Seoul, August 12, 2026: South Korea technology ambitions are entering a new phase as the government unveiled an ambitious strategy built around seven major projects designed to create new economic engines beyond semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

President Lee Jae Myung announced the “Seven Major SEED” initiative during a meeting at the Blue House. The plan targets technologies that Seoul believes could shape economic competitiveness and national security over the next two decades.

The strategy covers small modular reactors (SMRs), fusion energy, next-generation renewable energy, quantum technology, space and aviation, advanced biotechnology, and critical minerals and materials.

Lee said South Korea should use the current strength of its semiconductor industry and the rapid expansion of AI to prepare for the next generation of growth industries.

He described the seven projects as potential next-generation growth engines and strategic national assets.

Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said the government would focus on developing the technologies while creating conditions for their commercialisation.

The strategy includes several ambitious deadlines. South Korea aims to commercially deploy a domestically developed SMR by 2035 and begin building non-light-water SMRs during the 2030s.

The country also plans to pursue fusion-based electricity generation in the latter part of the 2030s.

The renewable energy programme will focus on ultra-efficient solar cells, advanced offshore wind technology, hydrogen production and AI-powered electricity grids.

Quantum computing represents another major part of the strategy. The government aims to develop an error-corrected domestic quantum processor with 100 qubits by 2029.

Seoul also wants to become a global leader in quantum-chip manufacturing by 2035.

The space programme sets an even more ambitious target. South Korea plans to conduct its own lunar landing mission in 2030, followed by a second lunar lander mission in 2032.

The government also aims to establish an independent low-Earth-orbit satellite communications network by 2035.

Officials plan to develop technologies for space-based data centres and increase South Korean participation in next-generation commercial aircraft programmes.

Biotechnology will form another pillar of the initiative. The government wants to establish AI-based biotechnology infrastructure by 2030.

It also plans to commercialise brain-computer interface products by 2035 while supporting AI-powered drug discovery, autonomous laboratories and advanced gene and cell therapies.

Critical minerals and materials will receive substantial attention as Seoul seeks to reduce vulnerabilities in strategic supply chains.

The government plans to expand domestic processing and recycling, strengthen strategic stockpiles and diversify overseas sources.

South Korea also intends to invest 10 trillion won ($7.1 billion) in materials, parts and equipment technologies by 2030.

Keen Ruffalo Steps Into the Spotlight With Prime Video’s ‘Sterling Point’

Officials said a public-private task force would help accelerate commercialisation and address regulatory barriers.

The initiative comes as South Korea faces a shrinking working-age population and slower potential economic growth. Policymakers are increasingly looking towards advanced technologies to maintain the country’s competitiveness.

Bae said the government wants to turn the projects into long-term national strengths that can help South Korea compete globally over the next 10 to 20 years.

Lee also framed the strategy as a choice between leading emerging industries and falling behind countries that move faster.

The government now faces the challenge of turning ambitious targets into commercially viable technologies while maintaining investment, talent and international competitiveness.

If successful, the Seven Major SEED initiative could give South Korea a broader technology base beyond its traditional strengths in semiconductors and AI.