SK Telecom said on the 21st it will launch a new accelerator program, "SKTCH with AI," to expand collaboration with artificial intelligence (AI) startups. The application period runs from July 21 to Aug. 18.
"SKTCH" combines SK Telecom and tech, and carries the meaning of designing future businesses with startups. SK Telecom plans to select 15 corporations after a comprehensive assessment of the applicants' AI capabilities, business potential, and collaboration possibilities with the company.
The selected corporations will receive support over six months, including expert mentoring and seminars, joint business development with SK Telecom, participation in domestic and overseas exhibitions, management infrastructure such as office space, and fundraising opportunities targeting venture capital and related institutions. Applications are available on the SKTCH website.
An in-house developed AI agent, "AI Reviewer," will also take part in this screening. AI will first review standardized evaluation items, and the judges will focus on areas that require additional judgment. SK Telecom said it aims to improve evaluation speed and consistency through this approach and will gradually expand the scope of AI-driven reviews.
Earlier, in April, 13 companies were chosen for "SKTCH for Good," an ESG startup program that drew a competition rate of more than 10-to-1. By field, there were nine in digital inclusion and care, three in climate disaster response, and one in digital crime prevention. SK Telecom noted that AI use has been rising among ESG startups recently, and that business models targeting aging and single-person households are also increasing. The company said it will continue to expand the startup collaboration ecosystem centered on AI and ESG.