Korea Unveils 103 AI Tools for Startup Challenge Entrants

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) has unveiled a lineup of artificial intelligence tools to help participants in the first round of the second "Startup for All" program refine their business ideas.

The ministry said on the 12th that it is releasing a list of 103 AI solutions from 50 supplier companies to help entrants in the second "Startup for All" program develop their ideas and upgrade their business models. The program offers training, mentoring and stage-by-stage support so that any citizen can try starting a business and grow into an entrepreneur.

Entrants who reach the first round of the second program can use the government-selected AI tools up to a value of 1 million won ($690) per person. The tools handle tasks commonly needed in launching a business, such as building websites, producing promotional content and drafting contracts.

The ministry said it prioritized quality in choosing the tools so that participants can put them to practical use. An evaluation committee made up of AI and software experts assessed the solutions for versatility, technical and pricing suitability, and security.

The list of selected AI tools is available on the Startup for All platform website. Key functions and instructions for each tool will be posted on the 14th, and explanatory videos for each on the 16th. Starting on the 16th, first-round entrants can select the tools they need on the platform and apply to use them.

Cho Kyung-won, director general for startup policy at the ministry, said the ministry will "strengthen support so that participants can easily choose the AI tools they need and use them effectively, helping them grow into startups with real growth potential."