Ten Korean AI and digital companies are preparing to establish a foothold in New York, an emerging hub for global entrepreneurship alongside Silicon Valley. Backed by the Ministry of Science and ICT’s (MSIT) AI·Digital Business Partnership program, these Korean AI startups will gain access to New York University’s infrastructure, specialized acceleration programs, and U.S. investor networks as they work to scale globally.
MSIT Expands Support to Help Korean AI Startups Enter U.S. Market
On August 24, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced the selection of 10 startups for the second half of the AI·Digital Business Partnership program, designed to help Korean AI and digital firms expand into the United States.
The initiative builds on momentum from the first half of 2025, where participating startups secured 13 local contracts and agreements and filed three U.S. intellectual property applications (two patents, one trademark).
MSIT established the Global AI Frontier Lab at New York University (NYU) in September 2024 as a hub for AI research collaboration and startup support. Since then, the lab has served as a bridge for Korean firms looking to test solutions, connect with industry stakeholders, and strengthen their presence on the U.S. East Coast.
Ten Korean AI Startups Selected for New York Expansion
This second-half cohort was chosen from 27 applicants through expert evaluation and consultations with NYU, resulting in a competitive ratio of 2.7:1.
The final list includes:
These companies represent sectors spanning edtech, healthcare, marketing, video, and content solutions. Their participation reflects Korea’s growing breadth of AI-driven innovation with direct application to global markets.
Training, Showcase, and Networking
The selected startups will spend eight weeks (August 25 – October 23) enrolled in the NYU Stern AI acceleration program (AIIA), gaining tailored mentoring and exposure to the U.S. market environment.
Afterward, they will complete an additional four weeks focused on localized solution development, investor networking, and follow-up activities to strengthen their overseas expansion strategies.
Promising companies from both the first- and second-half cohorts will also showcase their technologies at KOOM (Dream), a Korean startup networking event scheduled for October 16–18 in New York.
The event provides opportunities for exhibition booths, forums, and investor engagement, amplifying visibility among U.S. stakeholders and diaspora communities.
Insights from Participants and Policy Leaders
At a joint consultation session held on August 22 with both first- and second-half participants, early-stage companies emphasized the importance of hands-on mentoring and local ecosystem exposure. Some noted challenges around scheduling and local corporate visits but underscored the value of practical system experience.
Second-half participants highlighted the significance of having a government-backed base at NYU, enabling them to connect not only with technology circles but also with wider academic and industry networks in areas such as media, film, and healthcare.
Park Tae-wan, Director General of Information and Communication Industry Policy at MSIT, stated:
“We will ensure the program is operated with greater depth so that it can deliver real, tangible benefits for participating companies.”
Strengthening Positions of Korean Startups in Global AI Landscape
The program reflects Korea’s broader strategy to diversify its startup presence beyond Silicon Valley, tapping into New York’s growing role as a global startup hub. By combining structured government support, academic partnerships at NYU, and direct access to investors, the initiative illustrates how Korean startups can position themselves more competitively in the international AI landscape.
As the selected Korean AI startups embark on the program this fall, their progress will provide valuable insight into how Korea’s AI innovators adapt to the U.S. market — and how targeted public-private initiatives can accelerate global startup expansion.
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