SK Telecom recruits startups for 'SKTCH with AI,' first to introduce an 'AI reviewer'
SK telecom
Launch of SKTCH with AI and recruitment schedule
SK Telecom announced that it has launched 'SKTCH with AI,' a startup discovery and nurturing program in the AI sector, and will accept applications from participating startups from July 21 to August 18. 'SKTCH' is a platform operated by SK Telecom to discover promising startups and strengthen collaboration. The name combines SKT and Tech, reflecting the idea of SK Telecom and startups shaping the future together.
Selection scale and support measures
Through 'SKTCH with AI,' SKT aims to connect its AI technology, infrastructure, and business capabilities with startups and grow together. The company plans to select 15 firms, taking into account each startup's AI competitiveness and potential for collaboration with SKT. Selected startups will receive customized support for six months, including mentoring and seminars from top domestic experts, collaboration with SKT and support for business advancement, participation in domestic and overseas exhibitions, business infrastructure such as office space, and opportunities to attract investment from venture capital firms and related organizations. Startups wishing to participate can apply through the 'SKTCH' website (sktch.sktelecom.com) until August 18.
Selection process using an AI reviewer
An AI agent called 'AI reviewer,' developed by SKT, will also take part in the evaluation process for this 'SKTCH with AI' startup selection. SKT expects this to speed up screening and improve consistency in evaluations. The company also plans to continue upgrading the AI agent so that AI can pre-screen areas where clear judgments are possible, while people focus their expertise on areas that require more detailed review.
Results of SKTCH for Good and future direction
In 'SKTCH for Good,' an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) startup discovery and nurturing program launched by SKT in April, 13 companies were selected on July 8 after competing against more than 10-to-1 odds. The selected firms included nine in digital inclusion and care, three in climate disaster response, and one in digital crime prevention. SKT said AI technology is being used more widely among ESG startups, and that more companies are working on solutions for seniors and one-person households amid an aging society.
Um Jong-hwan, head of SKT's Chief Sustainability Officer division, said, "When SKT's AI technology and capabilities meet the innovative ideas of startups, they can create even greater synergy." He added, "As an AI partner that grows together with startups, we will continue expanding the collaborative ecosystem for the future of our society."
Who: SK Telecom (CEO Jung Jae-heon)
When: Applications open from July 21, 2026, to August 18, 2026
Where: SKTCH website (sktch.sktelecom.com)
What: Launch of 'SKTCH with AI,' a startup discovery and nurturing program in the AI sector, and selection of 15 participating startups
How: Customized six-month support, including mentoring and seminars from top domestic experts, collaboration with SKT and support for business advancement, participation in domestic and overseas exhibitions, business infrastructure such as office space, and opportunities to attract investment from venture capital firms and related organizations, with the AI agent 'AI reviewer' participating in the selection process
Why: To connect AI technology, infrastructure, and business capabilities with startups for mutual growth, and to continue expanding the collaborative ecosystem as an AI partner growing together with startups
Q1. What support does the SKTCH with AI program provide to selected startups?
'SKTCH with AI' is a startup discovery and nurturing program in the AI sector launched by SK Telecom. Selected startups will receive six months of customized support, including expert mentoring and seminars, collaboration with SKT and support for business advancement, participation in domestic and overseas exhibitions, business infrastructure, and opportunities to attract investment.
Q2. Which company operates the startup discovery and nurturing program in the AI sector?
SK Telecom has launched 'SKTCH with AI,' a startup discovery and nurturing program in the AI sector. SKT plans to select 15 companies with the goal of connecting AI technology, infrastructure, and business capabilities with startups for mutual growth.
Q3. Which program has introduced AI agent-based screening in the startup selection process?
In the selection process for SK Telecom's 'SKTCH with AI,' the AI agent 'AI reviewer' developed by SKT will participate in the evaluation. SKT expects this to speed up screening and improve consistency in evaluations.
This content was prepared by MaeKyung Biz Content Planning Team based on official announcements and press releases.
