What did South Korea approve to speed up autonomous driving AI commercialization?

The government approved measures to expand pilot projects for locally developed autonomous driving AI and to support commercialization. The plan also includes stronger cooperation among transport companies, unions, autonomous driving firms and platform operators.

Why is the government expanding autonomous driving AI pilot projects beyond Gwangju?

The expansion is meant to collect large volumes of driving data so locally developed autonomous driving AI can perform better and work in more situations. The government also said the move comes as competition from the United States and China intensifies.

Which deep-tech areas will receive expanded startup support?

The government said support will grow for deep-tech startups in AI, semiconductors and biotechnology. It also plans centers, regional hubs, AI agents for researchers and long-term investment tools such as investment-based R&D programs and ultra-long-term funds.

Korea expands autonomous driving AI tests, deep-tech startup support

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Summary

The government will expand pilot projects for locally developed autonomous driving AI and boost support for deep-tech startups to speed commercialization of emerging technologies. A government meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon approved the measures Monday. The autonomous driving plan will extend Gwangju pilot projects to more regions and larger-scale operations to gather more driving data. The government also plans cooperation models, related industry support and regulatory improvements.

Key Facts

The Ministry of Science and ICT said the government meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon.
Pilot projects for autonomous driving AI that began in Gwangju will be expanded to more regions and larger-scale operations.
The goal is to collect large volumes of driving data to improve the performance and versatility of locally developed autonomous driving AI amid competition from the United States and China.
The government plans to build a cooperation model involving transport companies and unions, autonomous driving firms and platform operators to manage conflicts during commercialization.
Support for deep-tech startups will focus on AI, semiconductors and biotechnology, including centers, regional hubs, AI agents for researchers and investment-based R&D programs.

By Lee Gyu-lee

Published Aug 24, 2026 3:27 pm KST

The government said Monday it will significantly expand pilot projects for locally developed autonomous driving artificial intelligence (AI) and strengthen support for deep-tech startups as it seeks to accelerate the commercialization of emerging technologies.

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, a government meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon approved measures to accelerate the commercialization of autonomous driving AI and support deep-tech startups.

Under the autonomous driving roadmap, the government will expand pilot projects that began in Gwangju to more regions and larger-scale operations. The move aims to collect large volumes of driving data to improve the performance and versatility of locally developed autonomous driving AI amid intensifying competition from the United States and China.

The government also plans to establish a cooperation model involving transport companies and unions, autonomous driving firms and platform operators to address potential conflicts as the technology is commercialized. It will also promote related industries, including insurance, traffic management, vehicle management and maintenance.

The ministries and the policy agency will jointly work on technology development, testing and regulatory improvements as well.

Meanwhile, the government will expand support for deep-tech startups in areas including AI, semiconductors and biotechnology. It plans to identify promising research and development results and connect them with startups, while establishing centers and regional hubs to support technology demonstrations.

The government will also provide AI agents to help researchers navigate the startup process and promote long-term investment through investment-based R&D programs and deep-tech-focused ultra-long-term funds.

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