Samsung to inject W46.4 bil. for 27 research projects

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Business

Wed, November 29, 2023 | 05:38

Samsung to inject W46.4 bil. for 27 research projects

Posted : 2021-04-05 16:33

Updated : 2021-04-05 17:23

Samsung headquarters in Seoul / Korea Times file

By Kim Hyun-bin

Samsung Electronics announced Monday, it will inject more than 46.4 billion won ($41 million) for 27 research projects in the areas of basic science, materials engineering and information and communication technology (ICT).

The funding will be used in the first half of this year for future technologies including machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and DNA sequencing.

In the basic science sector, 13 projects have been selected including exclusive technologies that are expected to win "world's first" titles once fully developed.

The tech giant plans to fund Seoul National University (SNU) for machine learning technology that could be utilized in diverse AI study models and could drastically enhance its capabilities.

Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is researching crown ether molecules to utilize as a chemical catalyst aiming to drastically enhance material conversion efficiency. The scientists plans to utilize the local electric field created by the crown ether to decompose CO2 and better aid in finding the causes of global warming and to help resolve the issue.

In the matter field, seven projects will be funded including DNA nucleic sequence decoding and proton light source. Sogang University aims to solve Y chromosome DNA sequencing, which will benefit research into male sterility as well as helping couples that have difficulty in pregnancy through customized DNA treatment.

DGIST is developing quantum light source technology that can endure extremely low temperatures and also be utilized in cryptography.

In the ICT sector seven projects acquired investments in AI and contactless technologies to better enhance future competitiveness.

SNU is working to resolve ethical issues surrounding AI such as control of personal information and gender bias. Through the research it aims to develop confidence in the AI sector. Chungbuk National University is developing contactless technologies that could be used in conjunction with electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) technologies. The technology could be adopted in diverse medical fields to improve capabilities in treating patients.

Since 2013, Samsung has been aiding the development of the basic sciences and future technologies by vowing to inject 1.5 trillion won in funds within the decade. So far, the company has provided 864.6 billion won in funding for 667 projects that have aided universities and public research institutes in the country.

hyunbin@koreatimes.co.kr