SK Innovation Seeks Startup Teams for AI Solutions to Energy and Social Issues

Discovering AI-Based Solutions for Energy and Social Issues
Comprehensive Support Including Expert Mentoring and Follow-Up Investment Connections

SK Innovation is seeking to discover solutions that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) technology to address energy and social issues.

'AI Impact Solution' Participant Team Recruitment Poster. SK Innovation

On May 11, SK Innovation announced that it is recruiting teams to participate in its new social contribution program, the 'AI Impact Solution.' The AI Impact Solution is a program designed to identify and nurture startups that offer AI-based solutions for energy and social challenges. The program is hosted and sponsored by SK Innovation and organized by Qnesty Foundation, which specializes in impact investment and acceleration.

The core of this initiative is not merely the discovery of ideas, but a comprehensive support system that covers the entire process from nurturing and commercialization to investment linkage. The ten selected teams will receive staged support necessary for commercialization, including proof-of-concept development funding, mentoring from experts in AI technology, business, and impact fields, commercialization assistance, and connections to follow-up investments.

Teams selected for outstanding solutions will be provided with up to 20 million won to support further commercialization and advancement of their projects. In the program’s second year, additional support will continue for top-performing teams, including access to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' TIPS funding for startup discovery and development, as well as connections to impact investors to aid further commercialization.

The program is recruiting for two tracks: 'AI for Energy' and 'AI for Social Issues.' The 'AI for Energy' track targets AI-based solutions that can help solve problems in the energy sector, such as energy accessibility, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction. The 'AI for Social Issues' track is seeking ideas aimed at addressing social challenges, including care, safety, environment, mobility rights, and education.

Individuals or teams of up to five members are eligible to apply. For companies and social economy organizations, only those established within the past three years may participate. Teams that include members from socially disadvantaged groups will be given preferential consideration. Applications can be submitted through the official 'AI Impact Solution' website from May 11 to June 12.

An SK Innovation representative stated, "AI technology is driving transformative change beyond industrial innovation by providing innovative solutions to various social problems," adding, "We aim to create tangible social value through effective support from idea validation to commercialization."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.