The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of South Korea has announced the selection of 52 national AI projects for 2024 as part of a broad initiative to foster AI innovation. This policy, approved at the 6th Science and Technology Ministers’ Meeting, is designed to build a robust national AI ecosystem and support key government agendas. The government secured 10,000 advanced GPUs through a supplementary budget in 2023, of which 3,000 will be allocated to these selected projects. The initiative reflects a strategic commitment to leveraging AI for national competitiveness and public sector transformation.
A total of 25 ministries are involved in the 52 selected projects, impacting a wide range of sectors including automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, climate, and content creation. Notable projects include the development of end-to-end autonomous driving AI models, industry-specific foundation models, commercialization support for AI startups, and the creation of a Korean AI weather and climate model. The program also supports AI-driven medical services, content production, and Arctic route prediction technologies. The selection process involved expert evaluation based on strategic importance, technological and societal impact, and the necessity for government leadership.
Implementation of the GPU allocation will begin this month, with distribution scheduled according to each project’s start date. Any unused GPU resources from delayed projects will be reallocated via the National AI Computing Resource Support Portal to meet short-term demands from industry, academia, and research. The government aims to maximize the efficiency of its GPU assets and ensure timely support for high-impact AI initiatives. Ongoing monitoring and adjustment will help address evolving needs and maintain momentum in AI innovation.
Frequently asked questions include how the projects were selected and how GPU resources are managed. Selection was based on cross-ministerial demand, expert review, and alignment with national priorities. GPU allocation is adjusted according to project timelines, with surplus resources made available to other qualified users. For further information, inquiries can be directed to the MSIT AI Technology Policy Division or the Ministry of Economy and Finance AI Digital Budget Division.
The Korean government’s allocation of 3,000 GPUs to 52 national AI projects demonstrates a strategic, cross-sectoral approach to AI innovation. By prioritizing projects with significant technological and societal impact, and ensuring efficient resource management, the initiative sets a strong foundation for public and private sector collaboration. The transparent selection process and flexible resource reallocation mechanisms are likely to accelerate AI-driven transformation across key industries. This policy could serve as a model for other countries seeking to scale national AI infrastructure effectively.