The useful question is what changes for users, developers or buyers, and whether the announcement stays industry context or becomes something people can actually use.

SK Telecom announced on the 26th that it will support three domestic startups with API access to its A.X K1 model, developed under the government’s independent AI foundation project. The initiative is part of the ‘2026 AX-LLM Challenge,’ led by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, which aims to facilitate collaboration between startups and large enterprises using domestic AI models. SK Telecom’s participation follows the completion of the A.X K1 model last year, designed to expand practical applications and gather diverse use cases.

The program selects startups through a competitive process involving seven enterprise partners, each with their own large language models. SK Telecom received the highest number of collaboration applications and, after evaluation with external experts, selected three startups: TeamLimited, Purcell, and DevAllCompany. TeamLimited operates a receipt-based personalized shopping curation agent, Purcell specializes in AI-driven influencer marketing automation, and DevAllCompany provides AI solutions for delinquent debt management.

Under the agreement, SK Telecom will provide the A.X K1 API to the selected startups through the end of the year. The collaboration includes support through SK Telecom’s startup acceleration program, ‘SKTCH with AI,’ to enhance services and validate commercial viability. Each startup will develop and test AI services tailored for real-world customer interactions during the pilot period.

SK Telecom stated that the partnerships aim to broaden the application of its proprietary AI model while contributing to the growth of Korea’s AI ecosystem. Eom Jong-hwan, head of SK Telecom’s Sustainable Management Division, emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding collaboration with startups to strengthen domestic AI innovation.