LG Laptop Equipped with K-Startup Technology... Capturing Both Technology and Sales

Ministry of SMEs and Startups Announces Super-Gap AI Startup Level-Up Strategy
First 'AI Startup Linkup' Meeting Held on the 10th

Technology from domestic artificial intelligence (AI) startups will be integrated into LG Electronics laptops. This strategy aims to foster these AI startups into global unicorns by boosting their technological capabilities and sales through collaboration with large corporations. In the future, the startups' technology will be embedded in various devices and distributed worldwide.

On the 10th, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups held the first meeting of the 'AI Startup Link-up Council' at the Chosun Palace Gangnam in Seoul and announced the 'Super-gap AI Startup Level-up Strategy.'

Oh Young-joo, Minister of SMEs and Startups. (Photo by Ministry of SMEs and Startups)

This council was established to fulfill Minister Oh Young-joo's promise at the launch ceremony of the 'On-device AI Challenge' last March, which aimed to create a communication channel where AI startups can grow together with large corporations and accelerate global expansion. Participants in the 'On-device AI Challenge' include LG Electronics, KT, SK, and Intel.

At the meeting, the Ministry analyzed the AI ecosystem, which has recently established itself as a foundational technology for innovation in advanced industries such as bio and semiconductors in the global market. They also announced a strategy to focus on nurturing high-growth AI startups that lead technological innovation and convergence with other industries within the ecosystem, creating and expanding new markets.

The announced 'Super-gap AI Startup Level-up Strategy' consists of four strategic tasks: ▲ strategic support for five high-growth AI startup sectors ▲ strengthening growth by utilizing domestic market demand ▲ expanding growth engines through global market entry ▲ enhancing the use of specialized personnel and establishing governance.

The core of the strategy is the 'On-device AI Challenge,' which integrates startup AI technology into products made by large corporations. Currently, AI technology is being integrated into laptops, with plans to expand to various products such as home appliances and smartphones. On-device AI is a technology that uses semiconductors to perform AI functions directly on smart devices without passing through the cloud.

In particular, LG Electronics announced the progress of the 'On-device AI Challenge' on this day. The March public contest received 128 applications for 10 selected spots, recording a high competition rate of 12.8 to 1. The 10 startups selected through evaluations by demand companies and external experts will collaborate with LG Electronics on technology verification (PoC) and other activities until September.

AI technologies from startups that demonstrate excellent results through collaboration are expected to be embedded in next-generation laptops to be released by LG Electronics. This will enable startups to secure sales as well. Moving forward, the Ministry plans to select and support AX (industrial transformation through AI) startups in three promising industrial sectors: manufacturing, healthcare, and content, including the 'On-device AI Challenge.' Additionally, to expand the global advancement of AI startups, support will be increased for participation in renowned overseas AI conferences and exhibitions, and funding will be provided for AI startup creation and commercialization to attract top-tier talent.

Minister Oh Young-joo stated, “The influence of AI in the global market is a crucial future growth engine that affects not only industries but also the fate of nations. Through this level-up strategy, we will actively support domestic AI startups with outstanding technological capabilities in high-growth sectors to strengthen their competitiveness and secure leadership in the global market.”