The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) has selected seven projects for the 2024 Next-Generation Key Research Project and will invest 2.1 billion won.

ETRI announced the results of the selection evaluation for the '2024 Next Generation Leading Research Project'.

This year, a total of 2.1 billion won will be invested in seven projects. Each project selected for this project will receive research funding of 300 million won for one year and six months.

The proposals selected this time are: △Next-generation AI hyperspectral imaging device that does not require an optical filter (Senior Researcher Kim Han-bit), △Key technology for intelligent X-ray typography for next-generation semiconductor CT inspection (Senior Researcher Choi Seong-hun), △High-resolution 3D-based inline inspection source technology for optimizing secondary battery electrode process (Senior Researcher Choi Da-hye), △Onboard AI technology for high-speed, precision strikes with direct collisions for customized neutralization of illegal drones (Researcher Yang Jeong-gi), △Knowledge graph-based IUI technology for overcoming spatial interface limitations (Senior Researcher Jang Mi), △High-reliability biomarker platform for in vivo hazard analysis of perfluorinated compounds (Senior Researcher Yang So-young), △RNA spatial distribution image analysis platform for the microenvironment of intractable tumors (Senior Researcher Kim Sang-yoon).

This project is a program designed to discover and foster innovative ideas from young, creative researchers.

The main goal is to discover young and creative ideas from ETRI's next-generation key players, new researchers, foster them as future growth engines, and provide systematic support to help them grow into next-generation R&D leaders.

A total of six projects were selected for the Next Generation Leading Players Research Project, which was first launched last year. Although it is currently in the middle of its project, it has already achieved significant results, including five journals, including two SCIE-level ones, nine academic conferences, and seven patent applications.

Kang Do-hyun, Vice Minister of Science and ICT, attended the 'ETRI Junior PL Field Meeting' held at ETRI on the 11th of last month and listened to the thoughts, determination, and suggestions for the future of the new researchers, expressing his interest in this project and his expectations for the future generation that will lead the Republic of Korea.

At this meeting with six new research PLs who were selected last year and are currently carrying out their projects, Vice Minister Kang Do-hyun of the Ministry of Science and ICT encouraged them by saying, “The privilege of young researchers is the research instinct that is not afraid of failure,” and “Let’s have the freedom to challenge our own research topics with the pride that we are the leaders of the future.”

ETRI Planning Director Lee Hyun-woo said, “We expect this next-generation leading research project to serve as an important stepping stone for leading future technologies by providing opportunities for young researchers to conduct creative and challenging research.”

ETRI plans to continue to discover and support innovative ideas from new researchers in the future.