Korea opens nat'l AI research lab to boost AI competitiveness

Figurines with computers and smartphones are seen in front of the words "Artificial Intelligence AI" in this illustration, Feb. 19. Reuters-Yonhap Korea on Monday opened its national artificial intelligence research lab, a hub for global AI research projects in Seoul, as part of efforts to become one of the top three global leading powers in the sector, the science ministry said.

The government plans to invest a combined 94.6 billion won ($68.2 million) in the National AI Research Lab by 2028 to help the organization lead the country's joint AI research projects with global partners, foster AI talents and create an ecosystem connecting the AI industry, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.



Scientists from Korea, the United States, Canada, France and other nations plan to conduct joint AI research projects at the lab, including studies on neural scaling law and a robot foundational model. "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. Earlier this year, the government launched an initiative to boost the country's AI competitiveness and enter the Group of 3 in the field.

As part of the initiative, the government established a presidential AI committee and a joint AI research lab in collaboration with New York University in September. It also plans to establish an AI safety research institute next month to support the safe development and application of AI technologies. (Yonhap).