Seoul: Major tech companies and startups have either declared or are reviewing participation in a government-backed project to build an artificial intelligence (AI) service accessible to everyone for free, industry sources said Tuesday. The science ministry's "AI for all" project is part of the government's efforts to create what it calls an "AI basic society," where people can use AI services regardless of income, age, or digital literacy.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the project, which opened applications early this week, will include a general-purpose AI chatbot service available to the public free of charge, and a public-service AI agent. The government plans to provide up to 512 B200 graphics processing units from Nvidia to two to three selected companies, with the expectation that they will launch a service within this year. Starting in 2027, the government plans to provide budget support to cover expenses to run the models nationwide.

Developers are required to use South Korean AI models that meet the ministry's independent foundation-model standards for at least 50 percent of the system. In a bid to diversify the local AI ecosystem, companies with their own foundation models must use AI models developed from other local companies for more than 30 percent of their system. Applications for participation will remain open until August 11.

According to industry sources, major companies that have declared their bid in the project are Kakao Corp., a messenger app operator, and LG Uplus Corp., a local telecommunications service provider. Portal giant Naver Corp. and two other telecom operators -- KT Corp. and SK Telecom Co. -- are also "positively" considering participating, sources said.

AI-related startups and mid-sized firms are reportedly preparing to participate and are seeking to form a consortium, industry watchers indicated. Mid-sized local software developer ESTsoft Corp. has declared its intent to bid for participation in the project. Startup Upstage, which has its own foundation AI model called Solar, as well as AI search and research startup Liner, are said to be under consideration but have yet to decide whether to apply independently or through a consortium. The AI subsidiary of game developer NC has also expressed intent to review participation, according to industry sources.