The Korea Institute of Agricultural Technology announced on the 14th that it is recruiting companies to participate in the '6th Open Innovation Program' to discover promising agri-food companies. Accordingly, the process of early-stage companies connecting technology to actual products and services and securing market competitiveness is becoming more important. The recruitment targets include companies with AI and robot technologies related to food, new Korean food brands, food distribution and marketing-based services, smart manufacturing innovation, and alternative food and eco-friendly material companies. [Provided by the Korea Institute of Agricultural Technology. Resale and database prohibited] (Iksan=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Jinbang = The Korea Institute of Agricultural Technology announced on the 14th that it is recruiting companies to participate in the '6th Open Innovation Program' to discover promising agri-food companies. This program is an open innovation program that cooperates with CJ CheilJedang to verify technology in actual environments and then confirm its business feasibility. Recently, the food industry is rapidly changing by combining with various technologies and materials such as artificial intelligence (AI), robots, and eco-friendly materials. Accordingly, the process of early-stage companies connecting technology to actual products and services and securing market competitiveness is becoming more important. The recruitment targets include companies with AI and robot technologies related to food, new Korean food brands, food distribution and marketing-based services, smart manufacturing innovation, and alternative food and eco-friendly material companies. Selected companies will receive various benefits, including expert consultations and investment support of up to 1.3 billion won. Applications can be submitted through the Agri-Food Startup Information Network (www.a-startups.or.kr) until May 5. Lee Seok-hyeong, Director of the Korea Institute of Agricultural Technology, said, "The competitiveness of the agri-food industry comes from technologies verified on the field and companies that connect them to businesses" and "The Korea Institute of Agricultural Technology will support the challenges of companies and help their continuous growth."