Science ministry launches 24 projects for smart metamaterials and protein bots

The science ministry said Thursday it has selected 24 new research projects to develop future convergence technologies including intelligent metamaterials, protein bots and artificial muscle actuators. The government will provide approximately 55 billion won in funding over the next five to six years.

The selections mark the start of the second half of the 2026 Future Promising Convergence Technology Pioneer project. The ministry chose the final 24 tasks from 65 applications after identifying 13 request-for-proposal topics based on global trends and expert opinions.

Eighteen projects fall under the challenge type, receiving up to 800 million won annually for a maximum of six years to explore uncharted fields. Key studies include developing smart metamaterials that actively control radio waves and light without external power sources and creating programmable protein self-assembly materials known as protein bots for bio-robotics platforms.

Six additional projects were chosen for the promising new technology type to foster industry participation. These teams will receive up to 1.2 billion won per year for five years to work on high-reliability artificial muscle platforms for humanoid robots and integrated structural batteries.

Other selected research areas include ultra-small cooling systems for on-chip applications and high-speed neutron-based inspection technologies for detecting hidden narcotics. Under the competitive support model, multiple teams tackle the same topic in the first stage, with only the superior project advancing to the second phase.

Yoon Kyung-sook, director of the Basic and Source Research Policy Office at the ministry, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative. "We plan to continue providing multifaceted support through preemptive investment in future promising convergence technology fields to ensure practical results such as securing new source technologies and opening new markets," she said.