Google and South Korea have struck a partnership, agreeing to build artificial intelligence in Seoul to boost technological innovation and the knowledge economy.
On Monday, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung signed a memorandum of understanding at the campus, which was confirmed by presidential policy adviser Kim Yong-beom.
Under this MoU, the planned AI campus will be the first of its kind in the world, which aims to expand the Korean government’s cooperation with global AI companies. Additionally, various startups and researchers will also benefit from Google’s expertise.
As per the signed agreement, South Korea has been requested to send at least 10 engineers from Google’s headquarters in the US to the AI campus.
Kim said, “The Hassabis agreed to actively consider sending Google researchers to Korea. The CEO immediately accepted our request to send at least 10.”
During the meeting, Hassabis and Lee also touched upon various topics related to the AI ecosystem and responsible use of the technology in the face of growing cyber threats.
Apart from the US and China, South Korea is striving to lead in the artificial intelligence scene. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, this collaboration will further strengthen South Korea’s “K-Moonshot” project, which is an integration of AI and science capabilities to tackle major national challenges.
The Seoul government aims to use the K-Moonshot project to increase research productivity to the world’s fifth highest level by 2030 and use AI to address 12 national missions by 2035 in areas including advanced biotechnology, energy, space and semiconductors.
Bae Kyung-hoon, Minister of Science and ICT, said the MOU “will serve as an important opportunity for both organizations to cooperate in accelerating AI-driven innovation in science and technology, focused on Korea’s K-Moonshot.”
According to Hassabis, the partnership will “help train the next generation in these amazing technologies through internships in our AI Hub and other training programs.”
During the discussion, Hassabis expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation with Korean companies including Samsung, SK Hynix, Hyundai’s Boston Dynamics and LG to launch new joint projects.
