[Edaily Reporter Han Kwangbeom ] Kakao(035720)is establishing an innovation hub in Busan where local artificial intelligence (AI) talent, entrepreneurs, and companies can engage in ongoing exchange. The plan is to build a platform that goes beyond a simple workspace or co-working facility to connect everything from AI education to entrepreneurship, research, commercialization, and the AI transformation (AX) of local industries.

According to industry sources on the 27th, Kakao’s “AI Mott” task force has begun construction of the “Kakao AI Mott Center” within Asti Busan (Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan), located near Busan Station. Asti Busan, situated in the Busan Station plaza, is a space that combines meeting rooms for startups with venues for training and networking.

Aiming for completion by the end of the year, the AI Sail Center is set to combine Kakao’s technological and business infrastructure with the research and educational capabilities of the four major science and technology institutes to nurture local AI talent and support startups, joint research, and technology commercialization.

The center’s operational model also differs from existing startup support centers. Kakao AI Mott recognized that traditional startup support spaces—which focus primarily on tenant placement, facility rentals, and management—have limitations in fostering meaningful interaction between talent and companies and generating tangible business results. Accordingly, the company plans to utilize the AI Mott Center not merely as a workspace, but as a “platform for the regional AI ecosystem” where talent, entrepreneurs, investors, and companies can meet and collaborate on an ongoing basis.

First, the center will feature work and collaboration spaces where entrepreneurs and researchers can focus on individual tasks or work together on projects. The space will be equipped with facilities for remote meetings and online content streaming, and designed to be flexibly adapted for various programs such as mentoring and seminars. Additionally, the center will include a showcase highlighting Kakao’s AI technologies and a space for sharing research achievements from the four major science and technology institutes.

Startup and talent development programs will also be offered on an ongoing basis. Kakao plans to offer programs at the AI Mott Center that support the growth of local entrepreneurs and talent, including startup boot camps, AX joint research, proof of concept (PoC), demo days, and technical mentoring.

AX projects in collaboration with local companies are another key function of the center. This approach involves identifying challenges in BusanIndustrial’s key industries—such as ports, logistics, tourism, and manufacturing—and finding solutions by combining the deep tech capabilities of the science and technology institutes with Kakao’s AI technology. Through this, the center aims to support the AI transformation of existing companies while also uncovering new business and startup opportunities.

Kakao AI Mott’s long-term strategy is to develop the AI Mott Center into a permanent hub connecting Busan’s AI education, research, and startup ecosystems. By providing experience in solving real-world problems faced by local companies, the center aims to foster a virtuous cycle where talented individuals, having gained experience, go on to start their own businesses, thereby promoting AX among local companies and revitalizing regional industries. The plan is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem where AI talent, technology, and capital—currently concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area—can circulate within the region as well.

Kakao AI Mott selected Busan as its first candidate location because it can simultaneously leverage the southeastern region’s industrial infrastructure, talent, and pilot testing environment. Kakao stated, “We selected Busan as our first AI innovation hub because we determined it is well-suited for AI technology validation and commercialization, given its diverse industrial base spanning manufacturing, tourism, and maritime sectors,” adding, “Centered on the Busan hub, we will connect local companies, science and technology institutes, and AI startups to expand AX across the regional industry.”