South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT officially announced on September 9 that the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Paris on September 8 to strengthen cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and quantum technology, marking the establishment of a "science and digital alliance" between the nations.
South Korea-France Tech Cooperation to Boost AI and Quantum Technology Development
Under the agreement, South Korea and France will establish a regular meeting mechanism in the AI and quantum fields, with specific areas of cooperation including joint research between researchers, identifying innovation projects for enterprises, and investment cooperation to facilitate mutual market entry.
South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Park Jin-kyun held talks with the French Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation on September 9, exchanging views on expanding cooperation between the two countries in AI and technology fields.
At the corporate level, Samsung Electronics signed an investment agreement with French AI firm Mistral AI. According to South Korean media reports, the strategic investment is approximately 4.7 trillion Korean won (about 3.5 billion US dollars).
In terms of institutional cooperation, major South Korean research institutions have signed several specific cooperation agreements with French partners. In the field of life sciences and biotechnology, the Korea Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology will establish a global research cooperation mechanism with the Toulouse National Institute of Applied Sciences and will work with the Paris-Saclay Plant Sciences Institute to develop next-generation crop technologies using AI to combat climate change.
In quantum computing applications, the Korea Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology will also collaborate with French photonics and quantum computing company Quandela on joint research to explore the application of quantum computing in new drug development.
In basic science and talent exchange, the K-STAR alliance, consisting of five universities including the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, has signed a cooperation agreement with Paris-Saclay University to promote graduate laboratory internships, support for young researchers, and joint exchange activities. The Korea Institute for Advanced Study will also conduct joint research with Paris-Saclay University in basic sciences such as mathematics and physics, as well as in quantum and AI fields.