The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has officially transitioned to a mission-centric research institute, taking on challenges in seven areas, including semiconductor and humanoid technology development.
On September 17, KIST announced that it held a public report conference at its headquarters in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, themed "Our Mission, Your Future." The event aimed to share the changes and innovations KIST has pursued over the past two years in its mission-centric research.
In his welcoming remarks, KIST President Oh Sang-rok stated, "This is an opportunity to discuss why we needed to change, how we have changed, and how we will continue to evolve. KIST has been attempting to transition to mission-oriented research and development (R&D) for the past two years, and we want to share this experience."
Approximately 100 attendees were present, including officials from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the National Science and Technology Council's K-Moonshot Promotion Team, venture capitalists, and key stakeholders from academia and industry.
KIST introduced its mission-oriented research system in 2024, implementing changes across its research framework, including the introduction of a project manager (PM) system.
During the event, KIST presented its major achievements over the past two years and announced its commitment to tackle seven missions.
First, the Next-Generation Semiconductor Research Institute aims to develop a reasoning processing unit (RPU) with 1,000 times the computational performance of existing computers while reducing power consumption to one-hundredth of current levels.
The AI and Robotics Institute plans to accelerate the advancement and demonstration of humanoid technology by 2030, leveraging LG Electronics' KAPEX technology transfer.
The Climate and Environmental Research Institute has developed an AI-based climate prediction model to enhance South Korea's capacity to respond to climate disasters. It also aims to secure mass production technology for its self-developed carbon absorption materials by 2030, moving into the industrialization phase.
The Clean Hydrogen Fusion Research Institute seeks to reduce hydrogen production costs to around $5 per kilogram and implement the world's first ammonia-based hydrogen and electricity co-production system. It also aims to achieve $1 per kilogram hydrogen production by 2033.
The Brain Science Institute is working towards the final approval of a new drug for dementia, based on successful global technology transfers worth 500 billion won.
The Natural Product Drug Business Unit has successfully transferred technology for the world's first eye drop formulation candidate for treating age-related macular degeneration, aiming to accelerate entry into the global market for treatments of age-related diseases.
The Space Composite Materials Research Group plans to develop ultra-lightweight, high-shielding, and high-insulation composite materials.
President Oh expressed hope that KIST's proactive approach and changes will contribute to shaping the future direction of national science and technology policy innovation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.