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AI and Sustainability Strategies

AI and Sustainability: Opportunities for Founders

Mr. Latte

Published: 2026-06-28

AISustainabilityStartupsInnovationGrowth

In short

Naver's ESG strategy and the Ministry of SMEs' scale-up policies signal a shift in the AI era. The South Korean AI market, valued at approximately $136 billion in 2022, is expected to reach around $1.8 trillion by 2030, presenting founders with new opportunities for growth and sustainability.

Mr. Latte's take

Large companies can fund AI infrastructure and sustainability programs in parallel. Smaller teams rarely have that luxury, so their edge lies in proving that AI can cut a customer's cost or waste first, then using public support to scale what already works rather than treating ESG as a branding exercise.

Naver’s ESG strategy and the Ministry of SMEs’ scale-up policies signal a shift in the AI era. The South Korean AI market, valued at approximately $136 billion in 2022, is expected to reach around $1.8 trillion by 2030, presenting founders with new opportunities for growth and sustainability.

The Convergence of AI and ESG: New Opportunities

Recently, Naver unveiled its ‘2025 Integrated Report,’ focusing on an ESG strategy centered around an AI ecosystem. Notably, the company allocated ₩142 billion ($118 million) to its impact fund last year and enhanced investments in renewable energy for its AI data centers. This fusion of AI and sustainability not only boosts corporate trustworthiness but also positions companies favorably to attract investments aligned with ESG criteria.

Small Businesses Entering the Scale-Up Era

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups is transitioning its support for small businesses from mere survival to growth, emphasizing global market entry. This policy shift provides a rich opportunity for founders by integrating R&D, finance, and innovative technologies, particularly in AI, allowing them to maximize competitiveness and efficiency.

Notta: A Case Study in Growth

Notta, an AI optimization platform, reported ₩174 billion ($146 million) in orders in the first half of this year, marking a 120% year-over-year growth. The company’s success across various sectors, such as semiconductor manufacturing and public safety, highlights the demand for localized AI solutions. Founders can learn valuable lessons from Notta’s rapid expansion in leveraging AI technologies.

Action Items for Founders

  1. Align with ESG Criteria: Establish clear ESG goals that align with your business objectives to gain trust from investors and partners.
  2. Incorporate AI Technologies: Utilize innovative AI solutions to enhance efficiency and cost savings, giving your startup a competitive edge.
  3. Leverage Government Policies: Take advantage of governmental scale-up initiatives to support your global market expansion.
  4. Build Networks: Engage with AI-related networks and infrastructures to uncover new opportunities.

At this pivotal moment, as AI and sustainability intersect, it is essential for founders to actively adapt to changes and pursue new paths for growth and innovation.

Sources