South Korea’s “Seven Major SEED” initiative sets targets across nuclear energy, quantum computing, space, biotechnology, renewable energy, and critical minerals as the country looks beyond semiconductors and AI for future growth.

South Korea unveiled a technology strategy on Wednesday centered on seven major projects, ranging from nuclear energy and quantum computing to space and biotechnology, as the country seeks new growth engines beyond semiconductors and AI.

The “Seven Major SEED” initiative was announced at a Blue House meeting chaired by President Lee Jae Myung. The plan includes goals such as commercial deployment of indigenous small modular reactors by 2035, a moon landing by 2030, development of a domestic 100-qubit quantum computer by 2029, and commercialization of brain-computer interface products by 2035.

“The seven SEED projects we are discussing today will become next-generation growth engines and core strategic national assets,” Lee said.

Technology Roadmap

The initiative covers small modular reactors, fusion energy, next-generation renewable energy, quantum technology, space and aviation, advanced biotechnology, and critical mineral and materials supply chains, according to Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon.

Under the strategy, South Korea aims to commercialize a domestically developed SMR by 2035 and begin construction of non-light-water SMRs in the 2030s while pursuing fusion-based electricity generation in the late 2030s. The renewable energy component includes plans to develop ultra-efficient solar cells, advanced offshore wind technologies, hydrogen production systems, and AI-based power-grid technologies.

In quantum technology, the government aims to develop a domestic error-corrected 100-qubit quantum processor by 2029 and become the world’s leading quantum-chip manufacturing nation by 2035. The space program includes a domestic moon landing mission in 2030, a second lunar lander mission in 2032, and construction of an independent low-Earth-orbit satellite communications network by 2035.

Why It Matters

The strategy comes as South Korea faces a shrinking working-age population and slowing potential growth, while competing to secure an edge in emerging technologies seen as critical to economic competitiveness and national security. “We will help these seeds grow and build a South Korea that no one can rival in 10 or 20 years,” Bae said.

In biotechnology, South Korea aims to establish AI-bio infrastructure by 2030 and commercialize brain-computer interface products by 2035, while supporting AI-driven drug discovery, autonomous laboratories, and advanced gene and cell therapies. The supply chain component includes measures to expand domestic processing and recycling of critical minerals, increase strategic stockpiles, diversify sourcing, and invest 10 trillion won ($7.1 billion) in materials, parts, and equipment technologies by 2030.

Officials also said a public-private task force would be created to accelerate commercialization through regulatory reforms. “Whether we become leaders enjoying unlimited opportunities or followers exposed to the risk of falling behind depends on our choice,” Lee said.