Kakao said on the 18th that it will work with Korea's four major science and technology institutes (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)) to nurture regional AI ecosystems and promote balanced national growth.
To that end, Kakao plans to create a 50 billion won fund over the next five years and push ahead with four key initiatives: ▲ support for investment in AI startups ▲ training of future AI talent ▲ support for research on AI transition in region-specific industries ▲ improvement of AI literacy.
Aiming to strengthen the foundation of regional AI industries, Kakao has a vision to support the growth of promising talent within local communities and to accelerate regional AI transition. Through AI talent development programs, Kakao will spread talent and resources concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area to the regions and build a virtuous cycle that links education, research, and consolidation.
As the first phase of the project, Kakao plans to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a "regional AI development project" with the four science and technology institutes through Kakao Investment, invest seed capital in AI startups, and provide mentoring. Kakao also plans to support the global expansion of promising regional AI talent and startups based on its AI capabilities and experience in ecosystem development.
Chung Shina, chair of Kakao's CA council, said, "We will help ensure that AI hubs become growth hubs that reach out to the world."