President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) on the 20th, during the university's graduation ceremony for 2026. He highlighted the government's commitment to strengthen support for research and development, aiming to ensure that projects will not be halted due to lack of funding. This statement is particularly significant in light of previous budget cuts under the Yoon administration that had raised concerns within the scientific community. Yoon mentioned that the government has prioritized increasing the basic research budget by over 17% as part of its major achievements, aimed at restoring the research ecosystem disrupted by budget cuts.

During his speech, Yoon expressed optimism regarding the newly established College of Artificial Intelligence at KAIST, describing it as a crucial foundation for achieving South Korea's ambition to become a leader in AI. He urged researchers to share in the benefits of AI widely, promising the government would support initiatives to achieve this goal. The president also pledged to innovate research systems that would recognize the efforts of researchers, reassuring them of the government’s role as a supportive partner amidst any challenges. He encouraged graduates to trust the government, embrace ambitious innovations, and explore uncharted territories in research and entrepreneurship.

This visit underscores a shift towards promoting startups and deep tech initiatives as part of a broader strategy for economic growth. Yoon recently emphasized during a national entrepreneurship strategy meeting that relying solely on traditional employment methods is insufficient, advocating for a transition towards a startup-driven economy. His remarks reflect a commitment to cultivating a culture of innovation, urging young researchers at KAIST to pursue groundbreaking ideas and assuring them of governmental investment in their bright futures.