DEEP-AI Inc., a startup company supported by the Ulsan Ulju Innotown-initiated by UNIST-has been recognized as INNOPOLIS Research Institute Spin-off Company No. 2000. This achievement highlights the success of companies established in Ulsan through the startup support and technology commercialization programs, provided by UNIST.
UNIST is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship among its students and faculty, while also supporting regionally-based startup companies and laying the groundwork for their growth. The success of DEEP-AI Inc. serves as a testament to these efforts.
The idea for DEEP-AI Inc. was conceived by CEO Ki-Soo Kim during his participation in the AI Novatus Academia by UNIST AI Innovation Park. He developed the Internal Royal Inspection System (IRIS) while working at Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP). After receiving startup support and mentoring from the Ulsan Ulju Innotown, he established DEEP-AI Inc. as an in-house venture.
In collaboration with Professor Jaejun Yoo from the Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence at UNIST, DEEP-AI Inc. has engaged in research and development that included AI technology transfer. The support from UNIST has been instrumental in enhancing the technology and reliability of DEEP-AI Inc.
CEO Ki-Soo Kim of DEEP-AI Inc. is introducing the company at the 2024 INNOPOLIS Research Institute Spin-off Company Workshop. Image Credit: Industry Liaison Team, UNIST
The main focus of DEEP-AI Inc. lies in the development of the heat exchanger IRIS, which utilizes AI technology. Traditional inspections varied in accuracy and were time-consuming, often dependent on the skill level of the inspector. In contrast, the IRIS technology by DEEP-AI Inc. analyzes ultrasonic data to detect defects with an accuracy exceeding 95%, while significantly reducing inspection time by over 90%.
DEEP-AI Inc. is also partnering with SK Innovation Inc. to further expand its business. By leveraging data and accumulated expertise from SK Ulsan CLX, the company is extending its operations into the Ulsan Oil Refinery and Petrochemical Complex, where DEEP-AI's technology is being directly applied in the industrial sector to yield tangible results.
CEO Ki-Soo Kim of DEEP-AI Inc. is introducing the company at the World Advanced Vision Expo 2024. l Image Credit: Industry Liaison Team, UNIST
"The achievements of DEEP-AI Inc. exemplify the contribution of UNIST startup support to the growth of local enterprises," stated UNIST President Chong Rae Park. "We remain committed to actively assisting entrepreneurs who will continue to drive innovation in Ulsan."
CEO Ki-Soo Kim also expressed gratitude, saying, "Being designated as INNOPOLIS Research Institute Spin-off Company for No. 2000 is a recognition of DEEP-AI's technology and reliability." He further noted, "We are thankful to UNIST and officials from the Ulsan Ulju Innotown for their unwavering support."
Since its establishment in 2022, DEEP-AI Inc has successfully produced and commercialized prototypes with the backing of UNIST and the Ulsan Ulju Innotown, securing a total of 3.8 billion won in investments from UNIST Holdings Co., Ltd. and Mirae Holdings Ltd., thus continuing its growth trajectory.
Building upon these successes, UNIST plans to intensify its focus on nurturing local startups by enhancing support for entrepreneurial initiatives and technology commercialization efforts.
