Government to Launch Public AI Service Using Korean Models... "AI for All" Project Announced

“AI for All Project” Open Call
At Least Half of AI Must Use Domestic Models; Government to Provide GPUs and Budget Support
Free AI Services for All Citizens; Public AI Agent Also Included

The government is set to develop public AI services utilizing domestically developed artificial intelligence (AI) models.

On July 13, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it will promote the development of public AI services based on Korean AI models, starting with the launch of the “AI for All Project.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, Ki-Hoon Bae, is speaking at a press conference held by the Ministry of Science and ICT. Photo by Yonhap News

AI for All is a project led by private companies with experience in developing public services, aiming to provide AI services that reflect national demand. The government plans to select two to three private companies to participate in this project.

The Ministry of Science and ICT is launching the AI for All Project to ensure that every citizen can benefit from Korean AI services. According to the ministry, as of last year, there were approximately 23 million generative AI users in Korea, yet about one-third of the population still does not use AI. Most users of generative AI services are currently using free versions of foreign AI services such as ChatGPT and Gemini.

Companies selected for the AI for All Project must utilize domestically developed AI models that meet the independent foundation model criteria for at least 50% of their service. In addition, they must incorporate other domestic AI models, aside from their own, for at least 30% of the service. If it is necessary to use foreign AI models for service purposes, such use will be permitted only in a limited capacity, and portions utilizing overseas models will not be eligible for government support.

Based on this, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to offer general-purpose AI chatbot services. These services will be available to all citizens without cost or usage limits. In addition, a public AI agent will be provided through AI for All, allowing users to preview and apply for public services in advance. After 2027, the government plans to further advance these AI agents.

The government will support essential resources for the project, such as graphics processing units (GPUs). This year, it will provide access to 512 units of the government-held NVIDIA B200 GPUs, and from 2027 onwards, it will offer financial support for public service provision through the government budget. Companies are also required to establish their own revenue models, such as utilizing user prompt data collected during the service process.

After about a month-long open call for the project, the Ministry of Science and ICT will select the AI for All service operators in August through document and presentation evaluations. The goal is to launch the AI for All service within this year, following a beta service at the end of September.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Beonghun stated, “AI for All is more than just a service; it is the calculator and computer of the AI era, supporting our citizens to work, learn, and go about their daily lives with AI. It is a platform that ensures everyone can equally benefit from the new economic structures brought about by AI. I urge not only companies and the government but also all citizens to actively use and develop our AI, and I ask for your interest and support.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.