South Korea, DeepMind launch AI partnership for 'K-Moonshot'

April 27 (Asia Today) -- South Korea has launched a broad artificial intelligence partnership with Google DeepMind to support its "K-Moonshot" initiative aimed at tackling major scientific and technological challenges.

The Ministry of Science and ICT said Monday it signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.K.-based AI research company covering cooperation in scientific innovation, talent development and responsible AI use.

Vice Prime Minister and Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said the partnership is expected to accelerate research outcomes by integrating advanced AI capabilities into scientific fields.

"We expect DeepMind to play a central role in advancing AI-driven scientific research," Bae said during the signing ceremony in Seoul.

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DeepMind Chief Executive Officer Demis Hassabis said he welcomed the collaboration, citing South Korea's strengths in semiconductors and robotics.

"We are entering a period of transformation where artificial general intelligence could arrive within five years," Hassabis said, adding that AI's impact could surpass that of the Industrial Revolution.

Expanding AI collaboration across sectors

The agreement covers cooperation in areas including life sciences, climate research and AI-driven scientific discovery.

It also includes joint research programs and researcher exchanges through a national AI science research center scheduled to launch next month.

The initiative is part of South Korea's "K-Moonshot Project," unveiled earlier this year, which aims to address 12 major challenges across eight fields, including biotechnology, nuclear energy and fusion research.

Talent development, AI campus planned

The partnership will also focus on developing AI talent.

South Korean researchers will have opportunities to participate in internships at DeepMind, gaining exposure to advanced research environments.

Google plans to establish an AI campus in South Korea to serve as a hub for collaboration linked to the K-Moonshot initiative.

Focus on AI safety and governance

Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in AI safety and governance, including joint research on safety frameworks and model safeguards.

The collaboration will involve South Korea's AI Safety Institute to develop evaluation methods and risk mitigation strategies.

Hassabis said South Korea's strong cybersecurity capabilities make it a valuable partner in addressing AI safety challenges.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260427010008673