President Lee Jae-myung stated on August 12 that the semiconductor industry presents a unique opportunity to prepare for the next wave of growth in the artificial intelligence (AI) era. To capitalize on this, the government has selected seven advanced technologies, including small modular reactors (SMR), nuclear fusion, and quantum computing, as future growth engines to develop into new national mega projects.
During the 'Future Growth Engines 7 SEED Report Meeting' held at the Blue House, President Lee emphasized, "The competitiveness of advanced industries and scientific and technological capabilities are the primary indicators of economic power, security, and national strength."
He added, "Whether we become leaders enjoying limitless opportunities or fall behind as laggards is up to our choice. The 7 SEED project is our economy's next-generation growth engine and a key national strategic asset."
The seven selected fields include: SMR, nuclear fusion, renewable energy, quantum technology, aerospace, advanced biopharmaceuticals, and advanced materials and components supply chains. This initiative aims to proactively secure technologies that will be responsible for the next 10 to 20 years, following the existing three mega projects focused on semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centers.
The government plans to commercialize innovative SMR by 2035 and demonstrate 100-megawatt (MW) nuclear fusion power in the 2030s. By 2029, it aims to achieve commercialization of a 100-qubit quantum computer and establish an independent low-Earth orbit satellite communication network by 2035. Additionally, the government has set goals for the development of a private small lunar lander by 2030 and an 1,800 kg lunar lander by 2032.
In the advanced biopharmaceutical sector, the plan is to accelerate new drug development by tenfold using AI and robotics, with a goal of securing blockbuster drugs by 2035. The stockpiling period for critical minerals, which are highly dependent on specific countries, will be extended from a maximum of 180 days to 365 days. The government will invest 10 trillion won in the development of advanced materials, components, and equipment technology by 2030.
Before the meeting, President Lee inspected models of ship-based SMR, a superconducting 50-qubit quantum computer, and the lunar orbiter Danuri. After receiving explanations about the commercialization goals and performance of the quantum computer, he urged, "Please expedite the development process."
President Lee concluded, "The seeds of advanced technology sown today will grow into massive trees and new mega projects in the future. The government will firmly support innovative companies and scientists to freely explore the market and boldly take on challenges."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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