KT selects 16 AI startups for 'K-PATH 2026' initiative

NBNTV = Kim Min-ho. KT announced on the 20th that it has selected 16 companies for its 'K-PATH 2026' open innovation program, signaling a major push to collaborate with promising AI startups.

K-PATH is a program designed to nurture startups with advanced AI capabilities as strategic partners to explore joint commercialization opportunities. Out of 193 applicants, KT selected the final cohort based on a comprehensive evaluation of technological competitiveness and the potential for generating tangible business results. The selection spans seven categories, including Enterprise AI, Physical AI, and AI Infrastructure.

The selected companies will be paired with relevant business units to pursue customer-centric projects. Starting next month, KT plans to identify 'Quick-win' tasks designed to deliver rapid results. Beyond mere technical verification, KT aims to build a cooperation system that leads to actual commercialization, such as the joint development of smart factories and AI kiosks. Projects with proven success will be expanded into mid-to-long-term joint ventures.

Park Sang-won, Head of KT's AX Business Division, said, "K-PATH is an AX cooperation platform that supports creating results in the actual market and with real customers. By combining KT's experience with the innovative technologies of startups, we will contribute to the growth of the domestic AX ecosystem best."