On the 19th, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced the ‘AI Regional Core Industry Linkage Project’, which will upgrade regional core industries through collaboration between regional small and medium-sized enterprises and AI startup companies, while supporting AI startups in technology demonstration and market accessibility.
This project is based on the ‘AI Transition (AX)’ strategy, which enhances business models by applying AI technology to various industries. The goal is to apply innovative technologies to regional core industries where AI technology demand is high.
The target candidates are AI startups that have been established for less than ten years, with a total recruitment size of 10 companies. Selected companies will be provided with 80 million won in technology commercialization funds, along with support for proof of concept (PoC) and market development.
The main collaboration tasks involve 13 areas across five fields such as life sciences and health, future vehicles, smart factories, eco-friendly and energy, and chemistry based on the needs of regional SMEs. Applications for the project are accepted from June 19 to July 10 at 3 PM through the K-Startup portal.
This project is part of the first stage ‘Micro Super Gap’ program of the ‘1000+ Super Gap Startup Project’. Companies with excellent results may continue to the subsequent ‘Super Gap’ and ‘Beyond Super Gap’ programs.
Jokyungwon, Director of Entrepreneurship Policy, stated, “Regional core industries are the key drivers of the local economy. We will support the integration of AI technology to enhance SMEs’ products and secure market access for startups.”