Products from South Korean AI semiconductor companies including Rebellion, FuriosaAI and DeepX were designated as outstanding R&D innovative products, giving them an opportunity to enter the public procurement market.

The Ministry of Science and ICT said it held a certificate-awarding ceremony for outstanding R&D innovative products on Aug. 13 at Rebellion's headquarters in Seongnam, south of Seoul. It awarded certificates and plaques to 13 companies selected from 2025 through the first half of this year, it said.

In the first half of this year, products from eight companies were designated, including Rebellion, FuriosaAI and DeepX, as well as Penesia, OntactHealth, Highgain Antenna, AMCG and Its Hangang.

Rebellion was selected for an AI computing card based on a neural processing unit (NPU) dedicated to deep learning inference, and an AI server equipped with it. FuriosaAI was included for an AI semiconductor optimised for deep learning inference. DeepX was included for an AI semiconductor that performs real-time inference computation for AI models.

The innovative product designation programme supports small and medium-sized companies' entry into the public procurement market and helps them develop sales channels, based on national R&D outcomes. The ministry has designated a total of 182 products as innovative products through the first half of this year.

From the date of designation, the products are allowed to be purchased through private contracts in public procurement by the central government and local governments for three years. The period can be extended up to six years through two renewals, and the products are also included in the Public Procurement Service's innovative product pilot purchase programme, which is worth 83.9 billion won this year.

The ministry said it expects the expanded inclusion of domestic NPU-based AI semiconductors in the newly designated products to broaden the foundation for using government R&D results in the public sector.

First Vice Minister Ku Hyuk-chae (구혁채) said, "We will continue to provide support so that small and medium-sized companies with outstanding technology and innovative capabilities can be given opportunities to grow and make a leap forward, including entering the early market and developing sales channels through public procurement."