Daegu AI Hub: New ‘AI Techport’ to Fuel Startup Growth

Daegu AI Hub: New ‘AI Techport’ to Fuel Startup Growth

February 17, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

A new artificial intelligence (AI) hub, ‘AI Tech-Port,’ is slated to open in the Dongdaegu Venture Valley in South Korea. The project, a collaboration between the city of Daegu and the Ministry of Science and ICT, aims to foster an environment where citizens can readily utilize AI and where new AI-driven businesses can develop and thrive.

A Hub for AI Innovation

AI Tech-Port is envisioned as a comprehensive AI hub, supporting all stages from education and service development to testing and startup creation. The concept behind the name, ‘Tech-Port,’ is to represent a gateway for the wave of AI entrepreneurship. The initiative seeks to create a virtuous cycle where citizens can experience AI services and translate their ideas into viable businesses.

Investment and Infrastructure

The project will receive a total investment of 20 billion Korean won (approximately $15.6 million USD) by 2030, with 15 billion won coming from the national government and 5 billion won from the city of Daegu. The physical location will be within the ‘Dongdaegu Station Venture Valley Working Station,’ currently under renovation from the former Dongbu Fire Station, with completion expected in June.

Did You Know? The AI Tech-Port is designed to support three key areas: citizen AI education, AI service development for university students and entrepreneurs, and the creation of a permanent AI infrastructure with education, experience, and community spaces.

Three Pillars of Development

The initiative will focus on three primary areas. First, customized AI education and experience programs will be offered to citizens, promoting the widespread adoption of ‘Living AI.’ Second, AI service development and testing will be supported for university students, prospective entrepreneurs, and working professionals. Finally, a permanent infrastructure, including AI education and experience facilities, development resources, and community spaces, will be established for ongoing operation.

The project is expected to synergize with the ‘Daegu Leading AI Transformation Project,’ selected last year, to accelerate the integration of AI across regional industries. Collaboration with the 1,500+ software companies concentrated in Suseong Alpha City is also anticipated, potentially boosting the growth of AI startups, strengthening their competitiveness, and creating job opportunities.

Expert Insight: The creation of a dedicated AI hub like Tech-Port signals a strategic commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth through the development and adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. By providing a comprehensive ecosystem – from education to commercialization – Daegu aims to position itself as a key player in the evolving AI landscape.

According to Jeong Ui-gwan, Director of Daegu City’s Future Innovation Growth Bureau, “We will foster the Dongdaegu Venture Valley as a core base for the AI startup ecosystem and leap forward as an AI-based city where citizens and companies grow together.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the AI Tech-Port?

The primary goal is to create an environment where citizens can utilize AI in their daily lives and to systematically support the development and launch of AI-based businesses.

When is the physical infrastructure expected to be completed?

The ‘Dongdaegu Station Venture Valley Working Station,’ which will house the AI Tech-Port, is expected to be completed in June.

Who will be responsible for selecting the regional implementing agency for the project?

The Korea Intelligent Information Society Agency (NIA) will be responsible for selecting the regional implementing agency after March.

As the AI Tech-Port takes shape, will Daegu successfully establish itself as a leading hub for AI innovation and entrepreneurship?