The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 22nd at the 6th National Research and Development Project Evaluation General Committee for 2025 that it has confirmed the exemption of preliminary feasibility studies for seven national strategic projects and decided to implement the results of one project targeted for the third preliminary feasibility study in 2024.
Preliminary feasibility studies evaluate the economic viability of large-scale research and development (R&D) projects over 500 billion won. The committee exempted a total of seven projects, including four regional AI innovation projects, to respond to the intensifying global artificial intelligence (AI) competition.
Four projects (Gwangju, Daegu, Jeonbuk, Gyeongnam) aimed at establishing regional AI innovation hubs and supporting technology development were exempted from preliminary feasibility studies. These include the creation of an AI conversion (AX) demonstration valley, development of regional AX innovation technologies, establishment of a collaborative intelligence physical AI software platform, and development of human-AI collaborative LAM, along with global demonstrations.
In addition, it was decided to proceed with the development of K-on-device AI semiconductors, domestic production of small modular reactors (SMR), and the substitute construction project for the ocean research vessel (Onnuri) without a preliminary feasibility study. These projects are expected to commence in earnest after a review of project plan adequacy, followed by finalizing the project budget, starting in 2026.
The project for the development of advanced medical devices selected as a preliminary feasibility study target last year also confirmed its results as "implementation". This project supports the entire lifecycle of advanced medical device development and essential medical device development. The total project cost is sized at 940.8 billion won and is set to be pursued over seven years starting in 2026, aiming for the development of world-class medical devices based on AI and the domestication of essential medical devices.
Park In-kyu, head of the Science and Technology Innovation Headquarters, noted, "There was a sense of urgency and consensus among the ministries that we cannot delay investment in AI R&D, which is why the exemption from preliminary feasibility studies for AI-related projects was decided quickly," and added, "We will complete the mission of abolishing preliminary feasibility studies for national research and development projects as soon as possible so that they do not become a hindrance to securing Korea's technological competitiveness and achieve system innovation."
Meanwhile, the "Nuriho Heritage Project" promoted by the Korea AeroSpace Administration was not included in this exemption from preliminary feasibility studies. This project aims to launch two defense test satellites by adding the 7th launch of Nuriho in 2028, with an investment of 157.8 billion won. Initially, the Korea AeroSpace Administration planned to reflect the project in next year's budget proposal through the exemption from preliminary feasibility studies.