– South Korea has launched a seven-part SEED technology initiative spanning quantum computing, space, biotechnology, nuclear energy, renewables and critical materials.<\/p>\n
President Lee Jae Myung chaired an Aug. 12 meeting where Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon outlined the \u201cSeven Major SEED\u201d projects, Reuters reported<\/a>, citing a government press release.<\/p>\n 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 \u20a910 trillion in materials, parts and equipment technologies by 2030, according to Reuters.<\/p>\n Some of the technologies covered by SEED already had government milestones in place. The Ministry of Science and ICT\u2019s July 16 policy plan<\/a> called for a domestically developed 50-qubit quantum computer in 2026 and a 100-qubit error-correcting system by 2029.<\/p>\n It also set a 2030 demonstration target for brain-computer interface technology designed to support people with quadriplegia.<\/p>\n South Korea had also established aerospace targets. The Korea AeroSpace Administration\u2019s July 3 strategy<\/a> called for a small lunar lander in 2030 and development of a Korean low-Earth-orbit satellite communications network by 2035.<\/p>\n Energy programmes were on separate timelines. MSIT\u2019s July plan put completion of South Korea\u2019s first commercial small modular reactor in 2035 and outlined development of a fusion demonstration reactor aimed at generating electricity in the 2030s.<\/p>\n