SK Telecom Launches AI Startup Accelerator

SK Telecom has launched SKTCH with AI, a startup acceleration program aimed at discovering and nurturing artificial intelligence startups, with applications open from July 21 through Aug. 18.

SKTCH, a combination of SKT and Tech, is the company's platform for identifying startups and expanding collaboration opportunities. Through SKTCH with AI, SK Telecom aims to connect startups with its AI technologies, infrastructure and business capabilities to foster mutual growth.

The company plans to select 15 startups based on factors including the competitiveness of their AI technologies and their potential for collaboration with SK Telecom.

Selected companies will receive a six-month support package that includes mentoring and seminars led by industry experts, assistance with joint business development projects with SK Telecom, opportunities to participate in domestic and international exhibitions, office space and other business infrastructure, and access to investment opportunities with venture capital firms and related organizations.

The selection process will also incorporate SK Telecom's AI evaluation agent, an AI agent developed by the company to assist with startup assessments. SK Telecom said the system is expected to accelerate the review process while improving evaluation consistency.

The company said it plans to further enhance the AI agent so that it can independently handle areas where objective assessments are possible, allowing human reviewers to focus on applications requiring more detailed evaluation.