The Ministry of SMEs and Startups said on the 18th it will push a pilot program called the "AI talent validation startup package" to support startups struggling with supply and demand of artificial intelligence (AI) technical talent and will recruit participating companies.
The program will operate by linking startups that are pursuing product and service improvements or solving technical challenges using AI technology with graduates of a government AI training course. Corporations that make hires will also receive up to 2 billion won in commercialization funds. Unlike simple hiring-linked programs, this one is designed so startups can solve their pending tasks together with AI talent.
The eligible targets are startups in the five major deep-tech fields, and about 80 companies will be selected. In addition to commercialization funds, selected corporations will receive customized support programs from the host institution, including investment attraction and validation of proofs of concept.
In the startup sector, the burden of hiring professionals in the process of securing AI technological competitiveness has long been cited as a key bottleneck. In the Software Policy Research Institute's "2024 AI industry survey," startups pointed to data acquisition issues (59.5%) and a shortage of AI talent (57.3%) as major difficulties.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) plans to reduce labor supply-demand imbalances and enhance AI utilization capabilities by connecting graduates of government-trained AI programs with startups.
Corporations wishing to participate must submit an "AI talent utilization problem-solving plan" that includes pending issues requiring AI adoption and goals for resolution. Evaluation will center on that plan.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) will first select as priority candidates a pool of corporations about 1.2 times larger than the final selection that have hiring intent and technical capability, and will provide in-person interview opportunities through a "matching day" where they meet AI training graduates directly.
Afterward, for corporations where hiring is confirmed, initial expenses for utilizing AI talent will be supported, and the remaining project funds will be disbursed after a midterm evaluation checks technology utilization results and commercialization potential.
Applications and submissions will be accepted on the K-Startup website starting today.
Cho Kyung-won, director general for startup policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), said, "AI technological competitiveness ultimately starts with people," and added, "Through this AI talent validation program, we will connect the talent that startups need in a timely manner and support them so that it leads to commercialization outcomes such as advancing products and services."