The South Korean government has established the AI Network Alliance (AINA) with the goal of becoming a global leader in AI network technology. This initiative was announced by the Ministry of Science and ICT at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona. The alliance brings together public, private, academic, and research stakeholders to coordinate efforts in advancing next-generation intelligent networks. The policy aims to secure South Korea’s position in the evolving 6G and AI-RAN industry, responding to the increasing global importance of AI-driven network infrastructure.
AINA impacts a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, telecommunications companies, equipment manufacturers, and AI firms. Over 30 member organizations are participating, with notable involvement from global companies such as NVIDIA, Microsoft, Qualcomm, and Vodafone. The alliance facilitates collaboration between domestic and international partners, enabling Korean SMEs to access global markets and develop new business models. Key activities include technology development roadmaps, demand creation linked to the AI ecosystem, and partnerships for overseas expansion.
The alliance is aligned with South Korea’s ‘Hyper AI Network Strategy,’ which targets completion of the 6G standard by 2028 and commercialization after 2030. In 2026, the government plans to invest KRW 128.7 billion in AI-RAN technology development and industry support. Large-scale demonstration projects will begin this year, focusing on manufacturing, campus, and public sectors to pioneer AI+communication services. The alliance’s launch follows previous agreements, such as the AI-RAN cooperation MoU signed at APEC 2025, and ongoing discussions with global partners to deliver tangible results by mid-2026.
Frequently asked questions include: What is the purpose of AINA? The alliance aims to integrate government policy and industry expertise to foster an AI network ecosystem and support global market entry. Who can participate in AINA? Membership is open to government bodies, research institutes, telecom operators, manufacturers, and AI companies, both domestic and international. What support is available? The Ministry of Science and ICT will provide funding, demonstration opportunities, and strategic guidance to accelerate industry growth and innovation.
The formation of the AI Network Alliance demonstrates South Korea’s strategic commitment to advancing AI-driven network technologies and securing leadership in the emerging 6G market. By mobilizing over 30 organizations and fostering international partnerships, the initiative is likely to accelerate innovation and market expansion. The government’s planned investment and support for demonstration projects provide a strong foundation for industry growth. This policy is well-timed, given global trends emphasizing AI-integrated network infrastructure, and is expected to benefit both large enterprises and SMEs.