Hana Bank, SK Telecom to support AI startups

South Korea's Hana Bank and SK Telecom Co. held the final selection and inauguration ceremony for the second AI Startup Accelerator BootCamp at SparkPlus Coex in Gangnam, Seoul.

This AI startup accelerator program is a joint initiative between Hana Financial Group and SK Telecom to foster innovation and growth in the AI sector.

Launched in July 2023, it aims to promote youth entrepreneurship and new growth through financial and ICT cooperation.

Out of over 230 applicants, 15 startups were chosen for their excellence in generative AI, data, security, and facial recognition.

The selected startups will receive free office space and infrastructure, including 162 desks (430 square meters) at SparkPlus Coex in Samseong-dong.

They will also gain collaboration opportunities with Hana Financial Group and SK Telecom, mentoring, investment reviews, and participation in demo days and external IR events for 12 months.

In the first AI Startup Accelerator BootCamp, the participating startups attracted about 23 billion won ($16.64 million) in investments, engaged in seven collaborations with Hana Financial and SK Telecom, and won eight awards, including two CES 2024 Innovation Awards.

Write to Bo-Hyung Kim at kph21c@hankyung.com