Industrial AI company NC AI is joining hands with the InnoBiz Association to accelerate small and mid-sized companies' shift to AI.

NC AI said on Jan. 22 it signed a memorandum of understanding with the InnoBiz Association on Jan. 21 to strengthen SMEs' competitiveness in using AI. The signing ceremony was held at NC AI's headquarters in Pangyo, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. It was attended by NC AI CEO Yeon-soo Lee (이연수), InnoBiz Association Chairman Kwang-cheon Jeong (정광천) and other key officials.

The agreement aims to combine NC AI's technology with the InnoBiz Association's network of about 23,000 member companies to build an AX standard model applicable to SMEs. The two sides agreed to go beyond a simple technology rollout and set up a system focused on practical effectiveness that reflects each industry's structure and work characteristics.

NC AI proposed a "DomainOps" approach to address SMEs' labor shortages and cost burdens. The strategy incorporates industry expertise and on-site data across AI model design and operations. Unlike general-purpose AI, it can be implemented in a way optimised for each industry's characteristics. It also applies a structure that can run with minimal infrastructure resources, providing an environment that can be adopted without large-scale investment.

The two sides will support the discovery and expansion of purpose-fit AI models through the agreement. They plan to review tailored solutions based on industry type, company size and digital level. They also plan joint campaigns such as AI-related seminars and training.

NC AI CEO Yeon-soo Lee said, "The core of AI transformation is not the technology itself, but how deeply you understand and reflect the industry's context and the field." He added, "We will be a practical partner that helps domestic SMEs secure global competitiveness."

InnoBiz Association Chairman Kwang-cheon Jeong said, "AI is a new opportunity and a key growth engine for both InnoBiz companies and member firms." He added, "We will continue to cooperate so that AI can effectively take root in industrial sites in line with each company's situation."