[Chosun] CLIWANT Partners with OpenAI
![[Chosun] CLIWANT Partners with OpenAI](/content/images/size/w2000/2025/01/OpenAI-S-Korean-Startups.jpeg)
OpenAI partners with S. Korean prominent start-ups

OpenAI recently hosted the ‘K-Startup and OpenAI Matching Day’ at their headquarters. The event showcased 14 South Korean startups that were selected from a pool of 220 companies.
This selection highlighted OpenAI’s unique initiative to partner with startups from a specific country and showcased the competitiveness of Korean startups in the global AI landscape.
These 14 companies were the finalists chosen by OpenAI from a preliminary competition held in Korea in December under the auspices of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
An official from the Ministry commented, “OpenAI has never before initiated a project to select startups from a specific country as potential partners and invite them to its headquarters,” indicating the considerable competitiveness of Korean startups.

The OpenAI building is a hub of activity, dedicated to the development of the groundbreaking AI model, GPT-5, which is set to supersede its predecessor, GPT-4.
Due to the sensitivity of the technology being developed, the building is particularly vulnerable to industrial espionage and technology leaks. The management has therefore put strict checks in place for visitors, requiring pre-registration in advance. Furthermore, photography, filming, or recording inside the building is strictly prohibited.
The interior space of the OpenAI building has been renovated to resemble a manufacturing plant, with a startup-style openness. The space is also decorated with climbing plants to add a natural touch.
During the matching day event, held at the OpenAI building, the presentation room was filled with about 40 attendees, including startups, representatives from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and OpenAI officials. The panel of judges included influential figures from OpenAI. In a surprise appearance, the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, engaged in a Q&A session with the startup representatives towards the end of the event.

‘Cliwant’, one of the most remarkable startups of the day, faced a series of questions from three out of four judges immediately after their presentation. In the venture investment community, when judges ask intense questions, it is usually seen as a sign of high interest and taken as a positive signal.
Cliwant is working to revolutionize the outdated bidding system with the help of AI. They are developing an AI system that can analyze hundreds of thousands of documents to find the most suitable public notices for companies.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups has announced that 10 companies have been selected for this year’s collaboration program. The decision was made based on the results of OpenAI’s evaluation.
Last year, the program included companies such as Asleep, a sleep tech company; DKMediInfo, a nursing diagnosis recording system developer; and NextPayments, a retail tech company. These companies employed AI technology in various aspects of everyday life.
The global corporate collaboration program partners with big tech companies like Google and Microsoft to support local startups. OpenAI joined the program as a sponsor last June, following Altman’s visit to Korea. The selected 10 companies will receive up to $150 thousand in commercialization funds from the Ministry. Moreover, they will receive support for OpenAI service costs and expert mentoring from OpenAI.
*Media Source: https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2024/03/17/NBDPVTOY35DPZJWSVI7ROBUUS4/