As global competition in AI (artificial intelligence) technology intensifies faster than anticipated, the government will restructure its 'Independent AI Foundation Model' (Dokpamo) project into a two-track system next year, focusing on top-tier 'Frontier AI' development and diffusion across industrial sectors. The final two teams of the existing Dokpamo program will be selected as planned and supported with resources such as GPUs (graphics processing units), while the government will invest 4.7 trillion won in Frontier AI to expand the scale of development alongside private investment.
Ryu Je-myeong, Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated at a press briefing for accredited reporters held on the 2nd at the NIA Seoul Office in Jung-gu, Seoul, that "the existing independent foundation model development is evolving and strengthening toward frontier model development, while the existing Dokpamo will continue to expand in terms of broader usage," adding that it is "evolving into a two-track system with reinforcement and diffusion."
The ongoing third-stage evaluation of the Dokpamo program will proceed as scheduled, with the final two teams selected from among three. Ryu (Vice Minister) said, "The third stage has already begun in September and will continue until the end of January next year," adding that "evaluation results are expected to be released by mid-February." The Ministry of Science and ICT stated that support for the final two teams, including GPUs, will proceed as originally planned, but development goals and the scale and methods of support may be adjusted in response to technological changes.
This strategic restructuring was formally considered following the emergence of Anthropic's AI model '미Toss' last April. Viewing the global AI competitive environment as undergoing rapid change, the government has been gathering opinions from experts, including companies participating in Dokpamo, AI graduate school professors, and members of the National AI Strategy Committee, since May. Ryu (Vice Minister) described recent developments in AI technology as "a shock and change that requires lifting the entire target rather than fine-tuning policy."
A realistic goal for Frontier AI was set at a level comparable to China's top open models. Ryu (Vice Minister) stated, "It is unrealistic to aim for parity with entities in the United States possessing enormous capital power," adding, "If the government invests around 5 trillion won and the private sector makes corresponding investments, it will be possible to target a level comparable to Chinese open models and China's top models." Specific performance targets are currently under discussion with experts.
Plans for GPU utilization are also under discussion. The government is considering supporting the Dokpamo and broader AI ecosystem with approximately 29,000 units based on the B200 standard, while separately securing 10,000 next-generation 'Vera Rubin' GPUs to be used for Frontier AI development. Specific allocation methods have not yet been finalized.
Security-specialized AI models already in progress will be developed without waiting for frontier-level models. Ryu (Vice Minister) said, "In the security sector, there is no time to wait until the first or second half of next year for frontier-level performance, so we are moving quickly."
The Frontier AI project will not be limited to the final two Dokpamo teams but will also open its doors to SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and startups. As soon as next year's budget is finalized by the National Assembly in December this year, public recruitment will begin, with the goal of selecting implementing entities as early as February next year. Whether the final two Dokpamo teams participate will be decided by the respective companies.
in TECH
