Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon and DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis pose after signing an AI cooperation agreement in Seoul on Monday. Photo by Asia Today \n <\/p>\n
April 27 (Asia Today) — South Korea has launched a broad artificial intelligence partnership with Google DeepMind to support its “K-Moonshot” initiative aimed at tackling major scientific and technological challenges.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Science and ICT said Monday it signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.K.-based AI research company covering cooperation in scientific innovation, talent development and responsible AI use.\n<\/p>\n
Vice Prime Minister and Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said the partnership is expected to accelerate research outcomes by integrating advanced AI capabilities into scientific fields.<\/p>\n
“We expect DeepMind to play a central role in advancing AI-driven scientific research,” Bae said during the signing ceremony in Seoul.\n<\/p>\n
DeepMind Chief Executive Officer Demis Hassabis said he welcomed the collaboration, citing South Korea’s strengths in semiconductors and robotics.<\/p>\n
“We are entering a period of transformation where artificial general intelligence could arrive within five years,” Hassabis said, adding that AI’s impact could surpass that of the Industrial Revolution.<\/p>\n
Expanding AI collaboration across sectors<\/p>\n
The agreement covers cooperation in areas including life sciences, climate research and AI-driven scientific discovery.<\/p>\n
It also includes joint research programs and researcher exchanges through a national AI science research center scheduled to launch next month.\n<\/p>\n
The initiative is part of South Korea’s “K-Moonshot Project,” unveiled earlier this year, which aims to address 12 major challenges across eight fields, including biotechnology, nuclear energy and fusion research.<\/p>\n
Talent development, AI campus planned<\/p>\n
The partnership will also focus on developing AI talent.<\/p>\n
South Korean researchers will have opportunities to participate in internships at DeepMind, gaining exposure to advanced research environments.<\/p>\n
Google plans to establish an AI campus in South Korea to serve as a hub for collaboration linked to the K-Moonshot initiative.<\/p>\n
Focus on AI safety and governance<\/p>\n
Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in AI safety and governance, including joint research on safety frameworks and model safeguards.<\/p>\n
The collaboration will involve South Korea’s AI Safety Institute to develop evaluation methods and risk mitigation strategies.<\/p>\n
Hassabis said South Korea’s strong cybersecurity capabilities make it a valuable partner in addressing AI safety challenges.<\/p>\n
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI<\/p>\n
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