The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said on Thursday it will announce new tasks for the 2026 national strategic reference materials development program. Reference materials are used as standards for measurement and analysis of core materials and parts in advanced industries.

Now in its second year, the program increased the size of support for new tasks by 50 percent from a year earlier. It supported 10 tasks last year. It will invest a total of 4.8 billion won in 15 new tasks in semiconductors, displays, secondary batteries and biotech.

Through the program, reference materials will be developed for precision measurement of high-performance semiconductors such as AI semiconductors and for analysis of next-generation all-solid-state battery materials. It will also support corporate technical assistance so that the developed reference materials can be used at industrial sites.

The agency said the reference materials to be developed will strengthen the measurement and analysis foundation in advanced industries. As demand rises for precision measurement and analysis using reference materials in advanced industries, it expects the program to contribute to boosting the technological capabilities and quality competitiveness of South Korean companies in the global market. Applications run from Jan. 30 to 6 p.m. on March 3. Eligible applicants include companies, universities, associations and groups. Details are available on the agency website and the pan-ministerial integrated research support system website.

Kim Dae-ja (김대자), head of the agency, said it will expand development of reference materials that companies need to enhance measurement and analysis capabilities in advanced industries. He said it will also build a support system for industrial use and wider adoption of the developed reference materials.