South Korea has unveiled one of the most ambitious technology programs in recent years. The country aims to land on the Moon by 2030, build its own quantum computer, and bring to market technologies that until recently seemed like science fiction, according to infohub.kz.
The new government initiative, named Seven Major SEED, includes seven key areas of development. Authorities expect these to become the foundation of the country's economy after the boom in artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
One of the most ambitious goals is a Moon landing in 2030. Two years later, South Korea plans to send a second lunar mission, and by 2035, to create its own satellite communication network in low Earth orbit.
Equally ambitious plans are tied to computing technology. By 2029, the country aims to develop its own 100-qubit quantum computer (a computer of the future capable of solving problems that modern PCs cannot handle), and by 2035, to become one of the world's leaders in quantum chip production.
Energy also receives significant attention. South Korea plans to commercialize its own small modular nuclear reactors by 2035, develop fusion energy, new solar panels, offshore wind farms, and hydrogen production technologies.
The program also includes biotechnology. Goals include creating infrastructure that combines AI and biomedicine, developing drugs with AI, automated laboratories, new gene therapy methods, and commercializing brain-computer interfaces by 2035.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said the country should prepare in advance for the next technological breakthroughs rather than wait for them to become mainstream.
"These seven projects will become growth engines for the next generation and key strategic assets for the country," he noted.
According to the government, the new directions should help South Korea maintain competitiveness amid an aging population and a growing global race for high-tech leadership.