Key Points
- South Korea opened its National AI Research Lab in Seoul to position itself as a global AI leader.
- The government plans to invest 94.6 billion won ($68.2 million) to support the lab’s goals by 2028.
- The lab will host researchers from South Korea, the U.S., Canada, France, and other nations for joint AI projects.
- Projects include studies on neural scaling laws and foundational robot models.
South Korea inaugurated its National Artificial Intelligence Research Lab in Seoul on Monday, aiming to establish itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). The new lab is part of the country’s broader initiative to secure a place among the top three AI leaders worldwide, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced. This ambitious project underscores South Korea’s commitment to advancing AI technology through international collaboration, innovation, and talent development.
The government has earmarked a total investment of 94.6 billion won (approximately $68.2 million) through 2028 to support the lab’s objectives. With this funding, the National AI Research Lab will serve as a central hub for domestic and international AI research projects, help nurture the next generation of AI professionals, and foster a sustainable AI ecosystem that integrates research, industry, and global partnerships. The lab aims to position South Korea as a frontrunner in AI by developing competitive technology and promoting collaboration with leading global AI researchers and institutions.
The National AI Research Lab will host scientists and researchers from South Korea, the United States, Canada, France, and other countries. These teams will work together on pioneering projects, including studies on neural scaling laws and the development of foundational robot models. These research areas are crucial for creating scalable AI systems and advancing the capabilities of AI-driven robotics, which are likely to play a significant role in the future of AI applications.
“The successful establishment and innovative operation of the National AI Research Lab will set a new milestone for the country’s AI development,” Science Minister Yoo Sang-im said during the launch event. The government views the lab as a cornerstone of South Korea’s AI strategy, providing a platform for the country’s most promising AI researchers to work alongside global experts.
South Korea’s efforts to position itself among the top three AI powers began earlier this year with a comprehensive initiative to bolster the nation’s competitiveness in AI technology. As part of this initiative, a presidential AI committee was established, and a partnership with New York University was formed to create a joint AI research lab in September. Next month, the country also plans to launch an AI Safety Research Institute to address ethical and safety concerns associated with the rapid development of AI technologies.
These initiatives reflect South Korea’s recognition of AI as a critical driver of economic growth and technological advancement and its commitment to fostering safe, responsible, and cutting-edge AI development.
