[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] “Kakao AI Mott,” a Kakao ( Kakao(035720)) initiative to foster local artificial intelligence (AI) talent and companies, held its first in-person event in Busan and has set out to build a local AI startup ecosystem.

Kakao announced on the 26th that Kakao AI Mott held the entrepreneur networking camp “Sailing Busan 2026” in Busan from the 21st to the 22nd.

A total of 50 people participated in this camp, including 40 entrepreneurs in the AI and data fields active outside the Seoul metropolitan area, as well as 10 expert mentors comprising venture capitalists and seasoned entrepreneurs.

Kakao AI Mott is a private-sector collaborative initiative that combines the Kakao Group’s technology and business infrastructure with the research and technical capabilities of the four major science and technology institutes—the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DG-ITX), and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)—to support the development of regional AI talent and corporate growth. Building on a 50 billion won AI development fund established by Kakao, the initiative aims to revitalize the AI ecosystem in non-metropolitan regions, where AI education and startup infrastructure are less developed than in the Seoul metropolitan area.

This event was planned based on preliminary survey results indicating that the support local entrepreneurs need most is meaningful connections with investors and fellow entrepreneurs. Rather than offering generic startup training or investment briefings, the event focused on providing local entrepreneurs—who often experience slumps and burnout during the startup process—with an opportunity to recharge.

The camp’s theme was “Rest, Connection, and Inspiration.” Against the backdrop of Busan’s ocean and natural scenery, participants relaxed while sharing business concerns with mentors and building relationships with fellow entrepreneurs through programs such as “coffee chats” and “can meetings.” A “can meeting” is a meeting format where participants step away from their usual workplaces, disconnect from the outside world, and engage in informal, free-flowing discussions on predetermined topics.

Jo Eun-woo, CEO of Nbigen, who participated in the event, said, “I applied because I saw it as an opportunity to step away from my daily routine—which had been entirely focused on research and work—and recharge.” She added, “It was a meaningful experience because I was able to gain the insights needed to chart the future direction of my business through conversations with experienced entrepreneurs and investors.”

Kakao AI Mott plans to continue its programs supporting the formation of professional networks among local entrepreneurs and expand its regional reach, starting with Sailing Busan 2026. It also plans to refine its future startup support programs based on the feedback received from entrepreneurs at this camp.

Kim Young-deok, Director of Kakao AI Mot, said, “I hope Sailing Busan served as an opportunity for local AI entrepreneurs to drop anchor for a moment and gain the strength to set sail again alongside peers facing similar challenges.” He added, “Moving forward, we will continue to build the necessary connections—starting from the voices of entrepreneurs—to help local talent and companies expand into larger markets.”