- The 2026 implementation plan is finalized. 235.1 billion won will be invested in 27 projects (New: 6, Allocated appropriation: 24 billion won)

【Relevant National Task】 28. Nurturing next-generation (NEXT) strategic technologies that lead the world.

South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bae Kyung-hoon, announced on January 14 that it has finalized the “2026 Implementation Plan for Core Source Technology Development Projects” and will invest 235.1 billion won (USD 160 million) to carry out the projects at full-scale.

Under the 2026 implementation plan, funding will be provided for 27 projects across the semiconductor, display, and battery sectors. Among them, six new projects will receive funding amounting to 24 billion won (USD 16 million).

In the semiconductor sector, MSIT will continue to advance the development of next-generation core source technologies such as intelligent semiconductor, Processing-in-Memory (PIM) semiconductor, compound semiconductor, advanced packaging, fine substrates, and 3D DRAM. The ministry will also maintain mid- and long-term research and development (R&D) investments while fostering master’s and doctoral-level professionals specialized in system semiconductors and advanced packaging.

MSIT will continue to provide the “My Chip Service” for students studying semiconductor design and increase the number of participating organizations in MoaFab, an online platform that connects researchers and corporations with public nanofabs and university fabs, from six to fourteen. The ministry also plans to strengthen collaboration with leading global fabs such as NY Creates in the United States and IMEC in Europe, and to host a Korea-EU researchers’ forum in Europe in the first half of this year to further activate international cooperation networks.

New projects under the 2026 implementation plan include the “Next-generation Optical Computing Semiconductor Core Technology Development Project,” aimed at enhancing competitiveness in optical semiconductor technologies; the “Semiconductor Advanced Ceramic Materials, Components, and Process Development Project” to secure ceramic source technologies for advanced packaging and power semiconductors; and the "Core IP Source Technology Development Project for Automotive Semiconductors for Software-defined Vehicles Capable of Operating in Harsh Environments,” which seeks to localize demand-driven automotive semiconductor intellectual property.

MSIT will also continue to support R&D in display technologies in line with private sector demand, while advancing core technologies for ultra-high-resolution displays fabricated on silicon wafer backplanes, known as on-silicon displays, to secure a “super gap” in future display competitiveness. Notably, this year's plan includes a new project focused on developing core technologies for next-generation converged free-form displays (FFDs). As flexible displays become increasingly integrated into everyday life, there is a growing need to secure source technologies for sensor-based converged displays that go beyond conventional touch-based user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).

MSIT will also maintain support for the development of source technologies for next-generation batteries including aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs), sodium ion batteries (SIBs), and lithium metal batteries (LMBs), along with efforts to nurture master's- and doctoral-level specialists and to advance Korea-U.S. international cooperation projects. Furthermore, recognizing that electrification and wireless technologies form the foundation of future industries, the ministry plans to respond to diverse demands by pursuing the development of next-generation battery core technologies. In parallel, MSIT will fund a new project to develop recycled aluminum–air batteries for use in future mobility, with the aim of preemptively securing technologies that can deliver a “super gap.”

Based on the finalized implementation plan, MSIT will actively support the development of source technologies across the semiconductor, display, and battery sectors. Details of the new 2026 projects including specific content, application timelines, and relevant procedures will be announced on the website of the National Research Foundation of Korea (www.nrf.re.kr) by the end of January.

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Please refer to the attached PDF.