The Ministry of SMEs and Startups, in cooperation with the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), held an information session for AI startups on the AI Basic Act and Government Support on Wednesday at Seoul TIPSTOWN S1. The session aimed to help AI startups better understand the Framework Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and the Creation of a Foundation for Trust and adjust to the new regulatory framework.  
 
The briefing was organized following the entry into force of the AI Basic Act on 22 May and was designed to support AI startups that are directly affected by the new legislation. The event brought together MSS, MSIT, and the Korea Startup Forum to provide practical guidance on regulatory compliance, response strategies, and government support programs, with a focus on the sustainable growth of AI startups.
 
More than 200 executives and employees from AI startups attended the session. The program featured presentations on the key provisions of the AI Basic Act by MSIT, followed by an overview from MSS on policies to promote the adoption and diffusion of AI technologies among small and medium-sized enterprises. Legal perspectives were also shared, with Attorney Junghee Cho, CEO of Decode Law Firm, providing practical guidance on compliance under the new law.
 
The session continued with introductions to major government support programs. The Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) presented the AI Challenge Program, which facilitates collaboration between AI startups and large corporations or public institutions to support the adoption of AI across industries, while also supporting technology demonstration and market access. The Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs (TIPA) introduced the Deep Tech Challenge Project (DCP), a project-based R&D program supporting AI and other deep-tech fields.
 
The event concluded with a presentation on the Startup One-Stop Support Center, operated by KISED, which provides a one-stop service offering legal, accounting, and management support. On-site consultations were also offered to participating startups.
 
In closing remarks, Kyungwon Cho, Director General for Startup Policy at MSS, noted that while the AI Basic Act focuses on promoting the AI industry with only the minimum level of necessary regulation, AI startups may nonetheless feel immediate pressure as the law comes in force.
 
“The Ministry will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to reflect feedback from the field, improve institutional arrangements, and expand support programs,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that AI startups can adapt smoothly and continue to grow under a clear and stable policy framework.”
 
 

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