South Korea expands AI startup support with SK Telecom and Gangwon Innovation Center programs

SK Telecom announced the launch of its AI startup nurturing platform “SKTCH with AI”. The telecom giant will select 15 startups through a competition based on AI technology strength and synergy with its business. Chosen firms will receive six months of mentoring, seminars, exhibition opportunities, office space and links to venture‑capital investors. The program also uses an internally developed AI‑based evaluator to speed up assessments.

In the same country, the Gangwon Creative Economy Innovation Center opened applications for a regional AI‑Transformation (AX) project aimed at bio‑ and healthcare startups. Up to 20 companies that are less than seven years old can join a program that provides AI education, consulting, access to GPU‑based development environments and an “AX Idea Factory” space. The goal is to help participants develop AI‑enabled products and accelerate commercialization.