SK Telecom will launch a development program that will discover promising startups in the artificial..

SK Telecom will launch a development program that will discover promising startups in the artificial intelligence (AI) field and link business cooperation and investment. Its strategy is to secure growth engines for future AI businesses by expanding the cooperative ecosystem with early companies with AI technology.

On the 21st, SK Telecom announced that it will launch 'SKTCH with AI', an AI start-up development program, and recruit participating companies by the 18th of next month.

SK Telecom plans to select 15 startups by comprehensively evaluating AI technology and the possibility of business cooperation. Selected companies will be provided with customized programs such as mentoring experts and business advancement, participation in domestic and international exhibitions, support for office space, and opportunities to attract investment to venture capital (VC) for six months.

In this program, SK Telecom's own AI agent, "AI Review Station," will also participate in the evaluation process. The plan is for AI to speed up screening and ensure consistency of evaluation criteria by analyzing supporting companies in the first stage. In the future, SK Telecom plans to upgrade AI screening stations and share roles so that AI will be in charge of standardized evaluations, and people will focus on areas that require in-depth review.

SK Telecom plans to expand joint business opportunities by connecting AI technology, infrastructure, and business capabilities with startups. It aims to develop into a platform that secures partners in the AI business beyond the existing development program.

A total of 13 companies were selected on the 8th for the ESG start-up promotion program "SKTCH for Good," which was launched in April, with a competition rate of more than 10 to 1. These companies are in the area of solving social problems such as digital inclusion and care, climate disaster response, and digital crime prevention.

Eom Jong-hwan, head of SK Telecom's sustainable management office, said, "SK Telecom's AI technology and capabilities can create greater synergy when they meet innovative ideas of startups. As an AI partner that grows with startups, we will continue to expand the future AI collaboration ecosystem."