The Ministry of Science and ICT and related agencies have unveiled a strategy to foster seven advanced technologies across three key areas: future clean energy, next-generation frontiers, and advanced supply chains. This initiative aims to secure future growth opportunities over the next 10 to 20 years.
On August 12, the Ministry held a report meeting titled 'Seven SEED (Strategic Emerging Engines for Disruptive Innovation) Projects for Future Growth' at the Blue House, focusing on 'Engines for Future Exploration: Advanced Technologies.'
The seven SEED projects are divided into three main categories: future clean energy, next-generation frontiers, and advanced supply chains. The clean energy sector includes small modular reactors (SMR), nuclear fusion, and renewable energy.
The government plans to begin detailed design work on SMRs in collaboration with the private sector starting in 2027, aiming for commercial deployment of light-water SMRs by 2035 and construction of non-light-water SMRs in the 2030s. A special purpose company (SPC) will be established for joint investment in non-light-water SMRs to capture the global market.
Nuclear fusion efforts will focus on automating design and control through an 'AI Virtual Fusion Reactor' and establishing demonstration infrastructure, with the goal of constructing an innovative fusion reactor by 2035 and beginning power generation by the end of the 2030s, alongside the development of commercial reactors in the 2040s.
In the renewable energy sector, the government aims to commercialize perovskite tandem cells with over 35% efficiency, secure core technologies for large offshore wind turbines exceeding 20 MW, and conduct demonstrations of electrolysis systems in the 50-100 MW range. Additionally, it plans to localize GW-class HVDC technology and develop an AI-based 'Korean Kraken' model for power grid industrialization.
The next-generation frontier category includes quantum technology, aerospace, and advanced biotechnology. In the quantum sector, the goal is to secure a 100-qubit quantum processor (QPU) by 2029 and develop a full-stack quantum computer led by domestic companies through the 'Korean Quantum Computer Grand Manufacturing Challenge.' The 'K-Quantum Foundry' initiative aims to achieve the world's top quantum chip manufacturing capabilities within ten years, while also establishing a quantum security system that combines quantum cryptography and quantum-resistant encryption.
In the aerospace sector, plans include launching a lunar orbit communication satellite by 2029, the first domestically-led lunar lander (700 kg) by 2030, a space science exploration probe by 2031, and a lunar lander (1,800 kg) by 2032. The Korean low-Earth orbit satellite communication network is expected to be completed by 2035, laying the groundwork for 6G communication services.
The advanced biotechnology sector aims to establish AI-driven infrastructure, including cancer-specific AI models, autonomous laboratories, and biofoundries by 2030, with a goal of commercializing brain-computer interface (BCI) products by 2035. An SPC will be launched to commercialize gene and cell therapies, targeting technology transfers and M&A achievements by 2031.
The seventh SEED project focuses on building an advanced supply chain ecosystem. The government aims to increase the recycling rate of ten essential minerals to 20% by 2030 and expand the number of stockpiled items from 24 to 29, increasing stockpiling duration from a maximum of 180 days to 365 days, with a new stockpiling base in Saemangeum set to begin operations in 2028.
For items requiring capacity enhancement, the government plans to invest 10 trillion won in R&D over five years, with 5 trillion won allocated to the '15 Major Co-Growth Projects' to support technology development and global expansion for anchor companies and their partners.
The government will also strengthen the foundational capabilities of academia and research institutions. A support system at the university level will be introduced to expand basic research funding, and research institutes will be restructured to serve as national mission-oriented organizations. Plans also include promoting deep tech startups and introducing 'investment-type R&D.'
Regarding the implementation framework, the government plans to establish a public-private joint 'Future Exploration Promotion Team' led by the Deputy Prime Minister and will monitor project roadmaps and progress through meetings of science and technology ministers.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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