Blab AI
KT Launches K-PATH 2026 to Partner with AI Startups for AX Innovation
On June 22 2026, KT Corporation—South Korea’s largest telecom operator—unveiled a fresh opportunity for domestic AI innovators: the K‑PATH 2026 open‑innovation program.
The initiative invites Korean AI firms to apply for a partnership that could place them at the heart of KT’s AI‑enabled transformation (AX) strategy. K‑PATH follows the 2024 effort that began as KPAS (Korea Promising AI Startups) and highlighted companies such as Oranize, Enhance, Langcode and SelectStar. The new name signals KT’s intent to chart a clear growth path for selected startups and to embed them as long‑term business partners.
KT is looking for startups that can demonstrate expertise in the following core AX technology areas: - AI agent platforms and enterprise AI - Data and data‑for‑AI solutions - Physical AI and robotics - AI infrastructure and foundation models
In addition, firms applying AI to finance, manufacturing, education and public‑service sectors are eligible. Applications can be submitted through KT’s official website until July 12. After a review of the submitted documents, KT will invite chosen companies to present their ideas. Up to 20 winners are expected to be announced in early August.
Selected startups will join KT’s AX business‑partner platform and collaborate with various divisions to explore joint commercial opportunities and execute real‑world customer projects. KT’s multi‑faceted growth program includes: - Joint proof‑of‑concept (PoC) and research‑and‑development collaboration - Go‑to‑market (GTM) initiatives and customer discovery - Investment connections and networking with venture capital and large corporates - Support for participation in domestic and international exhibitions and conferences
Park Sang‑won, Executive Vice‑President of KT’s AX Business Division, described the program as “not merely a startup support program but a platform to identify core partners who will build KT’s future AX business together.” He added that robust collaboration with innovative AI firms will accelerate customer‑centric AX innovation and open new business opportunities.
KT’s launch comes amid a broader push to embed AI across its operations—from network optimization to customer‑service chatbots. By partnering with early‑stage AI firms, KT aims to broaden its portfolio of AI‑driven solutions and strengthen its competitive position in the Korean market.
The program also aligns with government‑backed initiatives that encourage AI startups and corporate partnerships. K‑PATH provides a structured pathway for startups to gain access to a large customer base, industry expertise and potential investment.
The application window closes on July 12, and winners will be announced in early August. Selected companies will begin joint projects with KT shortly thereafter, with the expectation that new AI products and services will be deployed across KT’s fixed‑line, mobile and broadband businesses.
In summary, KT’s K‑PATH 2026 program offers a formal partnership framework for domestic AI startups, providing funding, technical collaboration, market access and networking opportunities. The initiative is part of KT’s broader strategy to embed AI across its operations and to drive innovation in the Korean telecom sector.
The initiative invites Korean AI firms to apply for a partnership that could place them at the heart of KT’s AI‑enabled transformation (AX) strategy. K‑PATH follows the 2024 effort that began as KPAS (Korea Promising AI Startups) and highlighted companies such as Oranize, Enhance, Langcode and SelectStar. The new name signals KT’s intent to chart a clear growth path for selected startups and to embed them as long‑term business partners.
KT is looking for startups that can demonstrate expertise in the following core AX technology areas: - AI agent platforms and enterprise AI - Data and data‑for‑AI solutions - Physical AI and robotics - AI infrastructure and foundation models
In addition, firms applying AI to finance, manufacturing, education and public‑service sectors are eligible. Applications can be submitted through KT’s official website until July 12. After a review of the submitted documents, KT will invite chosen companies to present their ideas. Up to 20 winners are expected to be announced in early August.
Selected startups will join KT’s AX business‑partner platform and collaborate with various divisions to explore joint commercial opportunities and execute real‑world customer projects. KT’s multi‑faceted growth program includes: - Joint proof‑of‑concept (PoC) and research‑and‑development collaboration - Go‑to‑market (GTM) initiatives and customer discovery - Investment connections and networking with venture capital and large corporates - Support for participation in domestic and international exhibitions and conferences
Park Sang‑won, Executive Vice‑President of KT’s AX Business Division, described the program as “not merely a startup support program but a platform to identify core partners who will build KT’s future AX business together.” He added that robust collaboration with innovative AI firms will accelerate customer‑centric AX innovation and open new business opportunities.
KT’s launch comes amid a broader push to embed AI across its operations—from network optimization to customer‑service chatbots. By partnering with early‑stage AI firms, KT aims to broaden its portfolio of AI‑driven solutions and strengthen its competitive position in the Korean market.
The program also aligns with government‑backed initiatives that encourage AI startups and corporate partnerships. K‑PATH provides a structured pathway for startups to gain access to a large customer base, industry expertise and potential investment.
The application window closes on July 12, and winners will be announced in early August. Selected companies will begin joint projects with KT shortly thereafter, with the expectation that new AI products and services will be deployed across KT’s fixed‑line, mobile and broadband businesses.
In summary, KT’s K‑PATH 2026 program offers a formal partnership framework for domestic AI startups, providing funding, technical collaboration, market access and networking opportunities. The initiative is part of KT’s broader strategy to embed AI across its operations and to drive innovation in the Korean telecom sector.
