The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 17th that eight domestic consortiums have been selected for this year’s support project to help AI and digital transformation innovators expand overseas. The initiative aims to support the global advancement of Korean AI solution providers, with pilot projects taking place in collaboration with local partners across six countries in Europe, North America, and Asia.  

This program, launched for the first time this year, is designed to tap into the rapidly growing global AI transformation (AX) market by helping Korean ICT startups secure international references. The project doesn't just facilitate connections with overseas partners; it also provides funding for real-world testing and demonstration costs.  

The Global Digital Innovation Network (GDIN) solicited proposals from foreign companies and institutions back in March. A call for applications from Korean firms ran from April to May 12, yielding 57 applicants—resulting in a competitive 7:1 selection ratio. Assessments involved both local overseas stakeholders and external experts, who thoroughly reviewed the suitability of each company’s technology and the potential for successful commercialization.  

Following the review, Monit and TetraSignum were chosen as lead consortium partners for healthcare, Tilda and CubeSeventeen for manufacturing, CodePresso and Classum for education, and Robotware·AI and Triplet for agriculture and livestock.  

These selected companies recently participated in an orientation session led by GDIN, where they received instructions on upcoming procedures. From this week, each consortium will formalize agreements and begin technology development and local testing, aiming to complete on-site validation for each project by the end of the year.  

Park Tae-wan, Director of the ICT Industry Policy Bureau, highlighted the significance of this initiative: “Riding on the momentum of AI growth, we have created a pathway for promising Korean companies to enter the global AX market. We will further support these firms in establishing an early presence in international markets, especially through hands-on trials and demonstration projects they have long requested.”  

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo = Korea Policy Briefing