South Korea will overhaul its materials research and development system by using artificial intelligence, shifting from long-term, high-cost development to AI models, robotic experimentation and data platforms. The Ministry of Science and ICT approved a 2026-2030 strategy to build an AI materials R&D platform. Plans include developing proprietary materials AI models, setting up autonomous experimentation centres and building an integrated national materials research data platform.

The semiconductor industry is evolving rapidly, expanding opportunities for value-creating innovation in areas such as AI optimisation in fabs, advanced packaging and sustainability. As technology development and commercialisation become more complex, collaboration among stakeholders is becoming increasingly important and a key factor in competitiveness. Lam Research is accelerating ecosystem-building through Lam Capital, its corporate venture arm. Its venture competition connects promising semiconductor and deeptech startups with companies, investors and experts, offering finalists networking and a $250,000 investment offer for the winner.