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A poster for the "K-PATH 2026" contest. / KT

KT is looking to discover startups to drive customer AI transformation (AX) innovation together.

On the 22nd, KT announced that it has begun accepting applications for its open innovation program, "K-PATH 2026."

The core objective of K-PATH is to nurture startups equipped with AI capabilities as the company's AX business partners and to expand various commercialization opportunities through the execution of collaborative projects.

The program initially launched in 2024 under the name "KPAS (Korea Promising AI Startups)" and has since discovered promising companies including Allganize, Enhance, Langcode, and Selectstar. This year, the name was changed to "K-PATH," embodying the meaning that the company is carving out a path to growth alongside promising AI enterprises.

KT is recruiting South Korean AI startups with robust capabilities in core AX technology sectors. The company explained that enterprises driving AI innovation across various industrial sites, such as finance, manufacturing, education, and the public sector, are also eligible for selection.

Applications will be accepted through the official website until the 12th of next month. Following document screenings and presentation evaluations, KT plans to announce the final selected companies in early August, with the selection scale capped at a maximum of 20 enterprises.

The selected companies will join KT's AX business partner platform to collaborate with various business divisions, explore joint business opportunities, and execute actual customer projects.

"This is a platform designed to discover core partners who will shape the future of KT's AX business together," said Park Sang-won, Head of KT's AX Business Group. "Through solid cooperation with innovative AI startups, we will accelerate our customers' AX innovation and continue to create new business opportunities."

                                                                                                              Choi In-gyu