Korea and Japan National AI Policy and Sovereign AI — 2026-09-19
South Korea is expanding its state-led AI infrastructure strategy by designating additional high-performance computing centers to meet surging GPU demand, while Japan’s GENIAC project has officially launched a new track for robotic foundation models. These moves highlight a diverging yet parallel push in both nations to secure sovereign compute resources and move beyond large language models into physical and industrial applications.
Korea and Japan National AI Policy and Sovereign AI — 2026-09-19
Top developments
South Korea designates new high-performance computing centers
On September 16, South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT announced it will designate additional specialized high-performance computing (HPC) centers by sector to handle the escalating demand for large-scale GPU-based AI workloads. The ministry previously named seven institutions as specialized centers in 2022, but the rapid growth of generative AI and sovereign model development has necessitated an expansion of the national compute network. This move is critical for ensuring domestic research and industrial sectors have reliable access to the compute power required to compete globally.
Japan launches GENIAC track for robotic foundation models
The Japanese government’s GENIAC (Generative AI Accelerator Challenge) project held an event on September 9 to announce the selection of companies for its new "robotic foundation model" research and development track. This initiative marks a strategic pivot for Japan’s AI policy, extending state subsidies beyond text-based large language models to physical AI applications. By focusing on robotics, Japan aims to leverage its manufacturing strengths and address labor shortages through advanced automation.
KDDI selected for retail logistics robotics model
Telecom giant KDDI announced on September 17 that it has been selected for the GENIAC robotic foundation model track. KDDI will develop a specialized foundation model aimed at replacing on-site tasks in retail logistics and similar industries. The company plans to utilize employee-only Lawson stores as real-world testing environments to train the model from the perspective of actual workers, accelerating the social implementation of "Physical AI."
Highlanders joins GENIAC for humanoid alignment
Startup Highlanders was also confirmed as a GENIAC selectee on September 18, focusing on AI foundation models for automotive manufacturing alignment using its domestic humanoid robot "N." This selection underscores Japan's commitment to integrating AI directly into heavy industry and manufacturing processes, with the government providing computational resources and funding to support these specialized physical AI developments.
Local view
Digital Today highlights that the MSIT's decision to expand HPC centers is a direct response to the bottleneck in GPU availability, noting that demand for large-scale compute has outpaced the existing infrastructure designated in 2022. Meanwhile, Robot Start and Aismiley frame the GENIAC robotics selections as a crucial step for Japanese industry, emphasizing that the focus is shifting from pure software to "Physical AI" that can operate in complex, real-world environments like retail and automotive plants.
Context & numbers
The expansion of Korean HPC centers follows the recent approval of the massive 2027 budget proposal, which includes significant allocations for AI infrastructure. While the specific number of new centers is not yet finalized, the previous designation of seven centers serves as the baseline for this expansion. In Japan, the GENIAC project continues to serve as the primary vehicle for state support, with the new robotics track adding a new dimension to the existing support for generative AI foundation models.
On the radar
- GENIAC Kickoffs: Following the September 9 event, further details on the specific compute allocations for the newly selected robotics projects are expected in late September.
- Korean HPC Designations: The MSIT will likely announce the specific list of new high-performance computing centers by sector in the coming weeks as part of the budget execution process.
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