OpenAI’s activity in Korea has intensified since 2025, with initiatives like DevDay Exchange Seoul, a MoU with the Ministry of Science and ICT, and involvement in AroundX to connect Korean startups with multinationals for PoCs and market expansion.

The VC-linked collaboration model targets startups with demonstrated financial validation and operational readiness to reduce risk and accelerate partnerships.

OpenAI is deepening its presence in Korea by engaging with Altos Ventures and in discussions with SBVA and Atinum Investment, signaling a broader push to embed in Korea’s venture ecosystem.

The Korea strategy is expanding through partnerships with leading VC firms to gain access to Korea’s early-stage AI startups that have investor validation and potential for global scale.

A joint workshop is planned for January 21, 2026 at Korea Investment Partners' Asem Tower in Seoul, bringing KIP-backed startups together with OpenAI APAC leadership to discuss joint development, technical collaboration, and potential commercial linkages.

The strategy signals a shift from pure enterprise integration to co-development with local innovators, potentially speeding localization and commercialization of OpenAI technologies in Korea and beyond.

Participating startups include FuriosaAI, Twelve Labs, Sionic AI, Asteromorph, and Genesis Lab, covering areas from semiconductor acceleration to multimodal learning and generative modeling.

This approach aligns with Korea’s AI Transformation (AX) Program and the government’s aim to become a Top Three global AI powerhouse, framing Korea as a live testbed for global AI integration and commercialization.