Seven SEED Projects Target Three Key Areas
On August 12, the South Korean government held the "Seven SEED Projects for Future Growth Drivers" briefing at the Blue House, where the Ministry of Science and ICT, along with relevant ministries, announced the implementation plans for seven strategic seed projects. These projects focus on three key areas: clean energy, next-generation advanced technologies, and advanced supply chains. The goal is to enhance national competitiveness through forward-looking technologies such as fusion power, quantum computing, and lunar missions while reducing dependence on specific countries for critical materials and components.
In the clean energy sector, the government plans to achieve commercialization of light-water small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2035 and initiate the construction of non-light-water SMRs in the 2030s. Additionally, the government will develop the "Korean Innovative Fusion Reactor," aiming to achieve power generation in the 2030s. These measures are seen as critical steps to address the surging electricity demand driven by the AI revolution and the challenges of carbon neutrality.
Quantum Technology and Space Exploration Included in National Strategy
The goals in the next-generation advanced technology sector are equally clear. The South Korean government plans to complete the development of a domestically produced 100-qubit quantum computer by 2029 and achieve global leadership in quantum chip manufacturing by 2035. In the space and aviation sector, the goal is to land on the moon by 2030, while also planning to establish an independent low-Earth orbit satellite communication network by 2035. In the biotechnology sector, the government aims to establish AI biotech infrastructure by 2030 and promote the commercialization of brain-computer interface (BCI) products by 2035.
President Lee Jae-myung stated at the briefing that the seven SEED projects will serve as the next-generation growth engine for South Korea's economy and a core strategic asset for the nation. He emphasized that these advanced technology seeds will grow into large trees and further develop into new MEGA projects, leading South Korea toward a major economic leap. Lee noted that these projects are not just technological breakthroughs but also a critical layout for the country's future development.
Supply Chain Autonomy as a Key Strategy
To ensure technological autonomy, the South Korean government has listed the "Advanced Supply Chain Ecosystem Strategy" as the seventh SEED project, aiming to reduce dependence on specific countries for core minerals, materials, components, and equipment. This project is designed to support the three major MEGA projects and the development of advanced technologies while expanding growth outcomes. However, the government has not yet disclosed the list of specific countries it depends on or the types of core materials involved, nor has it detailed the evaluation criteria for achieving global leadership in quantum chip manufacturing.
Some projects still face uncertainties. For example, while the goal of fusion reactor power generation is set for the 2030s, the government has not provided a specific technological roadmap or successful case studies. The lunar mission plan also lacks details on mission specifics or international cooperation schemes. Additionally, the technological maturity and market application scope of brain-computer interface (BCI) products remain to be clarified. Private sector experts at the meeting offered recommendations, emphasizing the importance of energy technology and supply chain autonomy while urging the government to strengthen its independent research and development capabilities in advanced technologies.
The Ministry of Science and ICT stated that the seven SEED projects will integrate government and private sector resources to drive technological innovation and industrial upgrading. The government will continue to announce specific implementation plans and funding allocations to ensure that all goals are achieved on schedule. The advancement of these projects will lay a more solid foundation for South Korea in the global technology competition.
