Kakao AI Sail Connects AI Entrepreneurs Outside the Capital Region, Holds First Network Camp in Busan

[Financial News] Kakao Corp.'s regional artificial intelligence (AI) talent and startup support organization, Kakao AI Sail, held its first offline event connecting AI entrepreneurs outside the capital region with investors and veteran founders. The group plans to expand entrepreneurs' personal networks in the region and refine its startup support programs by reflecting feedback from the field.
Kakao AI Sail said on the 26th that it held its first offline event for regional AI entrepreneurs, 'Sailing Busan 2026,' from the 21st to the 22nd. A total of 50 people took part, including 40 entrepreneurs in the AI and data sectors working outside the capital region and a 10-member panel of expert mentors made up of venture investors and veteran founders.
Kakao AI Sail was launched to expand AI education and startup infrastructure outside the capital region, based on a 50 billion won AI development fund created by Kakao Corp.
Through a preliminary survey, Kakao AI Sail found that regional entrepreneurs needed more opportunities to interact with investors and fellow founders. It therefore designed the first event as a networking camp. Instead of a typical startup training session or investor presentation, the program focused on helping founders who were going through a slump recharge and reassess their business direction.
Under the theme of "rest, connection and inspiration," the camp featured programs such as coffee chats and can meetings. Participants discussed business challenges with mentors, exchanged ideas with peer founders and explored future business directions.
Starting with this event, Kakao AI Sail plans to broaden its contact with entrepreneurs across regions and continue programs that support the formation of personal networks. It also intends to incorporate feedback gathered at the camp into future startup support programs.
Kim Young-deok, head of Kakao AI Sail, said, "We will continue to create the connections needed for regional talent and companies to move into larger markets, starting from the voices of entrepreneurs."


[email protected] Choi Hye-rim Reporter