South Korea\'s Ministry of Science and ICT said on Tuesday it is accepting applications until June 26 for the 2026 AI and extended reality service developer competition. Open to adults, teenagers and startups founded within the past year, the contest has developer and creator categories. Entries are due by Aug. 27, with 33 final winning teams selected on Sept. 22. Winners receive 78 million won in prize money and awards, plus mentoring, devices and other support.

Google positioned itself as an AI partner for South Korean industry, outlining plans to expand adoption from manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor to platforms and media including Kakao and CJ ENM. At a Seoul event, Google Korea CEO Yoon Koo said it would build an AI ecosystem with leading Korean companies. Google also announced an AI skills brand, plans for an AI campus, and showcased robotics and education initiatives using Gemini models.