Korean Startups Gear Up for OpenAI Finals with Strong Support from Ministry and Industry Leaders

As the global AI landscape continues to evolve, Korean startups are gearing up for a momentous opportunity for the upcoming OpenAI Program finals in the US. With 14 promising startups selected to compete, anticipation is running high as they prepare to showcase their innovations on an international platform.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) has played a pivotal role in supporting these startups and facilitating their journey onto the global stage. On January 30, a meeting was held to review and evaluate the progress of the participating startups at the Seoul Startup Alliance & Space.

Ministry of SMEs and Startups Nurtures Korean AI Startups for Global Stage

Spearheaded by Director Lim Jeong-wook of the Startup and Venture Department at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the meeting brought together 14 startups to discuss the OpenAI collaboration program and plans for the US finals event scheduled for this year. Lim Jeong-wook expressed confidence in Korea’s AI startups to enter the global market and assured the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the success of the collaboration with OpenAI.

In December 2023, MSS organized the “K-Startup & OpenAI Matching Day” event in collaboration with OpenAI to select the top 14 companies for the collaboration. A rigorous selection process ensued, with 220 companies vying for the coveted openings. Following evaluations by OpenAI employees, 42 startups proceeded to the presentation round, and on December 15, the results of the 14 selected startups were announced.

The selected startups span across API utilization and general collaboration areas, including Marina Chain, Client Co., Ltd., Next Payments Co., Ltd., DK Medi Info, Hi Local Co., Ltd., Waddle Co., Ltd., Turing Co., Ltd., Liner Brain, We Laser Co., Ltd., Run Korean in Korean Co., Ltd., A-Sleep Co., Ltd., Furiosa AI Co., Ltd., Nine Watt Co., Ltd., and Bose Semiconductor Co., Ltd.

OpenAI CEO Visits South Korea to Explore Collaboration Opportunities

Meanwhile, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently visited South Korea to explore the possibility of setting up a global network for AI chip manufacturing units in collaboration with industry leaders. This visit underscores the growing importance of Korea’s role in the AI landscape, with Altman expected to engage with key chipmakers like SK Group and Samsung Electronics.

Altman’s visit signifies a deeper collaboration between OpenAI and Korean industry leaders, highlighting Korea’s emergence as a significant player in the global AI arena. As Korean startups prepare for the OpenAI finals, the support from MSS and collaboration with industry giants like OpenAI signal a promising future for Korea’s AI ecosystem.

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