The Ministry of Science and ICT mentioned Monday it has signed an settlement with Google DeepMind to advance synthetic intelligence-powered scientific analysis, foster AI expertise and promote the accountable use of AI.
Deputy Prime Minister and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon and Demis Hassabis, the co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind referred to as the architect behind AlphaGo, signed the memorandum of understanding in Seoul, marking a step towards nearer cooperation between Korea and one of many world’s main AI analysis firms.
The signing was held at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, the place Google DeepMind’s AlphaGo confronted Korean Go grasp Lee Se-dol in 2016 in a match that turned a defining second within the public narrative regarding AI.
The ministry mentioned the most recent settlement is significant because it comes forward of the tenth anniversary of the AlphaGo match and it seeks to construct on that legacy by way of cooperation in science and expertise.
Google DeepMind later confirmed how AI may very well be utilized in science by way of AlphaFold, its protein construction prediction mannequin. Hassabis shared the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the achievement.
The partnership can also be tied to Korea’s “K-Moonshot” venture, a nationwide program designed to use AI and superior science and expertise to tackle main nationwide challenges and enhance analysis productiveness.
The authorities goals to use AI to double analysis productiveness in science and expertise by 2030. By 2035, it plans to deal with 12 nationwide missions throughout eight strategic areas, together with superior biotechnology, supplies, future vitality, bodily AI, area, semiconductors and quantum expertise.
Under the settlement, the ministry and Google DeepMind will discover cooperation in areas corresponding to life sciences, climate and local weather, in addition to AI programs designed to assist scientific discovery.
The National Science AI Research Center, to start operations subsequent month, will function one of many foremost platforms for the work. The two sides plan to promote joint analysis and researcher exchanges, whereas additionally trying on the improvement and validation of AI fashions and instruments, the usage of scientific information and cooperation round AI-driven bio innovation analysis hubs.
The two sides can even search internship alternatives for promising Korean AI researchers, giving them an opportunity to expertise Google DeepMind’s analysis surroundings.
Google plans to set up an AI campus in Korea to broaden cooperation with universities, researchers and startups. The campus is predicted to develop into a key base for AI-based science and expertise cooperation linked to Ok-Moonshot.
The settlement additionally consists of cooperation on AI security and governance. The ministry and Google DeepMind intend to conduct joint analysis on security frameworks and safeguards for AI fashions and to proceed discussions on testing strategies and security frameworks in reference to 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 mentioned.
“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 mentioned, “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 can even set up a joint working group to comply with up on the settlement. They plan to maintain quarterly video conferences and annual in-person conferences to talk about particular tasks and implementation plans.