Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) has officially launched the Southeastern Region Autonomous R&D Program to coordinate technology development across Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang Province. The initiative focuses on shipbuilding AI transformation, next-generation power semiconductors and advanced aviation propulsion, connecting Ulsan's manufacturing and demonstration infrastructure with Busan's testing, certification and commercialization capabilities and South Gyeongsang's advanced manufacturing and materials evaluation base. The region will receive ₩13.1 billion this year for nine projects, while the Ministry of Science and ICT is providing ₩78.9 billion in national funding in 2026 across four super-regional zones and three special self-governing provinces. Planned investment from 2026 through 2030 totals ₩253.1 billion, including ₩213.1 billion in national funding and ₩40 billion from local governments. Consortia for the nine projects are scheduled to be selected through a public call in October before agreements are signed and research begins.