Robots in factories, AI in broadcasting: KT steps up its push into the AX market with startups

[Financial News] KT is accelerating its push into the AI transformation (AX) market, teaming up with AI startups on projects ranging from robot-assisted facility inspections to drama script analysis. The company plans to focus on linking startups’ specialized technologies with its existing businesses, including network and media, and turning them into real-world services.
KT held ‘K-PATH 2026’ at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 20th, unveiling examples of collaboration with AI startups.
K-PATH is a program that identifies startups with strong technological capabilities and develops them into partners for KT’s AX business. Operating since 2024, it has established partnerships with 56 companies to date. About 200 government and industry officials attended the event, including representatives from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud and Hyundai Motor.
Technologies under development by Dime Technology and 3i were presented in the field of physical AI. Dime Technology is preparing a service to support factory operations using robot integration and control technology and digital twins. 3i is developing a public infrastructure (SOC) inspection service in which a robot travels to a site and takes images when signs of an anomaly are detected at a facility, and AI analyzes the condition.
Examples of work automation using AI agents were also unveiled. Sionic AI is developing an AI agent that suggests causes and response measures when a telecommunications network failure occurs, and is testing whether it can be applied to KT’s network operations.
Dalpha presented a solution that uses AI to analyze drama scripts and proposals to support content production planning and investment decisions. KT plans to introduce the technology into its media and content businesses within the group.
Participating startups also demonstrated AI technologies that could be used in KT’s business-to-business and consumer-facing operations. The event featured presentations on startup support programs from global cloud companies, as well as business meetings aimed at attracting investment and identifying new business opportunities.
KT Executive Vice President Park Sang-won, head of its AX Business Division, said, “We will turn AX demand across various industries into new business opportunities and expand an AX ecosystem in which we can grow together with domestic AI companies.”
[email protected] Choi Hye-rim Reporter