The Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) said on the 24th that it launched six SEED Project research groups to secure core technological capabilities in the institute's priority research fields and next-generation growth engines.
The SEED Project is a new program planned to plant and nurture future technology seeds, in line with the government's reorganization of the Project-Based System (PBS) and the push for large-scale, mission-oriented projects at the institute level.
The SEED Project research groups were selected, three each, in the priority research fields and in production technology transition research. The priority fields are bio-semiconductors, quantum technology, and next-generation energy and environment (INET), and the production technology transition fields are manufacturing artificial intelligence (AI), humanoid robots, and low-carbon manufacturing and materials. Each research group will begin full-scale technology development starting with the launch ceremony on the 24th.
KITECH plans to select 10 outstanding personnel for each research group through an internal open call and to secure key fundamental technologies early through flexible organizational operations and focused support.
Lee Sang-mok, president of KITECH, said, "The SEED Project research groups will be the seeds of innovation to move beyond the crisis facing manufacturing and prepare for the future," adding, "We will secure fundamental technologies that can lead global manufacturing issues and the transition of production technology to lay the groundwork for next-generation growth engines."