South Korea launches a $3.5 billion programme for a frontier artificial intelligence model from March 2027

South Korea plans to launch in March 2027 a programme of 4.7 trillion won ($3.5 billion) to develop a frontier artificial intelligence model, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced on Tuesday, as Seoul seeks to compete in the global race for advanced artificial intelligence, as Reuters reports.

According to the ministry, the lead developer will be chosen through a competitive tender, after parliament approves the 2027 budget in December; the winner could be announced as early as February.

The government plans to combine state capital investment with private financing and to concentrate computer chips, data and talent on the project, which aims at a model with industry-leading global performance in artificial intelligence.

The ministry explained that the initiative will be separate from the existing national foundation model programme, which will continue and will choose its two finalist teams in the third-phase review in February 2027. Participation will be open to individual companies, consortia or special-purpose vehicles, with the aim of giving start-ups, firms, universities and researchers leading roles.

Seoul’s move comes at a moment when governments around the world are pouring billions into artificial intelligence infrastructure — a technological race in which South Korea, with its giants such as Samsung and SK hynix, is seeking not to fall behind its American and Chinese rivals.