SK ecoplant said on the 23rd it will hold the "2026 Tech Open Collaboration" contest to discover and foster startups in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors.
The contest is an open innovation (open technology innovation) program that SK ecoplant is running for startups in AI and semiconductors. It aims to discover promising startups with strong capabilities and innovative technologies, and foster them through joint research and development, funding support, and more.
Alongside SK ecoplant, 17 organizations from the public, academic, and investment sectors will participate as co-hosts, including the Korea Innovation Foundation, the Seoul, South Chungcheong, and Sejong Centers for Creative Economy and Innovation, the Seoul Business Agency (SBA), Hoseo University, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the Cheonan Institute of Scientific and Industrial Development, and SK Securities.
The contest fields are eight in total: ◇ Industry AI (Industry AI) ◇ Generative AI ◇ AI security ◇ Wearable AI (Wearable AI) ◇ Robots and drones ◇ Semiconductor EPC ◇ Eco-friendly semiconductors ◇ Others. Only prospective founders and startups within seven years of founding that possess the relevant technologies and solutions for the recruitment fields are eligible to apply.
Final selections will be made through document screening and presentation (PT) evaluations, assessing various criteria such as technological innovativeness, potential for joint technology development, and commercialization prospects.
Selected startups will conduct joint research and development on innovative technologies with SK ecoplant and its related subsidiaries. They can also receive comprehensive support such as government funds and investment attraction through the co-hosting public, academic, and investment institutions. After technological advancement, they may also receive support for commercialization, considering business potential and on-site applicability.
Applications will be accepted on the SK ecoplant website from Apr. 23 to May 19.
Lim Jae-uk, head of SK ecoplant's management support center, said, "Through this contest, we expect to promote joint technology development and technology commercialization with startups that possess innovative technologies in AI and semiconductors," and added, "We will continue to work with various corporations through open innovation to build a sustainable industrial ecosystem."