[DigitalToday reporter Jin-ho Lee (이진호)] The National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) said on Tuesday it held the online "Extreme Tech Challenge Korea (XTC Korea) 2026" competition on Aug. 12 in cooperation with Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) and the Global Digital Innovation Network.

The event aims to support promising domestic AI startups in expanding into overseas markets and attracting investment. It focuses on discovering and nurturing innovative companies that can contribute to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while creating commercial value and environmental and social impact.

XTC is a California-based nonprofit startup collaboration group that supports startups' entry into global markets by connecting innovative entrepreneurs with global conglomerates, investors and governments.

Eight startups took part in the competition: CrossHub, eCube Labs, SpaceMap, LillyCover, Omelette, Codepresso, Studio Lab and Jejedu. The companies presented their technological competitiveness and global scalability to an international panel of judges.

Omelette, which uses optimization AI technology to support operational decision-making at industrial sites, took first place and the XTC Applied AI Excellence Award. It provides a service that supports optimal decision-making in companies' complex operational processes based on optimization AI technology researched for more than 10 years at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

Omelette will take part in XTC's main event, "XTC AI:360," to be held in the United States on Nov. 19, where it will showcase its technology. It will also have opportunities to cooperate with and attract investment from global companies such as Samsung and IBM, as well as investors and policymakers.

Kim Hyo-geun (김효근), head of NIPA's global division, said, "We will continue to strengthen relationships with international partner organisations to support promising domestic startups in advancing onto the global stage."