By Jeon Misun

The government has joined hands with global semiconductor titan Nvidia to boost Korea's artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang on Oct. 31 said that his company will prioritize the supply of 260,000 graphics processing units (GPUs), essential hardware for AI development, to the Korean government and domestic companies.

The Ministry of Science and IT also said it will build a cooperative framework with Nvidia and leading domestic AI companies to enhance the competitiveness of the Korean AI ecosystem. This partnership is deemed part of the country's bid to become one of the world's top three AI powers and an AI hub in the Asia-Pacific region, further strengthening the "AI alliance" between the country and Nvidia.

The government and the private sector will secure over 260,000 of Nvidia's latest GPUs to expand the nation's AI infrastructure in both the public and private arenas. About 50,000 units will be allocated to the public sector for building national AI computing centers and developing foundation AI models, while around 200,000 will go to private companies including Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor Group and Naver.

On the same day, the ministry signed a three-way memorandum of understanding with Hyundai and Nvidia to develop "physical AI," which uses AI in real-world applications. The three parties will jointly develop core technologies such as autonomous driving, smart manufacturing and AI robotics, with the government providing policy support.

The ministry and Nvidia also agreed to cooperate on expansion of the N-UP program, which helps domestic AI startups. Their plan is to assist early-stage companies scale up, enter global markets and raise support for promising sectors such as physical AI.

"This collaboration will mark a turning point in Korea's advancement as a true AI power," President Lee Jae Myung said. "We will strive to make this a benchmark that contributes to the global community."

msjeon22@korea.kr