On the 26th, it was announced that 'Kakao AI Sail' held the entrepreneur network camp 'Sailing Busan 2026' in Busan on the 21st and 22nd. A total of 50 people participated in this camp, including 40 entrepreneurs in the AI and data fields active outside the capital region, and a professional mentor group of 10 composed of venture investors and senior entrepreneurs.
'Kakao AI Sail' is a private cooperation initiative that combines Kakao Group's technology and business infrastructure with the research and technical capabilities of four major science institutes: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST). Its goal is to revitalize the AI ecosystem in non-capital regions, where AI education and startup infrastructure are lacking compared to the capital region, based on a 50 billion won AI development fund established by Kakao.
'Kakao AI Sail' confirmed through preliminary surveys that what local entrepreneurs actually need is practical connections with investors, fellow entrepreneurs, and others, and thus planned its first event as a network camp.
Unlike typical startup education or investment briefing sessions, this event focused on providing opportunities for regional entrepreneurs experiencing stagnation and burnout during the startup process to recharge. In addition, the program was designed to allow participants to share concerns with mentors in a natural atmosphere, build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, and regain focus on their businesses.
The theme of the camp was 'Rest · Connection · Inspiration.' Participants took free breaks against the backdrop of Busan's seascape and natural scenery while also engaging in programs such as coffee chats and can meetings to revisit business directions together with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs.
Kakao AI Sail plans to continue supporting the formation of human networks among local entrepreneurs by expanding regional touchpoints starting with 'Sailing Busan 2026.' It also intends to further enhance future startup support programs based on feedback from entrepreneurs gathered during this camp.
Kim Young-deok, director of the Kakao AI Sail Center, said, "I hope Sailing Busan becomes an opportunity for local AI entrepreneurs to drop anchor briefly and gain strength to set sail again with colleagues who share similar concerns." He added, "Moving forward, we will create necessary connections starting from the voices of entrepreneurs so that local talent and companies can move toward larger markets."
in TECH
