so that not only advanced bio but also various scientific and technological fields can accelerate the achievement of innovative research outcomes through AI convergence."
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