[CES 2026] "Overseas Companies Are Coming to Us" ... "Ministry of Science and ICT to Provide K-AI Package Support"

Meeting Held Between Ministry of Science and ICT and Participating Companies
Companies Stress "Urgent Need for Follow-up R&D Support"
Ministry of Science and ICT: "Building a Comprehensive Support System Including Large-scale Funds"

"Until just a few years ago, major overseas companies used to ignore our company, but now they are proactively seeking us out for consultations."

A meeting between the Ministry of Science and ICT and innovative startup companies is taking place at a restaurant in Las Vegas during CES 2026. Photo by Paek Jongmin, Tech Specialist

Jaehyung Lee, CEO of Stratio Korea, an infrared AI company, emphasized the need for continued support for the growth of Korea's AI industry during a meeting between Korean startups and the Ministry of Science and ICT, held in Las Vegas, United States, on January 8 (local time) as part of CES 2026.

This meeting was attended by companies such as Mobilint, Persona AI, DeepX, HL Mando, Stratio Korea, and Baccatio, which received the CES 2026 Innovation Award and the Ministry of Science and ICT's AI Champion Award. They shared their opinions on the types of support needed from the government.

Jaehyung Lee, CEO of Stratio Korea, is speaking at a meeting with the Ministry of Science and ICT held at CES 2026. Photo by Paek Jongmin, Tech Specialist

The participants suggested that linking follow-up support to the commercialization of ICT R&D projects by the Ministry of Science and ICT is crucial. In particular, they emphasized the need for policies to provide connected support for companies that, despite developing excellent technologies and products and winning awards such as the CES Innovation Award, fail to overcome the "death valley" due to lack of investment or references.

Shin Dongju, CEO of Mobilint (left), is speaking at a meeting between the Ministry of Science and ICT and innovative companies held at CES 2026. Photo by Paek Jongmin, Tech Specialist

Shin Dongju, CEO of Mobilint, stressed, "We were able to take our first step in developing AI semiconductors through the Ministry of Science and ICT’s research projects," and emphasized the continued need for various forms of support.

Kim Nokwon, CEO of DeepX, said, "The CTA, which organizes CES, invited DeepX to the CES Foundry exhibition for the first time, alongside Nvidia and AMD," highlighting the elevated status of Korean startups.

Kim Nokwon, CEO of DeepX, is speaking at a meeting with the Ministry of Science and ICT held at CES 2026. Photo by Paek Jongmin, Tech Specialist

Yoo Seungjae, CEO of Persona AI, who also received the CES 2026 Innovation Award, stated, "With the support of the Ministry of Science and ICT, we have reached a point where we can pursue an IPO. Such government support, which is rare globally, is producing tangible results."

Jaehyung Lee, CEO of Stratio Korea, remarked, "While being a fast follower is important, it is also crucial to pursue AI that leads the market in a way that is different from others."

Baccatio CEO Ji Hyunjun, who operates an accommodation AI app, is speaking at a meeting with the Ministry of Science and ICT. Photo by Tech Specialist

Park Yonghong, Executive Vice President of HL Mando, who received the CES 2026 Innovation Award, said, "If we do not change now, we cannot survive. Companies based on traditional industries must transform themselves through AI."

Hong Jinbae, President of IITP, who supports innovative companies as a partner, said, "We will also work to significantly expand the scale of research projects going forward."

Ryu Jemyoung, the Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, commented, "This is my first time at CES, and there is so much to see. I imagine bundling the products and services created by those present here into a comprehensive offering." He added, "We will establish a package support system-from R&D and commercialization support to large-scale policy fund investments-so that AI innovation startups with unique technologies and products can grow into global companies."