Seoul: The science ministry began Monday accepting applications for a lease program involving high-tech graphics processing units (GPUs) for usage in artificial intelligence (AI) research projects by domestic firms. The initiative aims to bolster the capabilities of local companies in the AI sector by providing them access to essential technology resources.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced its plan to offer access to more than 2,000 units of GPUs held by cloud service providers to local companies. This move is part of the government's efforts to maintain a stable supply of GPUs amid global shortages, ensuring that domestic firms can continue to innovate and develop AI technologies.

In 2025, South Korea successfully secured 13,000 units of GPUs, and the government is now seeking to acquire more this year with a budget allocation of 2.08 trillion won (US$1.39 billion). This strategic investment underscores the country's commitment to strengthening its AI infrastructure and supporting the growth of the industry.

"The ministry plans to help the industry, academic and research institutions address difficulties in securing related assets, and fully utilize GPUs to develop services or models through AI training and inference," the ministry said in a release. The program is expected to enhance the research and development capabilities of various sectors, enabling them to leverage AI technology effectively.