Spacebank Spearheads Pangyo Defense AI Innovation: Unites Military, 30+ Companies, and Academia for Next-Generation Defense Transformation

Pangyo, South Korea - December 19, 2024 - Spacebank Inc., a leading digital innovation company specializing in AI-Driven Digital Transformation (AIDX), has been appointed as the lead operating organization of the newly established "Defense AX Council." The Council was officially launched today at the Pangyo Future Defense Convergence Research Center, marking a significant milestone in South Korea's defense sector AI transformation initiative.

The Defense AX Council represents a comprehensive industry-academic-government cooperation framework designed to accelerate artificial intelligence transformation across the defense sector. The initiative unites a diverse ecosystem comprising defense contractors, ICT companies, AI and software enterprises, universities, research institutions, and local government agencies in a collaborative effort to drive innovation and technological advancement.
Centered in Pangyo and the Seoul metropolitan area, the Defense AX Council aims to simultaneously advance defense AI transformation and foster corporate growth through collaborative partnerships among companies, universities, research institutes, and government agencies that possess core AI and ICT capabilities.
The Council will focus on the following strategic initiatives:

• Providing corporate mentoring for military-specialized AI education programs
• Leveraging the Pangyo Defense Data Lab for research and development
• Delivering defense industry expert consulting services
• Facilitating collaborative research and development (R&D) in defense AI technologies
• Sharing cutting-edge defense technology information and best practices
• Hosting quarterly technology exchange seminars for knowledge transfer
• Operating a continuous council office to maintain sustained collaboration

As the lead operating organization, Spacebank will oversee the council's operations, coordinate collaboration among participating members, and manage pilot projects and joint programs. The company will also play an active role in identifying cooperative initiatives and supporting their practical implementation. Spacebank is known for its AIDX-based data-driven decision-making solutions, as well as its integrated AIoT and robotics control technologies.

At the event, Jonghwan Kim, Head of the AI Technology Requirements Division, Republic of Korea Army Training and Doctrine Command, delivered welcoming remarks, stating that AI-driven transformation is advancing rapidly within the defense sector. He emphasized that the Defense AX Council would serve as a collaborative platform where the military and civilian sectors can work together to enhance national security while also contributing to industrial development.

In a congratulatory address, Gun-young Heo, former President of the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality, highlighted that AI is a critical technology shaping both national security and economic competitiveness. He noted that while progress is being made, further improvements are needed in legal frameworks, standards, and regulations, and expressed confidence that the council would help establish a lasting cooperative structure involving government, the military, industry, academia, and local authorities.

Hyungi Cho, former Director General of Resource Management at the Ministry of National Defense, shared the government's Defense AX policy outlook. He explained that the ministry considers the next three years a critical period for advancing large-scale AI transformation in defense, driven by three core pillars: stronger governance, infrastructure development, and ecosystem building. He added that approximately KRW 30 billion in Defense AX-related funding is expected to be allocated starting next year, creating meaningful opportunities for companies, research institutions, and startups.

The Defense AX Council includes major defense and ICT companies such as Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, Samsung SDS, KT, and LIG Nex1, along with more than 30 AI and software companies including Spacebank, MakinaRocks, WiseiTech, Konan Technology, CrowdData, Funzin, and Hancom Lifecare. Supporting organizations-including the Gyeonggi Research Institute, Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator, Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, and Shin & Kim LLC-will provide advisory, legal, and institutional support.

Woney Lee, CEO of Spacebank, commented, "The Defense AX Council is meaningful as an action-oriented platform that connects policy, technology, and real-world implementation. As the lead operating organization, we will focus on ensuring stable operations and effective coordination so that participating members can achieve tangible outcomes."

In addition, Sungkyunkwan University has been operating a military-focused AI education program since 2022, training 289 military officers to date, with plans to train an additional 145 officers next year. Kwangsoo Kim, Director of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence Convergence at Sungkyunkwan University, noted that collaboration is now moving beyond education alone. He stated that by strengthening cooperation among the military, universities, companies, and research institutions-and linking these efforts with physical AI technology development-Pangyo can be positioned as a central hub for Defense AX innovation.

Spacebank Inc
Room 301, Building A, Seongnam Global Convergence Center, 46 Dalalnae-ro, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do

About Spacebank Inc.
Spacebank is a digital innovation company specializing in AI-Driven Digital Transformation (AIDX). The company combines advanced Large Language Model (LLM) and Low-Code technologies with intelligent robotics and IoT control platforms to deliver scalable, reliable, and future-ready automation solutions. Spacebank serves the defense, smart manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, public facilities, and other mission-critical industries.

This release was published on openPR.