The South Korean government has unveiled a plan to develop more than 100 bio-materials and commercialize at least five bio-based new materials by 2030.

Under the plan, “Strategy for the Development and Dissemination of Core Technologies in Synthetic Biology” announced Monday, the Ministry of Science and ICT aims to raise the level of synthetic biology technology to 90 percent of the level in the United States by 2030.

Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to biological systems, enabling the design and construction of life-related elements such as DNA, proteins, and artificial cells.

It has been recognized as a groundbreaking technology not only in the field of biology but also in pharmaceuticals, energy, chemistry, and agriculture.

The ministry plans to provide extensive support for research and development (R&D) initiatives spanning a spectrum of technological levels, encompassing foundational research to practical applications.

In pursuit of this objective, synthetic biology has been methodically categorized into six major domains and 17 sub-technologies, including bio-molecular design, circuit design, and bio-system production.

A special focus will be directed toward fortifying advanced areas such as cell modification and metabolic optimization technologies, with the aim of elevating these domains to meet global standards.

As part of the plan, the government will establish a vital infrastructure known as a “bio-foundry” while actively promoting international collaboration.

Concurrently, it will dedicate efforts to nurturing human resources essential for the creation of a globally competitive ecosystem fostering innovation in the field of synthetic biology.

“Synthetic biology is a core technology in bio-manufacturing and can address ongoing global concerns such as climate change and resource scarcity, enabling sustainable growth for humanity,” said Cho Seong-kyung, first vice minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT.

By Kang Min-ho and Minu Kim

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