The Ministry of Science and ICT and the National IT Industry Promotion Agency announced the launch of the 'K-Tech Pioneers (KTP)' initiative on July 10, aimed at supporting the return and collaboration of 20 teams of overseas Korean tech talent in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and aerospace.
KTP is a program designed to attract top talent in national strategic technology sectors. It facilitates the return of highly skilled Korean professionals who have proven their capabilities abroad, helping them to settle into South Korea's advanced industrial ecosystem. Since the first half of this year, recruitment efforts have included roadshows and global networking nights in major cities like Singapore, Seattle, and Sydney.
A total of 20 teams have been selected for the initiative, with 10 teams from the western United States, 6 from the eastern United States, and 4 from Asia. The AI sector represents the largest portion of the selected teams, which also include groups focused on robotics and manufacturing AI, advanced biotechnology, and aerospace.
Approximately 100 attendees participated in the event, including representatives from domestic demand companies such as Hyundai Motor Group, LG Science Park, SK Innovation, Toss, and Kakao Mobility, as well as venture capitalists and corporate venture capital representatives.
The Ministry of Science and ICT and NIPA plan to provide comprehensive support for the selected teams to establish themselves in South Korea. The teams will collaborate with major domestic companies on technology concept verification (PoC) and joint research and development, receiving assistance for technology commercialization. They will also have access to legal, patent, and accounting consulting, as well as investment attraction through connections with venture capital and corporate venture capital, and financial support from the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund to ensure sustainable growth.
Park Tae-wan, Director of the Ministry of Science and ICT's Information and Communication Industry Policy Bureau, expressed hope that the orientation would serve as a starting point for tangible technological collaboration and business outcomes between the selected teams and domestic demand institutions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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