The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 30th that it would call for projects for the “2025 On-Device Artificial Intelligence (AI) Service Demonstration and Expansion Project” from March 31 to April 30.
This project is a demonstration initiative to implement real-time artificial intelligence services in urban settings using devices equipped with domestic AI semiconductors, verifying their effectiveness. On-device AI is a technology that processes calculations and operations directly within the device, without an internet connection, offering advantages in terms of quick response, data security, and user customization.
The government plans to select and support three consortiums with a total budget of 8.55 billion KRW, with the project being implemented in two phases from 2025 to 2028. In the first phase (2025-2026), AI semiconductors will be applied to devices such as CCTV and drones to provide city-centered services like disaster response, crime prevention, and traffic flow control. In the second phase (2027-2028), demonstrations will focus on AI agents using generative AI and multimodal technologies.
The participating consortiums must be composed of regional industrial promotion agencies as primary contractors, along with AI semiconductor companies, device manufacturers, local governments, and demand organizations. They will be selected based on technology reception and demand in areas such as regions with transportation challenges, security vulnerabilities, and remote islands and mountainous areas.
The project briefing will be held at the Sejong MICE Center on April 9, and detailed information is available on the websites of the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National IT Industry Promotion Agency.
Park Tae-wan, the ICT industry policy director at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, “On-device AI is a competitive field in terms of responsiveness, security, and user customization. We aim to discover innovative services that can swiftly respond to disaster situations and contribute to the activation of the domestic AI semiconductor ecosystem.”