Gwangju’s AI Evolution
From Emerging Innovation Hub to Thriving AI City
By Dhivyaa S. P.
In recent years, Gwangju has transformed into a thriving hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, driven by strategic investments in technology and research, governmental support, academic excellence, and a growing startup ecosystem. This evolution has positioned Gwangju as a key focal point for AI technology in South Korea. The city’s strong academic institutions have played a crucial role, fostering a culture of innovation that has laid the foundation for AI development through cutting-edge research and nurturing of local talent. The turning point for Gwangju’s AI industry was marked by targeted government initiatives aimed at accelerating technological innovation, further solidifying its status as an emerging leader in the AI domain.
Here’s a look at some of the critical milestones that have marked the city’s journey in advancing its AI landscape.
2020, November: Gwangju AI Startup Camp – First Store Opening
2021, May: Launch of the “Regional Angel Investment Hub”
2022, April: National AI Data Center Construction Progress
2023, November: Gwangju’s First and Largest Entrepreneurship Festival
2024, February: Momentum in Gwangju’s Artificial Intelligence Project
2024, April 10: Establishment of Gwangju AI Gifted High School
2024, April 12: Support for Citizen Experience Vouchers for AI Companies
These milestones represent just a few of the strategic steps Gwangju has taken to secure its place as a leading city in AI development. Through continued investment in infrastructure, education, and community engagement, Gwangju is shaping a future that embraces technology and innovation at every level.
In order to understand in-depth how startups are benefiting from Gwangju government’s initiatives, we interviewed Oh Chi-min, CEO of SafeMotion, a startup AI company founded in 2016. SafeMotion specializes in video-based posture estimation and behavior recognition technologies. The company is taking the lead in improving the childcare environment for childcare teachers by launching Safe Motion Kids, which combines behavior recognition and analysis technology. As a supplier to smart factories, SafeMotion offers customized services that incorporate various AI functions such as part process vision inspection, worker monitoring with facial recognition, helmet detection, mask detection, and monitoring display, enhancing efficiency and safety in manufacturing environments.
Gwangju News (GN): Thank you for sharing your time with us. Firstly, we would like to know what motivated you to become an artificial intelligence (AI) behavior analysis solution developer?
Oh Chi-min: I conducted my graduate and doctoral studies in the laboratory of Prof. Lee Il-Woo at Chonnam National University. My advisor initially conducted research on human gesture recognition, and that influenced me to carry out research on recognizing human behavior. During 2007–2008, while working on vision research that involved Maru Robots from KIST and Samsung cleaning robots recognizing the location of people and moving according to their gestures, I realized at that time that vision technology based on human behavior was not easily applicable to HCI (human–computer interaction). Consequently, I became interested in the entire research process, which was still unresolved at the time, including single-camera-based human detection, tracking, pose estimation, and gesture recognition.
GN: Can you tell us about SafeMotion and the vision behind its founding?
Oh Chi-min: SafeMotion is a startup created with the hope that all behaviors recognized by CCTV are safe. We founded the company to commercialize technology that can verify whether the behaviors of people captured by CCTV are safe. Currently, we are transforming the business from merely monitoring childcare environments with safety and behavior statistics to providing services that actively support these environments, including developmental assessments for children.
GN: What are the core technologies and products developed by SafeMotion, and how do they stand out in the AI market?
Oh Chi-min: SafeMotion is concurrently developing technology and services to commercialize CCTV-based human behavior analysis services. Currently, our behavior recognition technology achieves 95 percent accuracy for 15 different actions. We are receiving positive feedback on the commercial viability of using CCTV to perform behavior statistics and developmental assessments for daycare children. Although still in the testing phase, we are currently conducting tests in 12 daycare centers and plan to expand the proof-of-test to 200 daycare centers in the Gwangju and South Jeolla region. If the service operates stably in these 200 locations, we plan to expand our marketing nationwide.
GN: What was the reason for SafeMotion to collaborate with the Gwangju Metropolitan City government?
Oh Chi-min: Daycare centers are managed by local governments. Therefore, we were introduced to daycare centers through the city of Gwangju. Currently, Songwon University manages the daycare centers for Gwangju Metropolitan City. Thanks to an introduction by Gwangju City to Prof. Kim Dong-Rye of Songwon University, who oversees the contracted operation, we were able to start testing in three daycare centers in May 2023, and this has now expanded to 12 centers.
GN: Can you discuss the partnerships or collaborations that SafeMotion has with local universities, research institutes, or other companies?
Oh Chi-min: Currently, we are engaged in joint research and development projects with a local university – Chonnam National University. We are also receiving significant support from the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in project planning, business execution, and marketing for technology commercialization. Additionally, we recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Gwangju Metropolitan City Daycare Association to explore cost-covering methods for supplying many daycare centers.
GN: What are the biggest challenges faced by startup AI industries today, especially in specialized markets like Gwangju?
Oh Chi-min: Commercialization is the biggest challenge. Firstly, it’s difficult to secure customers, and there is also a lack of environments suitable for running AI services. Additionally, there is a shortage of know-how to overcome the situation of lacking many resources.
With a bright future ahead, Gwangju is set to continue its trajectory as a key player in the regional AI industry, driven by the collaborative efforts of its government, academic institutions, and innovative startups. The city’s journey from an emerging tech hub to a thriving AI city showcases the potential of focused development and serves as an inspiring example for other regions aiming to make their mark in the technology sector.
SafeMotion
Address: 43-10, Cheomdan-gwagi-ro 208-beon-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju (Oryong-dong, Maruhill IBC Knowledge Industry Center, Building B, Room 424)
Phone: 070-8775-2406 // 010-7287-2406
Email: oh@safemotion.kr Website: https://safemotion.kr/
The Author/Interviewer
Dhivyaa S. P. is from India and currently enrolled in a master’s program for AI convergence in Gwangju, South Korea, chosen for its emphasis on AI development. An avid space enthusiast, Dhivyaa loves discussing outer space and the creation of the universe. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys hiking, volunteering, and savoring a warm cup of green tea latte. Her writing blends her experiences with insights into Korean culture and history. Instagram: @my.hobby.page