Ministry of Science and ICT Announces Contest for Intelligent Informatization Projects Addressing Social Issues

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 13th that it will hold a public contest for the 'Social Issue Resolution Intelligent Informatization Project,' which uses intelligent information technology to solve difficulties faced by socially vulnerable groups, until the 14th of next month.

Launched last year, the Social Issue Resolution Intelligent Informatization Project identifies and pilots urgent issues faced by socially vulnerable groups such as the disabled and the elderly, focusing on areas where intelligent information technology is mature. This year, the ministry will continue to support two outstanding projects from last year and call for four new projects (worth 4 billion KRW).

The four newly solicited projects include: ▲an indoor navigation service to guarantee mobility rights and prevent safety accidents for visually and physically disabled individuals ▲an intelligent kiosk service that is easy for the disabled and elderly to use ▲a smart safe care service that addresses the living needs of nursing patients through ICT, reduces the workload of caregivers, and reassures patients' families ▲and the establishment of an open service platform and public service pilot linkage that provides daily life care and customized administrative and welfare information to vulnerable groups using AI speakers regardless of device type or telecom provider.

Consortia wishing to participate (local governments and participating companies) must submit related documents to the National Information Society Agency (NIA) by April 14. Online submissions are accepted until 10 a.m. on the day, and in-person submissions until 2 p.m.

Separately, the Ministry of Science and ICT will support additional expansion projects by broadening the scope and scale of two outstanding projects from last year. One service converts announcements on SRT trains and stations into sign language animations for the hearing impaired; this will be upgraded this year into a cloud-based integrated application and expanded to multi-use facilities. Another app service, which recommends AI-based cognitive learning content and analyzes cognitive abilities for children with developmental disabilities, will be enhanced for educational use in special classes this year and will collaborate with Harvard Medical School to pursue approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Park Yoon-gyu, Director of Information and Communication Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, “Until now, intelligent information technology has mainly been viewed from an industrial perspective, but now it is time to consider how to use intelligent information technology to realize an inclusive society and improve the quality of life for all citizens.” He added, “We will confirm the potential of intelligent information technology through pilot projects to ensure that all citizens can equally enjoy its benefits without discrimination, and will lead the implementation of a digital inclusive society by linking these pilots to the main projects.”

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