The Korea AI Association held a meeting at the National Assembly on Oct. 26 with Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee to support exports by artificial intelligence (AI) startups. The participants discussed policy directions and public-private cooperation measures to help domestic AI startups enter global markets.

According to the association, participants focused on the importance of a support system that leads to actual exports and commercialization. They noted that in addition to securing technological capabilities, it is important to identify demand overseas, connect with local partners and secure business opportunities by industry to strengthen the global competitiveness of domestic AI companies.

Overseas business models that apply AI technology to traditional infrastructure sectors such as road traffic, ports, airports, apartments and housing, and water resources were handled as key items for review.

The Korea AI Association plans to identify AI demand by industry based on the technologies and business capabilities of its member companies. It also plans to support expanded overseas business opportunities by connecting them with demand-side organisations and cooperation partners.

Kim Geon-hoon (김건훈), executive vice chairman of the Korea AI Association, said, "The global competitiveness of AI companies is completed not only by the excellence of the technology itself, but by finding and connecting the industries and markets that need it and leading to actual business results." He said the association will strengthen policy communication with the National Assembly and related organisations, identify demand by industry and expand links with cooperation partners so that the technologies and business capabilities of member companies can lead beyond innovation in domestic industry to entry into global markets.