SK Telecom (017670.KS) said on the 26th that it will provide startups with an application programming interface (API) based on its own artificial intelligence (AI) model. The aim is to help them easily develop and validate AI services.
SK Telecom is participating in the "2026 Challenge for All AX (AI Transformation)-Large Language Model (LLM)" hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. The Challenge for All is a program that supports technology demonstration and market entry for innovative startups in key strategic fields such as AI, robotics, defense, bio, and climate tech.
Seven demand companies with their own LLMs are participating in the challenge. SK Telecom said it received the most collaboration applications from startups among these demand companies. It then selected three companies for collaboration through a review process involving external experts: Team Limited, Purcelly, and Devall Company. Team Limited operates a personalized shopping curation agent based on a receipt platform, while Purcelly is a company providing AI-based influencer marketing and promotion automation solutions. Devall Company provides an AI solution for managing overdue debt.
SK Telecom will provide the A.X K1 API to startups until the end of this year. It will also support service enhancement and commercialization validation in connection with its startup accelerating program. Um Jong-hwan, head of SK Telecom's Sustainability Management Office, said, "Through collaboration with startups, we will expand the scope of application of SK Telecom's proprietary AI model and contribute to invigorating the domestic AI ecosystem."
