Insider Brief
- South Korea has designated quantum random number generation and low-power AI chip design for autonomous vehicles as national strategic technologies, expanding government support for secure communication and future mobility systems.
- EYL’s quantum random number generator was recognized for its role in quantum cryptography, offering enhanced security through true randomness based on quantum physical processes, according to Chosun Biz.
- Boss Semiconductor’s AI chip design was acknowledged for enabling real-time data processing in autonomous vehicles while minimizing power consumption, as reported by Chosun Biz.
South Korea has officially designated quantum random number generation and advanced AI semiconductor design for autonomous vehicles as national strategic technologies, a move that signals stronger government backing for high-security communications and low-power AI platforms.
The Ministry of Science and ICT, along with the Korea Institute of Science & Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP), confirmed the designation of technologies from two local companies — EYL and Boss Semiconductor — under the country’s Special Act on Fostering National Strategic Technologies, according to reporting by Chosun Biz. The recognition grants the companies access to preferential policy financing, support for military service exemptions and eligibility for special programs that accelerate the development of what’s been dubbed “super gap” technologies.
Kang Sang-wook, Director of the Science and Technology Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT, told Chosun Biz: “The significance is great as this is the first verification in the fields of quantum and advanced mobility among the 12 major fields of national strategic technology,’ and ‘We plan to increase convenience so that corporations, universities, and research institutes can easily confirm national strategic technologies while expanding support.”
The designation highlights the country’s growing commitment to quantum technologies, especially in cryptographic applications. EYL’s quantum random number generator (QRNG) was deemed to fall within the quantum cryptography and quantum communication category of the strategic technology framework, Chosun Biz reported. The technology leverages inherent quantum unpredictability to produce random numbers, an essential component in cryptographic systems.
Unlike conventional algorithms that simulate randomness, QRNGs draw from physical processes such as the behavior of particles or photons, making them difficult to predict or replicate. This added layer of unpredictability is especially important in defense, financial systems, and communication networks where high-grade security is paramount.
By achieving national strategic status, EYL’s QRNG technology now sits within a small group of verified quantum technologies prioritized for state support and integration into critical infrastructure. In past public remarks, South Korean officials have identified quantum encryption and communications as essential to safeguarding future networks, including those underpinning military and industrial platforms. The designation aligns with a broader national goal to secure a foothold in the global race for quantum-safe security systems.
High-Performance, Lowe-Power AI Semiconductor Designs
Meanwhile, Boss Semiconductor received recognition for its high-performance, low-power AI semiconductor design tailored to autonomous driving, which was categorized under advanced mobility systems. As reported by Chosun Biz, this class of chip technology is essential for future mobility scenarios, where vehicles must process real-time data streams while maintaining energy efficiency.
High levels of automation — such as Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous driving 00 require semiconductors that can compute massive volumes of sensor data from cameras, LIDAR, radar, and navigation inputs. At the same time, these chips must minimize power consumption to maintain vehicle range and thermal stability. Boss Semiconductor is reportedly advancing chip architectures and platform solutions aimed specifically at meeting these constraints.
While quantum random number generators and autonomous vehicle AI chips serve different domains, both technologies are deeply embedded in national security and industrial competitiveness. Their inclusion in the second round of strategic designations under Article 9 of the Special Act reflects the government’s intention to broaden its technological defense perimeter beyond traditional manufacturing or telecommunications.
In total, 17 technologies were evaluated in this round, with only two earning the strategic designation, Chosun Biz noted.
National Strategic Technology Framework — An Innovation Engine
South Korea’s national strategic technology framework is designed to provide legal and policy support for emerging technologies that are either mission-critical or offer significant future economic value. Recognition under the framework enables qualifying companies to receive policy financing advantages, added points in competitive government programs, and eligibility for military service designations that ease personnel planning.
Companies that demonstrate ownership and management of these technologies — not just R&D participation — may be listed as developers of “super gap” technologies. These technologies are characterized by their potential to create a significant lead over global competitors, a concept that plays into South Korea’s larger industrial policy objective of securing durable leadership in next-generation technologies.
The confirmation of EYL and Boss Semiconductor adds to a growing list of technologies and firms gaining recognition as part of South Korea’s strategic tech agenda, according to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. The country has been accelerating its policy efforts in frontier technologies such as quantum computing, AI and advanced chips amid growing global competition and geopolitical tensions around tech supply chains.
The strategic designation may also signal future procurement or investment preferences by the state. In previous initiatives, South Korea has paired recognition of key technologies with incentives to develop public-private partnerships and to promote technology export opportunities. For quantum-related technologies in particular, South Korea is one of several countries building dedicated national quantum strategies, along with the United States, China and members of the European Union.
In the private sector, companies like EYL and Boss Semiconductor benefit from more than just direct financial support. Strategic designation provides a level of validation that can assist in investor relations, international collaborations, and early procurement opportunities with government contractors.
For EYL, the validation may provide a competitive edge in securing integration partnerships with telcos, defense contractors, and critical infrastructure providers seeking post-quantum security capabilities. For Boss Semiconductor, the support could be crucial in competing against international AI chipmakers working on mobility-focused silicon, especially as the global electric and autonomous vehicle race intensifies.
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