The Ministry of Science and ICT will invest approximately 4 trillion won from the Future Response Fund into 'future seeds' such as SMR (Small Modular Reactors), fusion energy, and quantum technology. The core focus is expanding investment-type R&D through SPCs (Special Purpose Vehicles) and fund-based models.
On the 30th, the Ministry of Science and ICT held the 13th Science Gi Sul-gwan-gye (Minister) Council meeting and approved the 'Plan to Launch Seven SEED (Seed) Projects as Future Growth Drivers' with this content.
Of the 'Future Response Fund' established through semiconductor surplus tax revenue, 4 trillion won will be invested in R&D across seven key areas: △SMR (Small Modular Reactors), △fusion, △breakthrough renewable energy, △quantum, △space and aviation, △advanced bio, and △advanced supply chains (critical minerals, materials, components, and equipment).
Key goals include △developing a domestic quantum computer by 2030, △landing on the Moon by 2030, △commercializing light-water i-SMRs by 2035, and △building a low-orbit satellite communication network by 2035.
Structurally, collaboration between government-funded research institutional investors and the industry sector is notable. Government-funded research institutes such as the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and the National Fusion Research Institute will lead research areas, while industry associations like the Korean Nuclear Industry Association and the Fusion Innovation Alliance will lead industrial sectors that connect technology to commercial application.
Actively introducing SPCs and fund-based R&D is also a distinctive feature. Public-private joint venture SPCs combining government-funded research institutes' technology and infrastructure with private sector capabilities are planned to be selected through open competition in each field.
Additionally, an ultra-long-term technology investment fund of 880 billion won annually will be established to enable long-term investments of over 10 years in deep tech (advanced technology) fields such as advanced bio. The government is considering amending the Enforcement Decree of the Industrial Bank Act to add seven key seed areas, including space and aviation and quantum, to the support targets of the National Growth Fund.
Alongside this, for fields that are difficult to define under existing regulatory frameworks, such as SMR and fusion, plans are underway to promptly establish new licensing systems reflecting each technology's specific characteristics.
The Ministry of Science and ICT will establish a dedicated body called the Future Pioneer Planning Division to oversee the project. Top-level decision-making is expected to be made at the Science Gi Sul-gwan-gye (Minister) Council.
in TECH
