KT Corp launches K-PATH 2026 to find AI startup partners for customer transformation

KT Corp is searching for AI startups to partner with on AI transformation, or AX, initiatives aimed at its customers. The company plans to work with promising startups that have strong AX technology capabilities to create new customer-centered business opportunities.

KT announced Sunday the launch of applications for K-PATH 2026, its open innovation program. K-PATH is designed to cultivate AI startups as AX business partners, carry out joint projects and expand commercialization opportunities.

According to KT, the program began in 2024 under the name KPAS and has since identified promising companies including Allganize, Inhance, Langcode and Selectstar. This year, KT renamed it K-PATH, reflecting its goal of building a path to growth together with promising AI companies.

The call for applications targets domestic AI startups with capabilities in AI agent platforms and enterprise AI, data and data-for-AI, physical AI and robotics, and AI infrastructure and foundation models. Companies driving AI innovation in industries such as finance, manufacturing, education and the public sector are also eligible.

Applications are open through July 12 on the program's official website. KT will conduct document screening and presentation evaluations before announcing the final selections in early August. Up to 20 companies will be chosen.

Selected firms will gain access to KT's AX business partner platform, where they can collaborate with various business units to explore joint opportunities and take part in actual customer projects.

KT plans to offer selected companies a range of growth programs, including joint proof-of-concept and R&D collaboration, go-to-market support and customer development, investment linkage, networking opportunities between venture firms and large corporations, and support for participation in domestic and international exhibitions and conferences.

"K-PATH is more than a startup support program — it is a platform for finding the core partners who will help shape KT's future AX business," said Park Sang-won, head of KT's AX Business Division. "Through collaboration with AI startups, we will accelerate our customers' AX transformation and create new business opportunities."