SK Telecom has opened more TIP Ecosystem Acceleration Center (TEAC) programme applications to attract investors and startups to develop edge-based 5G services.

SK Telecom has been operating TEAC in Korea since 2017, while Deutsche Telekom  and BT are operating TEACs in Germany and the UK respectively.

 The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is pushing the demand for non-face-to-face solutions –e.g. online learning, cloud games, online concerts, etc. – that require ultra-low latency enabled by 5G edge cloud. To accelerate its innovations in 5G and edge computing, the company invites aspiring startups with expertise in 5G edge services/infrastructure and non-face-to-face solutions.

SK Telecom will enable the recruited startups to test and advance their new technologies on its commercial mobile networks; identify business opportunities in the global market; and attract investment from venture capitals. In addition, the company plans introduce these startups at the TIP Summit 2020, which is scheduled to take place in the fourth quarter of this year, and provide opportunities for them to collaborate with TIP member companies.

 SK Telecom has so far supported a total of six startups through its TEAC program and contributed to their success. For instance, Optella, an optical network solutions company, successfully developed 5G Optical Engine and became a subsidiary of Cosemi Technology Inc. in 2018; and Transceletial, a Singapore-based startup, is in the process of closing a Series A investment and signed contracts with global companies to provide its wireless optical communication solution in 2018.