Seoul is expanding its ‘Testbed Seoul Demonstration’ project to actively support the development of AI-based technologies and the overseas expansion of companies. Starting this year, more than half of the demonstration projects will be selected for AI-related technologies, and international demonstrations will be introduced for the first time to lay the foundation for global expansion.
‘Testbed Seoul’ is an initiative that provides opportunities for small, venture, and startup companies to verify their technologies by using Seoul as a testing ground. Since its introduction in 2018, it has supported a total of 206 projects with 68.3 billion KRW in funds.
This year, a total budget of 8 billion KRW will be allocated to select 40 projects, with more than 20 focused on AI-based or AI-integrated technology. Key demonstration examples include the ‘AI Autonomous Robot Service’ in Yangcheon-gu and the ‘AI Biometric Pet Identification Service’ in Gwanak-gu.
Additionally, the scope of demonstration institutions, which were previously centered on public agencies, has been expanded to the private sector. This year, overseas demonstrations will be promoted through officially accredited testing agencies with overseas branches. Three projects will be operated on a trial basis, and participating companies will be recruited through a separate competition in July.
New incentives have been introduced to encourage company participation. Successful matching projects will receive awards such as market commendations. Furthermore, the existing seven types of demonstration projects have been reorganized into five categories: general, overseas, budget-supported, demand-oriented, and open recruitment.
The first call for applications is open until the 21st of this month via the Seoul R&D Promotion Center website. Eligible applicants are Seoul-based small and medium-sized enterprises with innovative technologies in fields like AI, robotics, and IoT. Companies can either select from over 60 demand projects published by the city of Seoul or propose their own projects. Key demand projects include flood level measurement for semi-basement homes, AI unmanned cleaning vehicles, and diagnostic technology for electric vehicle battery anomalies.
Companies selected for the final stage will receive demonstration space for up to one year and funding of up to 200 million KRW per project. Upon successful demonstration, additional support such as the issuance of a demonstration certificate in the name of the Mayor of Seoul, consulting for registration as an innovative product with the Public Procurement Service, participation in domestic and international exhibitions, and investment attraction will be provided.