Seoul turns capital into giant test bed for startups

An artificial intelligence-powered filming robot developed by Studio Lab / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

Seoul is throwing open its parks, bridges, hospitals and public squares to startups, betting that the city itself can become ground for the next generation of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and smart infrastructure technologies.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Thursday that it will recruit 20 companies for the second round of its “Testbed Seoul” program, an initiative that allows startups to test new technologies in real urban environments before entering domestic and overseas markets.

Applications are being accepted through July 9.

The city said it plans to invest 8.6 billion won ($5.7 million) this year across 43 projects designed to help startups commercialize technologies ranging from AI care systems to smart transportation services for vulnerable commuters.

Officials said the program, first launched in 2018, was created to address one of the biggest hurdles facing startups: the lack of opportunities to test technologies in real-world conditions.

Under the expanded “Testbed Seoul 2.0” initiative, the city said companies will gain broader access to public infrastructure through what officials described as a “negative regulation” approach, allowing most projects unless specifically restricted.

The city has also expanded its overseas testing program from three projects to five and added Germany as a new testing destination.

Seoul officials said selected companies would work with Germany’s Fraunhofer research organization and certification firm TÜV SÜD to support entry into European markets.

Examples from previous projects include AI-powered camera robots at Seoul Sky in Lotte World Tower, wearable rehabilitation robots for cerebral palsy patients at Korea University Anam Hospital and AI road inspection sensors deployed in Bangkok.

Selected companies can receive up to 200 million won each, along with access to public testing sites, including Gwanghwamun Square, Banpo Hangang Park and Cheonggye Stream.

Lee Soo-yeon, head of Seoul’s Economic Policy Office, said the city would continue helping startups verify technologies and expand into global markets through real-world testing opportunities.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.