The government has begun in earnest to commercialize “graphene,” a new advanced material, announcing Tuesday six consortiums to lead material-related research and development projects.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said the commercialization of the material could spawn ultra-thin but strong electronics goods, such as paper-thin and flexible TV screens.

Graphene, thin sheets of carbon, was discovered in 2004, rocking the science industry. The world’s thinnest and strongest nano-material is known for being able to conduct electricity and heat.

“The ministry’s R&D policy planning committee screened a variety of R&D proposals to commercialize graphene over the past few years, earlier than other countries and, finally, it selected six R&D projects and consortiums to lead each project,” said senior ministry official Moon Dong-min.

The government will invest 47 billion won ($42 million) for the next six years from this year. As part of this, 4 billion won ($3.5 million) will be allocated for six consortiums for the latter part of this year.’’

The six organizations to lead each consortium include the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Samsung Techwin, POSCO, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Sangbo, and Changsung, the ministry said.

“European countries like the U.K. jumpstarted graphene-related R&D activities in 2011, but Korea is not too behind them as R&D activities on the new wonder material are at an early stage throughout the world,” Moon said.

Under the graphene R&D road map, when commercialization of graphene becomes a reality, the ministry will also support small-and mid-sized technology companies to develop parts for applied products based on graphene.

Job creation is another goal of the graphene R&D projects. The ministry expects the projects will be able to create about 34,000 jobs over the next six years.

By Seo Jee-yeon  (jyseo@heraldcorp.com)