S. Korea, Germany to expand joint research programs in hydrogen, AI sectors

South Korea and Germany increased funding for joint research programs in the hydrogen energy and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors from $170,000 for a project per year to $225,000.

At the science and industry joint committee teleconference, South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT and Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research agreed on the need for closer tie-ups in those cutting-edge areas.

Hydrogen is touted as a clean energy replacement for fossil fuel, while headway in AI is likely to open new horizons.

The two countries are also contemplating closer cooperation in mobile telecommunications, treating various degenerative illnesses, promoting energy conversion, and developing lightweight industrial materials.

The joint program would require South Korean and German private companies, universities, and laboratories to coordinate on specific research projects.

Last December, South Korea, and Germany agreed to establish a joint research and development center to explore new lucrative industries such as material and part industries.

South Korean companies are eyeing partnerships with German research institutions with expertise in the material and parts industries' core technologies.