Challenge for World's First Commercialization of 'Brain-inspired AI Semiconductors
On April 25, the Presidential Advisory Council on Science & Technology held a full council meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, to discuss the three major technology initiatives aimed at propelling South Korea to a leading position in the global arena. The government has finalized its vision and strategy initiatives for three game-changing technologies: AI semiconductors, advanced biotechnology, and quantum technology.
Government's Technology Initiatives
The Presidential Advisory Council on Science & Technology announced that the meeting, held at 5 p.m. and presided over by Vice Chairman Lee Woo-il, approved these technology initiatives. The full council meeting is the highest decision-making body in the science and technology field, chaired by President Yoon Suk-yeol. The council highlighted the intense competition among countries over these key strategic technologies and stated that both the government and the private sector aim to position South Korea among the top three global countries by 2030 with these initiatives.
Key Initiatives
In this meeting, the AI Semiconductor Initiative, revealed at the Semiconductor Issues Inspection Meeting chaired by President Yoon Suk-yeol on April 9, was confirmed along with the Advanced Biotechnology Initiative and Quantum Initiative. The AI Semiconductor Initiative, in particular, involves the government and the private sector focusing on achieving global dominance in AI technology while creating a new legacy for Korean semiconductors through nine key innovation projects.
AI Semiconductor Initiative Goals
To secure leadership in AI technology, the initiative aims to secure advanced fundamental technologies such as core technologies for next-generation Artificial General Intelligence, Lightweight and low-power AI technologies, and AI Safety technologies, including explainable AI, AI-based cybersecurity, and deepfake detection technology. To establish an upper hand in AI semiconductors, the initiative plans to develop Processing in Memory technology, which integrates AI computation with memory; a low-power Korean AI processor (K-AP); and new materials and advanced packaging technology.
World's First Commercialization
Part of the low-power K-AP strategy involves challenging the world’s first commercialization of brain-inspired neuromorphic AI semiconductors. Additionally, the recently commercialized Neural Processing Unit will continue to be upgraded. Furthermore, to foster an ecosystem for AI and semiconductor hardware-software technology, the initiative plans to implement K-Cloud 2.0 (AI supercomputing), which applies domestic AI semiconductors to server systems; develop core technology for on-device AI; and develop next-generation open AI architecture software.
