Startups Tackle Key Issues with AI Talent

New AI Talent Demonstration Startup Package Introduced

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on May 18, 2026, that it will launch the "AI Talent Demonstration Startup Package Pilot Program" to support startups struggling to secure artificial intelligence (AI) talent, and will begin recruiting participating companies from the same day.

This program aims to match graduates of the government’s AI talent development courses with startups that wish to address current issues using artificial intelligence. For companies that confirm hiring such talent, the government will provide up to 200 million won in commercialization funding.

In particular, this program is a demonstration-oriented initiative designed to help startups address key challenges, such as advancing their products and services, together with AI talent. It is structured not simply to encourage hiring, but to utilize AI experts as core resources for solving specific business issues.

Eligible applicants are startups in the five major deep tech sectors, and approximately 80 companies will be selected. The selected companies will receive commercialization funding, as well as customized programs provided by the host organization, including investment attraction and demonstration verification support.

In the field, the primary challenge in securing AI technology competitiveness has consistently been the difficulty of recruiting specialized personnel. In addition, according to the 2024 AI Industry Status Survey (Software Policy & Research Institute), startups cited data acquisition issues (59.5%) and a shortage of AI talent (57.3%) as major obstacles.

Reflecting this demand from the field, the ministry plans to address talent supply-demand mismatches and strengthen the AI competitiveness of startups by directly connecting startups with graduates of government-run AI training programs.

Startups participating in the program must submit an "AI Talent Utilization Issue Resolution Plan." Companies are required to specify the challenges that require AI adoption and set project objectives to address them. Evaluation will be based on these plans.

Approximately 1.2 times the final number of companies to be supported will be selected as candidate companies based on hiring intent and technological capability. These candidates will be given the opportunity for face-to-face interviews with graduates of the government’s AI training programs through a "Matching Day" event.

For companies where hiring is confirmed, initial costs for utilizing AI talent will be supported first. The remaining project funds will be provided after a comprehensive mid-stage evaluation of talent utilization outcomes and commercialization potential. Through this, the program aims to foster the internalization of AI technology and establish a foundation for sustainable growth in startups.

Cho Kyungwon, Startup Policy Director at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, "Competitiveness in artificial intelligence technology ultimately begins with people," adding, "Through this AI talent demonstration project, we will actively support startups by connecting them with the talent they need in a timely manner and helping them achieve business outcomes such as advanced product and service development."

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