South Korea proposes 4.7 trillion won frontier AI model programme
The science ministry wants to combine public and private funding from 2027, pending budget approval and a competitive developer selection.
A proposal with budget and selection steps ahead
South Korea plans a 4.7 trillion won programme to develop a frontier AI model from March 2027, its Ministry of Science and ICT said, according to Reuters on October 6. The ministry intends to select a lead developer through a competitive tender after parliament approves the 2027 budget in December. It said the selection could happen as early as February 2027. The proposed financing combines state equity investment and private funding, with computing chips, data and talent concentrated on the project.
The ministry says the initiative is separate from its existing domestic foundation-model programme, which continues toward a third-stage review in February. Companies, consortiums and special-purpose vehicles would be eligible for the new tender, with a stated aim of allowing startups, universities and researchers to take leading roles. Parliament has not yet approved the budget, no lead developer has been selected and no frontier model has been delivered. The 4.7 trillion won figure describes the planned programme, not completed spending or proven model performance.