Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) operated a practice-oriented training program that integrated artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen the competitiveness of startups in the sports industry, and it was met with a strong response.

The Sports Industry Pre-Seed and Early-Stage Startup Support Center of the JBNU Startup Support Center (Director Professor Guk Gyeong-su) held the 'S-AI Innovation Enterprise Biz-Challenge' over two days, June 29–30, to support the digital transformation and business advancement of sports industry startups.

Thirteen companies selected for the 2026 Sports Industry Startup Support Program participated in the program and received intensive training on business operation strategies and practical skills using AI technologies. Participants learned about AI·AX-based virtual organization setup and operation, marketing strategies, and work automation measures, seeking practical solutions to supplement personnel and resource shortages often cited as limitations of early-stage startups.

In particular, the training enhanced effectiveness by providing customized mentoring with field experts. The program reviewed each company's startup items and commercialization progress and provided in-depth consultation to advance business models. Through this, participating companies diagnosed difficulties encountered during business implementation and gained an opportunity to concretize sustainable growth strategies.

The JBNU Startup Support Center plans to continue expanding support so that startups can proactively respond to the changing industry environment, given the rapid growth of the sports industry through convergence with digital technologies.

Guk Gyeong-su, Director of the JBNU Sports Industry Pre-Seed and Early-Stage Startup Support Center, said, "We will continue to provide practical training and mentoring so that early-stage startups can overcome the practical difficulties they face and focus on advancing their startup ideas," and added, "We will actively support their growth into promising companies that will lead the sports industry."