SK Innovation E&S will bring together university students from South Korea and Indonesia for an AI-focused hackathon designed to solve real business challenges and encourage startup innovation.
The company announced that it will host the "I'm in Busan Impact Hackathon" on Sept. 5 at the Busan Center for Creative Economy & Innovation. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 6.
The event is open to Korean and Indonesian undergraduate and graduate students living in Busan. About 20 teams will be selected to participate in the program.
Before the main competition, participants will receive AI training and mentoring from industry experts for about a month. They will then present AI-based solutions to real business issues submitted by companies participating in the "I'm in Busan" initiative.
The program is designed to create practical value for both students and businesses. Companies will gain fresh ideas for business innovation and overseas expansion, particularly in Southeast Asia, while students will have the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and gain hands-on experience working with industry.
The hackathon is part of "I'm in Busan," an ESG initiative launched by SK Innovation E&S in 2024 to support local startups and raise public awareness of energy and environmental issues. The company has also expanded the program internationally through MAJU:ON, a startup support initiative for young entrepreneurs in Indonesia that provides entrepreneurship training, networking opportunities, and investment support.
Following the hackathon, SK Innovation E&S will hold a Korea-Indonesia Climate Tech Conference from Sept. 7 and organize a tour of Busan's startup ecosystem for outstanding MAJU:ON teams, further promoting collaboration between young innovators from the two countries.
An SK Innovation E&S official said the company hopes the program will enable students to apply AI to real business challenges while exploring opportunities to turn innovative ideas into commercial ventures.
The company added that it will continue supporting international cooperation and startup ecosystems as part of its efforts to foster sustainable innovation and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.
