| SKT, Stargate Program Launch
| 3 technology spinouts planned by 2020
| 4-step configuration from technical verification to follow-up support

SK Telecom has decided to foster global ICT unicorns.
SK Telecom announced on the 28th that it is launching the 'Stargate' program to spin out promising in-house ICT technologies to create new growth engines. The name Stargate was inspired by the hyperspace transport device that appears in the movie of the same name.

Spin-out refers to the creation of a company by separating some of the company's technologies or businesses. This is similar to the way Google grows technology-based businesses. In 2009, Google spun off its internal autonomous driving research project into 'Waymo' and has now become a leading company in the autonomous vehicle field.

SK Telecom plans to create a global ICT unicorn based on its promising technologies through technology spin-outs. To this end, it plans to spin out three technologies by 2020 and enter the global market.

It is also expected to contribute to the expansion of the ICT ecosystem. NASA's cutting-edge technology spinouts have led to the development of innovative products such as solar cells and flat-screen TVs.

Members can use Stargate as an opportunity for new challenges. Members who developed AI data analysis solution technology specialized for manufacturing founded ‘MachinaRocks’ in May 2018. They are conducting business in the US and Korea with investments from SK Telecom, Naver, Hyundai Motors, etc.


Consists of 4 stages from technical verification to follow-up support
Stargate consists of four stages: ▲verification of technology commercialization potential ▲review of base markets ▲technology spin-out (commercialization) ▲growth support. SK Telecom mobilizes its capabilities in various fields at each stage to support successful commercialization.

The verification of technology commercialization potential is handled by the ICT Technology Center's 'Tech. Innovation Group'. The Tech. Innovation Group is a technology commercialization organization newly established in January, and conducts a thorough review of various aspects such as the originality of the technology, the level of completion, and the commercialization potential. The technology to be commercialized must be recognized internationally by winning awards at CES, MWC, etc., or prove its competitiveness by being applied to ICT-related companies.

The review of the base market will be conducted by overseas organizations such as SK Telecom TMT Investment Company established in New York, USA in January and SK Telecom Hong Kong Office, and plans to analyze ▲local market and technology trends ▲business partners ▲interest of investor groups, etc. We will review commercialization of manufacturing-related technologies centered on the Chinese market, and cutting-edge ICT technologies such as media and AI centered on the U.S. market.

In the technology spinout stage, the method of commercializing the technology and the organization of the commercialization entity are decided.

The ICT Technology Center and the Corporate Development Center (in charge of investment) determine the appropriate technology spinout form through market analysis, etc. There are three main types of technology spinout forms: ▲establishing a new company by receiving external investment ▲combining with another company ▲establishing a joint venture with an external partner. The quantum cryptography communication technology was spun out and combined with IDQ, and the ATSC 3.0 technology was established through a joint venture with Sinclair.

ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) 3.0 technology is an American digital TV broadcasting standard that was commercialized in Korea in 2017 (UHD broadcasting) and enables high-definition video data transmission at high speeds.

Once the spin-out form is decided, the ICT Technology Center and the Corporate Culture Center in charge of HR will form a commercialization organization. The organization will be comprised of a small number of elite members, 2 to 6, to increase the commercialization success rate based on quick decision-making. Members of the organization will be selected internally or, if necessary, recruited from outside.

We have also prepared a growth support program to help the spun-out technology settle into the global market. 'T Open Lab' provides space, equipment, and technology to help the spun-out technology continue to develop. In addition, a separate coaching program is provided in conjunction with external experts on business operations and development direction.


Spin-out of 20 technologies under consideration for commercialization within the year
SK Telecom is currently reviewing the commercialization potential and marketability of approximately 20 independently developed technologies.

SK Telecom's independently developed ultra-small laser optical engine 'Optics' is scheduled to be spun out within the year. 'Optics' is the size of a dice, 50 x 50 x 30mm, and can be installed in various devices such as AI speakers and vehicle displays. It supports 200 lumens (lm) of brightness, which can view images up to 100 inches, and has received the 1st grade 'Eye Safety Class' for safety to the eyes. It also provides a 'Focus Free' function that can automatically focus even when the device is moving.

The spin-out of 'sound source separation technology (AI Vocal Remover)', which separates vocals and accompaniment from sound sources using AI technology, is also being promoted. SK Telecom signed a memorandum of understanding with SM Entertainment for technical cooperation at CES 2019 and is operating a joint consultative body to promote new businesses.

AI Vocal Remover is an AI technology that separates vocals, accompaniment, and other components from sound sources by combining audio signal analysis technology and deep learning technology.

In addition, the AI-based media quality improvement technology 'Supernova' and the 'AI customized media discovery technology' that recommends personalized content based on viewing history and allows AI to find scenes that meet conditions are also being reviewed for commercialization.

Supernova is already being used by SK Hynix and SK Broadband. The AI-tailored media discovery technology won an award in the ‘Best Mobile Video Service’ category at MWC19.

SK Telecom ICT Technology Center Director Park Jin-hyo said, “Stargate is a program that brings together SK Telecom’s expertise to create a global ICT unicorn,” adding, “We will create economic value by using technology commercialization as a new growth engine and lead the development of the ICT ecosystem in Korea.”