National Growth Fund to scale up investment in physical AI sector

South Korea's National Growth Fund will scale up investment in the physical AI sector, with LS Cable & System Ltd. named as the first recipient, according to Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eog-weon. The fund, launched late last year, aims to raise up to 150 trillion won ($96.3 billion) over five years to nurture strategic industries including AI, bio, and semiconductors.

The chief of the country's financial regulator said Wednesday that the National Growth Fund, a mega-sized investment fund aimed at nurturing key industrial sectors, will help finance the emerging physical artificial intelligence sector. Under the plan, LS Cable & System Ltd. was named as the fund's first physical AI investment, although details were not unveiled. Lee Eog-weon, chairman of the Financial Services Commission said physical AI will help boost productivity and create new growth locomotives. The investment plan came as the country announced a massive investment plan for the semiconductor, AI and robotics sectors earlier this week. The FSC said South Korea can win a competitive edge in the AI factory, robotics and future mobility sectors given the country's high-end manufacturing sector. "Along with the industry ministry, we will continue to support leading firms for investment and policy backup," Lee said. Launched late last year, the National Growth Fund aims to nurture startups in strategic industries, such as AI, bio and semiconductors. The government plans to raise up to 150 trillion won $96.3 billion both from the private and public sectors and operate the fund for the next five years. Yonhap