FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                     
March 21, 2025                                  
Policy Direction for Nurturing and Supplying AI Talent in SMEs and Startups

SEJONG – The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) held a meeting to discuss personnel policies aimed at promoting the utilization and expansion of AI in South Korea. The event, held at Tipstown S1 in Seoul on March 20, was attended by over 20 participants, including Minister Oh Youngju, representatives from domestic AI startups, manufacturing AI companies, and industry experts.

As global recognition grows that securing top-tier AI talent is crucial for technological competitiveness, competition among leading tech companies worldwide to attract and retain AI experts has intensified. In response, major global tech giants are ramping up efforts to provide training that enhances the AI capabilities of their employees.

The government recently outlined a comprehensive strategy for advancing South Korea's goal of becoming one of the top three AI powerhouses globally during the 3rd National AI Committee meeting in February 2025. During the National AI Committee meeting, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) unveiled the ‘Ways to Utilize and Expand AI through the Cultivation of AI Startups.’ Today’s meeting aimed to explore specific policy directions for nurturing and supplying exceptional talent to AI startups and manufacturing AI companies.

The session began with a presentation by Deputy Research Fellow Min Soon-hong from the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, who discussed the ‘Current Status and Challenges of Talent Development in the AI Era.’ He highlighted the challenges faced by companies adopting AI, the current state of the workforce, and the government’s ongoing AI-related policies.

The subsequent discussion focused on a variety of policy initiatives, including strengthening industry-academic cooperation between startups and universities through AI project-based learning, creating programs to enhance the AI capabilities of existing employees, and introducing government support measures to attract and retain top-tier AI talent.

Yoo Young-joon, COO of Wrtn Technologies, emphasized the need to strengthen visa policies and settlement support to attract top-tier AI talent from overseas. He also called for expanding R&D support for AI startups to facilitate the influx of talent for innovative projects. SEO Ji-ho, COO of Klleon, highlighted the importance of fostering talent exchanges between large corporations and startups. He suggested implementing AI talent exchange programs and joint R&D initiatives, alongside enhancing the compensation system for startups by expanding stock option offerings.

KIM Yoo-chul, Director of LG AI Research, underscored that creating a growth-oriented environment is crucial for nurturing AI talent. He proposed that organizations focus on enhancing the capabilities of existing employees through project-based, hands-on training to ensure continuous skill development.

Minister Oh Youngju emphasized, “In order to foster nationally representative AI startups and secure leadership in both AI technology and markets, attracting top-tier AI talent must be a priority.” She further stated, “The government is committed to supporting exceptional talent, ensuring it grows alongside startups and manufacturing AI companies, and paving the way for the emergence of unicorn companies.”