South Korea launches two K-Moonshot semiconductor committees to advance memory-centric computing, High Bandwidth Memory and next-generation chip technologies while improving AI computing performance and energy efficiency.
South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) has launched two committees under its K-Moonshot semiconductor programme to accelerate the development of next-generation chip technologies and improve computing performance and energy efficiency. The committees will establish technology roadmaps, coordinate research initiatives and support the development of advanced semiconductor technologies.
The K-Moonshot programme combines artificial intelligence (AI) with science and technology research to address national challenges and accelerate innovation. Its semiconductor mission aims to overcome limitations in chip performance and power efficiency as demand for AI computing continues to increase.
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The initiative focuses on memory-centric computing, which seeks to improve the efficiency of data processing by addressing bottlenecks associated with data transfer between memory and processors. The ministry is also adopting a full-stack approach that integrates semiconductor devices, manufacturing processes, memory, packaging and computing systems rather than concentrating solely on miniaturising individual chips.
Research priorities include ultra-scaled semiconductors and next-generation stacked-chip technologies, particularly High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), which plays an important role in AI accelerators and high-performance computing. The programme will also conduct integrated demonstrations to evaluate how individual technologies perform when combined into complete systems.
The newly established operating committee will be chaired by semiconductor programme director Ji-young Kim. It includes experts from government, research institutions and industry, including the National Research Foundation of Korea, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix and Jusung Engineering. The committee will oversee research and development plans, coordinate implementation priorities and review key programme decisions.
A separate technical committee will support the development of semiconductor technology roadmaps, identify specific research projects, monitor progress and manage performance targets. During the inaugural meeting, participants discussed priority technologies, phased development goals, coordination with existing semiconductor research programmes and integrated demonstrations that reflect industry requirements.
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The initiative comes as South Korea seeks to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor industry amid rising demand for AI infrastructure. By bringing together industry, academia and research institutions, the government aims to accelerate foundational chip innovation and translate research outcomes into practical industrial applications.