Seoul AI Hub, run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, has launched a comprehensive Korea-China AI cooperation framework in partnership with two of Shanghai’s premier AI organizations: Zhangjiang Shuzhi Economic Development Co., Ltd. and the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT).

The Seoul-based hub recently traveled to Shanghai to sign memorandums of understanding with key players in the city’s AI ecosystem, creating formal channels to help Seoul AI companies break into the Chinese market and expand their global reach.

The initiative is part of Seoul AI Hub’s broader AI Global Cooperation Program, designed to build meaningful ties with Shanghai—now recognized as one of Asia’s leading AI hubs—while opening doors for promising Korean AI startups looking to expand into China.

Shanghai has become a flagship city for China’s national AI strategy, with massive industrial clusters emerging around autonomous vehicles, robotics, semiconductors, and smart city technologies. These clusters are concentrated in zones like Pudong’s Zhangjiang AI Island, Xuhui’s Xian International AI Center, and Minhang’s Maqiao AI Innovation Demonstration Zone. The city’s infrastructure makes it ideal for collaboration between industry, research institutions, and companies, positioning it as a strategic global AI hub.

Through its partnership with Zhangjiang Shuzhi, which operates a digital economy and AI platform in Shanghai’s Zhangjiang Science City, Seoul AI Hub will facilitate corporate exchanges and joint events, host AI-focused forums and seminars, provide market entry support and mentoring, and strengthen ties across the startup and innovation ecosystem.

The collaboration with CAICT’s China-BRICS National Artificial Intelligence Development Cooperation Center will focus on longer-term initiatives, including building ecosystem partnerships, accelerating technology commercialization, identifying and nurturing innovative companies, and developing joint AI education programs.

During the Shanghai visit, Seoul AI Hub participated in several bilateral events—including the Korea-China Artificial Intelligence Innovation Startup Exchange, an industry matching conference, and an industry roundtable—where it showcased member companies and explored collaboration opportunities. Three Seoul-based firms joined the delegation: AimFuture, 3R Innovation, and SolverX.

The delegation also visited AI research centers, investment firms, incubators, and innovation clusters throughout Shanghai to gain firsthand insight into the local ecosystem and identify concrete opportunities for joint research, pilot programs, and cross-border partnerships.

“This goes beyond typical institutional exchanges,” said Chanjin Park, Director of Seoul AI Hub. “We’ve created a framework that will allow Seoul AI companies to establish real connections in the Chinese market. Moving forward, we’ll expand this collaboration through joint R&D, mutual market entry support, and technology validation assistance.”

Seoul AI Hub plans to sustain momentum through regular Korea-China technology exchanges and networking events, reciprocal visit programs, and the development of collaborative R&D and industry partnership models.