The government is securing 19,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) this year to speed up the expansion of AI infrastructure. The National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) stressed it would support future AI industry growth engines, including a homegrown AI foundation model project.

Park Yoon-kyu (박윤규), head of NIPA, shared plans to support the AI industry in opening remarks at the National Assembly on Oct. 15 during a parliamentary audit by the Science and ICT Committee.

The government has secured 19,000 GPUs this year, following 15,000 last year. Park said, "We will supply GPUs quickly to startups, small and medium-sized enterprises and research institutions to respond to demand for AI development."

Park also highlighted achievements from the homegrown AI foundation model programme. He said South Korea was assessed by a global evaluation organisation as the country with the world's third-largest AI model, after intensive support for elite teams.

NIPA has maintained an "excellent" rating in management performance evaluations for three consecutive years and has kept an accident-free record for 17 consecutive years. Park said, "Through execution centred on the field, we will lead South Korea's great leap forward and growth through AI."