Seoul
South Korea has inaugurated its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Lab in Seoul, aimed at positioning the country among the top three global powers in AI technology. The initiative is backed by a substantial government investment of 94.6 billion won (approximately $68.2 million) planned for 2028, as announced by the Ministry of Science and ICT.
The lab will serve as a collaborative hub for AI research involving scientists from South Korea, the United States, Canada, France, and other countries, focusing on projects like neural scaling laws and foundational models for robots. Science Minister Yoo Sang-im emphasized that the establishment of the lab marks a significant milestone in the nation’s AI development efforts.
This move aligns with South Korea’s broader initiative to bolster its competitiveness in the AI sector. Earlier in the year, the government set up a presidential AI committee and a joint research lab in collaboration with New York University. Additionally, plans for an AI safety research institute are in the pipeline to ensure the secure development and implementation of AI technologies.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has also highlighted the urgency of enacting an AI Act, which aims to create a supportive legal framework for the AI industry while promoting safe technology usage. The government is committed to investing in research, infrastructure, and the development of professionals in the field.
