Samsung Group Announces 33 Research Projects to Fund in First Half of 2016

Samsung Group announced on Apr. 7 that it has chosen 33 research projects, which the company intends to fund in the first half of this year, in basic science and material and information and communications technology (ICT) fields.

The group has sponsored a total of 231 research projects in various sectors since August 2013 as part of its efforts to help the nation secure futuristic fundamental technologies. It plans to spend 1.5 trillion won (US$1.3 billion) by 2022.

In the basic science sector, 16 projects were selected, including a study on sustainable amino acid synthesis by Seoul National University professor Hong Soon-hyuk. The study aims to use cheaper compounds to create value-added amino acid. If successful, it would be useful in medicine production.

In material technology sector, eight projects are chosen, including a study on high-mobility p-type transparent oxide semiconductors by Hanyang University professor Chung Jae-kyoung. If successful, it will secure a source technology to develop p-type transparent semiconductors with the world’s best mobility, and the technology is expected to be applied to transparent complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor, or CMOS, and other futuristic sensors.

In the ICT sector, nine projects will be funded, including a study on the abstract control of multimedia content by using machine learning technology by Yonsei University professor Lee In-kwon. The study is about the technology that enables users to automatically transform and create multimedia content, such as images and videos, into abstract styles, including emotions and feelings, the way they want through the reversal process of machine learning technology. If successful, it will secure a source technology of recognizing and identifying emotions.

Along with it, Samsung chooses future technology sectors, which are needed in the nation, to fund every year.

This year, the group announced three research projects on quick-charging batteries, functional cladding for futuristic devices, such as mobile devices, drones and robots, and intelligence study for smart machines to attract applicants for funding. Samsung will receive project proposals via the official website of Samsung Electronics Future Technology Development Center from Apr. 25 to May 6