Nebius is a Netherlands-based neocloud provider that secures high-performance computing resources such as graphics processing units (GPUs) at scale to offer cloud services specialized for the training and inference of AI models. Along with CoreWeave, it is rapidly emerging as a major player in the global neocloud market. Unlike general-purpose cloud services, it focuses on supplying AI computing infrastructure such as the latest GPUs and high-speed networks, and counts hyperscalers like Microsoft (MS) and Meta among its clients.
This hackathon is seen as a move to establish its presence among domestic AI developers ahead of a full-scale launch of its Korean business. Participants will compete by submitting AI outputs using Nebius's GPU infrastructure and Nvidia's open-source software, and Nebius will provide participants with credits for its GPU rental service "Token Factory." In effect, it is designed to let developers naturally experience Nebius's services. Nebius's choice of Seoul as a Builders and Brews host city is said to have been driven by its assessment that the country has a deep pool of skilled AI developers.
It is also notable that Nvidia is lending support to the Seoul hackathon. Nvidia holds a 9.3% stake in Nebius and announced plans in March this year to invest $2 billion (about 2.8 trillion won). The two companies have a partnership in providing GPU infrastructure, and companies selected for Nvidia's startup incubation program "Inception" receive $140,000 (about 200 million won) worth of Nebius GPU credits. The Seoul hackathon is expected to introduce the two companies' collaboration and the Inception program, and is likely to include a promotional segment targeting domestic startups.
Nebius's determination to enter the Korean market is evident not only in the hackathon but also in its job postings. Nebius recently posted a job opening for a manager to oversee its Korean business. In the posting, Nebius specified that it is seeking the right person to build a Korean business organization spanning sales, corporate partnerships and marketing overall. It is also currently recruiting a Seoul-based sales position to identify domestic corporate clients.
One IT industry official said, "Usually, overseas tech companies hire Korea-based employees as part of their Asia-Pacific organizations and start their domestic business that way," adding, "Although it's still before establishing a local corporation, Nebius appears to have entered the stage of launching its Korean business."
Domestic startups are also closely watching Nebius's entry into the Korean market. Among them, there is an expectation that, like Nvidia, Google and OpenAI, Nebius will develop its domestic business and set up startup support programs. The head of a first-year startup said, "The most urgent thing for early-stage startups is securing AI computing resources like GPUs," adding, "If Nebius sets up a GPU rental support program for Korean startups, it would greatly help the development of the domestic AI ecosystem."
