AI startups and aspiring founders from across Korea gathered at UNIST with ideas for applying artificial intelligence to challenges in industry, the environment, and local communities. 

Hosted by UNIST Startup Incubation Team and Ulsan Metropolitan City, as part of the Ulsan Startup L (Learn) Series, the 2026 AI Regional Challenge Startup Competition drew 56 startup teams nationwide, with 12 advancing to the final round. Finalists presented technologies ranging from predictive diagnostics for industrial piping to AI tools for hospital staff scheduling and administrative tasks and tomato-harvesting robots. 

Entries were evaluated on technological differentiation and feasibility, growth strategy, and their potential to address regional needs. Everblack Co., Ltd. received the grand prize, the Ulsan Metropolitan City Mayor's Award, while FiberTwin Co., Ltd. received the UNIST President's Award. ProRe Solution and TendyLab received Excellence Awards from UNIST Venture Foundry. The four winning teams will receive tailored support to further develop their technologies and business models.

Additional awards provided pathways to investment and international markets. Rika AI and ProRe Solution received the ARISE Award, which access to an investment support program through Pusan National University. FiberTwin received the UFO Award and an opportunity to participate in an international market-entry program in 2027.

The event also connected finalists with organizations for consultations on funding and business support. Jeenie Kim, CEO of TIM Solution, an Ulsan-based digital twin and industrial AI company, shared practical lessons from building and sustaining a technology startup.

The competition comes shortly after the August launch of UNIST Venture Foundry, which is strengthening the university's technology commercialization and investment activities. UNIST plans to build on partnerships formed through the competition, including Pusan National University, to extend its startup support activities across southeastern Korea.

“This competition connects regional challenges with AI technology and entrepreneurship, while helping promising companies grow through collaboration across regions,” said Director Youngsik Kim of UNIST Venture Foundry. “We will continue working closely with partners across Southeastern Korea to support technology startups from commercialization through their next stages of growth.”