Recognized for Technological Advancements and Business Expansion
DEEP-AI Inc., a startup supported by Ulsan Ulju Innotown and initiated by UNIST, has achieved the milestone of being recognized as INNOPOLIS Research Institute Spin-off Company No. 2000. This achievement underscores the success of companies established in Ulsan through UNIST’s startup support and technology commercialization programs.
UNIST is committed to fostering entrepreneurship among its students and faculty while supporting regionally-based startup companies and providing a foundation for their growth. DEEP-AI Inc.’s success is 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). With startup support and mentoring from Ulsan Ulju Innotown, DEEP-AI Inc. was established as an in-house venture.
Collaborating 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. UNIST’s support has been crucial in enhancing DEEP-AI Inc.’s technology and reliability.
DEEP-AI Inc. focuses on developing the heat exchanger IRIS using AI technology. Traditional inspections varied in accuracy and were time-consuming, often dependent on the inspector’s skill level. In contrast, DEEP-AI’s IRIS technology analyzes ultrasonic data to detect defects with over 95% accuracy while significantly reducing inspection time by over 90%.
Leveraging AI Technology for Enhanced Industrial Inspections
DEEP-AI Inc. is also partnering with SK Innovation Inc. to further expand its business. Leveraging data and expertise from SK Ulsan CLX, the company extends its operations into the Ulsan Oil Refinery and Petrochemical Complex, applying DEEP-AI’s technology directly in the industrial sector for tangible results.
UNIST President Chong Rae Park stated, “The achievements of DEEP-AI Inc. exemplify the contribution of UNIST startup support to the growth of local enterprises. We remain committed to actively assisting entrepreneurs who will continue to drive innovation in Ulsan.”
CEO Ki-Soo Kim expressed gratitude, saying, “Being designated as INNOPOLIS Research Institute Spin-off Company No. 2000 is a recognition of DEEP-AI’s technology and reliability. We are thankful to UNIST and officials from Ulsan Ulju Innotown for their unwavering support.”
Since its establishment in 2022, DEEP-AI Inc. has successfully produced and commercialized prototypes with backing from UNIST and Ulsan Ulju Innotown, securing a total of 3.8 billion won in investments from UNIST Holdings Co., Ltd. and Mirae Holdings Ltd. This achievement highlights their continuous growth trajectory, with plans to further support entrepreneurial initiatives and technology commercialization efforts in the future.
