Gangwon Province to Launch Full-Scale Promotion of AI-Applied Medical Device Development and Commercialization Project

Linked to Government's 'AI Grand Transformation and Five Axes, Three Special Zones' Strategy
Accelerating the Leap Toward a Leading Medical AI District
Comprehensive Plan: 18 Sub-Projects Across 4 Fields, Totaling 580 Billion Won

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced on the 28th that it will officially launch the "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applied Medical Device Development and Commercialization Promotion Project" to lead the AI-based medical device industry.

Conceptual diagram for the 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applied Medical Device Development and Commercialization Promotion Project.' Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

This project is in response to the new government's "AI Grand Transformation and Ultra-Innovative Economy Leading Project" and the "Five Axes, Three Special Zones" super-regional growth engine strategy. By linking with the bio industry, which is a candidate for Gangwon's growth engine, the aim is to foster the AI medical device industry as a new growth driver for the province.

Based on the opinions of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, this plan has been detailed through the advice of the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province AI Industry Promotion Committee and in cooperation with local software and medical device promotion agencies, universities, and others. It encompasses 18 sub-projects across 4 fields, with a total budget of 580 billion won.

The main initiatives include: ▲ establishing core technology research infrastructure ▲ developing commercialization technologies ▲ technology demonstration and verification ▲ global expansion and talent cultivation. The goal is to build a comprehensive ecosystem that supports the entire cycle from research and development to demonstration, regulatory approval, and commercialization.

Based on this vision, the province plans to prepare an in-depth planning report by early next year to pursue designation as the "Gangwon Medical Device AI Leading District." Through this, it aims to secure exemption from the preliminary feasibility study and to have the project reflected in the government's 2027 budget.

Additionally, some sub-projects have already been included in the 2026 government budget, and further discussions are underway with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and related ministries for additional inclusion.

Once the project is fully underway, it is expected to establish a commercialization model for AI and data convergence medical devices, which will strengthen the competitiveness of local companies, expand their global reach, and create high-quality jobs.

In particular, by combining the province's precision medical big data and AI technology with the existing medical device industry infrastructure in areas such as Wonju, the province envisions opening a new chapter in the regional medical industry.

Park Kwangyong, Director of Industry for Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, "Gangwon Province is a representative region equipped with both medical data and industrial infrastructure. Through this project, we will foster Gangwon as a leading district for medical AI, and further strengthen corporate competitiveness and expand the digital specialized industry ecosystem through AI and data convergence."

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