The Ministry of Science and ICT said Monday it has signed an agreement with Google DeepMind to advance artificial intelligence-powered scientific research, foster AI talent and promote the responsible use of AI.
Deputy Prime Minister and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon and Demis Hassabis, the co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind known as the architect behind AlphaGo, signed the memorandum of understanding in Seoul, marking a step toward closer cooperation between Korea and one of the world’s leading AI research companies.
The signing was held at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, where Google DeepMind’s AlphaGo faced Korean Go master Lee Se-dol in 2016 in a match that became a defining moment in the public narrative concerning AI.
The ministry said the latest agreement is meaningful as it comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of the AlphaGo match and it seeks to build on that legacy through cooperation in science and technology.
Google DeepMind later showed how AI could be used in science through AlphaFold, its protein structure prediction model. Hassabis shared the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the achievement.
The partnership is also tied to Korea’s "K-Moonshot" project, a national program designed to use AI and advanced science and technology to address major national challenges and improve research productivity.
The government aims to use AI to double research productivity in science and technology by 2030. By 2035, it plans to tackle 12 national missions across eight strategic areas, including advanced biotechnology, materials, future energy, physical AI, space, semiconductors and quantum technology.
Under the agreement, the ministry and Google DeepMind will explore cooperation in areas such as life sciences, weather and climate, as well as AI systems designed to support scientific discovery.
The National Science AI Research Center, to begin operations next month, will serve as one of the main platforms for the work. The two sides plan to promote joint research and researcher exchanges, while also looking at the development and validation of AI models and tools, the use of scientific data and cooperation around AI-driven bio innovation research hubs.
The two sides will also seek internship opportunities for promising Korean AI researchers, giving them a chance to experience Google DeepMind’s research environment.
Google plans to set up an AI campus in Korea to expand cooperation with universities, researchers and startups. The campus is expected to become a key base for AI-based science and technology cooperation linked to K-Moonshot.
The agreement also includes cooperation on AI safety and governance. The ministry and Google DeepMind intend to conduct joint research on safety frameworks and safeguards for AI models and to continue discussions on testing methods and safety frameworks in connection with Korea’s AI Safety Institute.
“If AlphaGo opened the curtain on the AI era 10 years ago, we are now moving into a stage where AI solves complex scientific challenges and has a tangible impact on people's lives,” Bae said.
“The MOU signed today will serve as a pivotal milestone for Korea to accelerate AI innovation centered on K-Moonshot, while fostering collaboration between the two institutions to advance best practices and research for safe and responsible AI,” he added.
Hassabis said, “We’re proud of our long-standing connection with Korea as the home of the historic AlphaGo match — the moment that kick-started the modern AI era. Our new partnership builds on that legacy to push the boundaries of bio innovation and weather prediction, while also exploring the guardrails needed to guide the responsible development of AI.”
The two sides will also set up a joint working group to follow up on the agreement. They plan to hold quarterly video meetings and annual in-person meetings to discuss specific projects and implementation plans.
댓글
0