AI & Enterprise
AI startups need markets, not technology; government should be first customer
Industry participants at the AXIS 2026 conference in Seoul said AI startups lack markets and first customers rather than ideas or technology, and urged the government to play an early-market role. Korea Startup Forum Chairman Jae-won Kim (김재원) said Korea has the layers needed for an AI powerhouse but needs the government to act as a customer. Companies cited public demand, regulation and domains such as defence and disaster response. Officials and lawmakers voiced support for first-use and purchase projects.
