– South Korea has launched a seven-part SEED technology initiative spanning quantum computing, space, biotechnology, nuclear energy, renewables and critical materials.

President Lee Jae Myung chaired an Aug. 12 meeting where Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon outlined the “Seven Major SEED” projects, Reuters reported, citing a government press release.

The seven fields cover small modular reactors, nuclear fusion, next-generation renewable energy, quantum technology, space and aviation, advanced biotechnology, and critical-mineral and materials supply chains. The government plans to invest ₩10 trillion in materials, parts and equipment technologies by 2030, according to Reuters.

Some of the technologies covered by SEED already had government milestones in place. The Ministry of Science and ICT’s July 16 policy plan called for a domestically developed 50-qubit quantum computer in 2026 and a 100-qubit error-correcting system by 2029.

It also set a 2030 demonstration target for brain-computer interface technology designed to support people with quadriplegia.

South Korea had also established aerospace targets. The Korea AeroSpace Administration’s July 3 strategy called for a small lunar lander in 2030 and development of a Korean low-Earth-orbit satellite communications network by 2035.

Energy programmes were on separate timelines. MSIT’s July plan put completion of South Korea’s first commercial small modular reactor in 2035 and outlined development of a fusion demonstration reactor aimed at generating electricity in the 2030s.

The critical-materials strand follows South Korea’s existing 2026-2030 materials, parts and equipment competitiveness strategy. The plan covers core-mineral supply security, AI-assisted materials development and expansion of specialised industrial complexes through 2030.

Under SEED, the quantum, space and nuclear programmes sit alongside renewable energy, biotechnology and critical-material supply chains in the seven-project strategy.

“The seven SEED projects we are discussing today will become next-generation growth engines and core strategic national assets,” Lee said.