Is S. Korea Really Allocating 10,000 Nvidia GPUs to SMEs and Startups for AI Projects?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
South Korea is set to distribute 10,000 Nvidia GPUs to bolster its AI ecosystem, supporting SMEs, startups, and academic projects. This initiative highlights the government's commitment to enhancing technological capabilities and fostering innovation within the country.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea is allocating 10,000 Nvidia GPUs to enhance AI projects.
- The initiative is part of a larger strategy to support SMEs and startups.
- Applications for AI projects are open until January 28.
- A total of 50,000 GPUs are planned for acquisition by 2030.
- The government aims to strengthen the domestic AI ecosystem.
Seoul, Dec 18 (NationPress) The government of South Korea announced on Thursday its intention to distribute approximately 10,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) acquired from Nvidia to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, as well as academic and governmental artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives beginning in February.
This initiative is part of a wider strategy aimed at cultivating a vibrant domestic AI ecosystem, as discussed in a meeting led by Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon.
Recently, the government allocated 1.4 trillion won (about US$947.2 million) to purchase these GPUs from Nvidia, representing the initial phase of a broader plan to acquire a total of 50,000 units by 2030, according to Yonhap news agency.
The GPUs will be organized into a large-scale cluster to provide high-speed computing capabilities essential for AI model training and inference.
Applications for AI development initiatives from industry, academia, and research entities will be accepted online until January 28, with potential support of up to 256 H200 GPUs or 128 B200 GPUs per project.
A total of 6,000 B200 GPUs, which are expected to arrive later, will be designated for a nationwide effort to create indigenous AI foundational models, the government stated.
This allocation follows a statement by Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, in late October regarding the deployment of 260,000 GPUs to South Korea in collaboration with the government and major corporations, including Samsung Electronics, to establish large-scale AI manufacturing facilities.
As part of this scheme, the government plans on utilizing around 50,000 GPUs to construct a national sovereign AI platform. Additionally, major firms like Samsung Electronics, SK Group, and Hyundai Motor Group are each set to receive 50,000 units, while Naver Corp. is slated for 60,000 GPUs.
Earlier this month, South Korea received its first shipment of Nvidia GPUs as part of the initiative to deploy 260,000 units within the country, as reported by government sources.
The government allocated 1.4 trillion won (US$952.7 million) to acquire 13,000 GPUs from Nvidia, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT and other sources.
Point of View
I believe this initiative by the South Korean government is a forward-thinking move that not only empowers SMEs and startups but also positions the country as a leader in the global AI landscape. We must support such efforts that promise innovation and technological advancement.
NationPress
23/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of allocating Nvidia GPUs?
The allocation aims to support AI development projects across SMEs, startups, and academic institutions, enhancing the domestic AI ecosystem.
How many GPUs will be distributed?
The government plans to distribute approximately 10,000 GPUs in the first phase, with a total goal of acquiring 50,000 by 2030.
When can applications for AI projects be submitted?
Applications for AI development projects will be accepted online until January 28.
What is the budget for this GPU allocation?
The South Korean government allocated 1.4 trillion won (around US$947.2 million) for this initiative.
Who will benefit from this GPU allocation?
Small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and academic institutions focusing on AI projects will benefit from this allocation.
