Daeheong Networks holds a technology seminar with a Thai IT company and poses for a photo. [Provided by South Gyeongsang Province]
Daeheong Networks holds a technology seminar with a Thai IT company and poses for a photo. [Provided by South Gyeongsang Province]

A company nurtured under South Gyeongsang Province's AI development program has landed its first overseas export deal.

South Gyeongsang Province announced Friday that Daeheong Networks, a participant in its "South Gyeongsang AI Star Company Development Project" run jointly with the Gyeongnam Technopark's AI Innovation Center, signed export agreements worth 14.03 million baht — about 600 million won — at the Franchise Expo Thailand 2026 held recently in Bangkok.

At the expo, Daeheong Networks showcased its smart-order platform "EasyUp" and an AI-based digital flyer service called "K-Smart Flyer." After holding export consultations with more than 50 local retail and franchise companies, the firm signed one MOU and two letters of intent with Thai company AI Technovation. South Gyeongsang Province said the results demonstrated both the commercial viability of the region's AI technology and its competitiveness in overseas markets.

The company also broadened its local partnership base. Daeheong Networks held technology seminars with Thai IT firm Wisesight and Thailand's state-owned bank GSB, building a cooperative network. The effort went beyond product promotion to encompass technology exchange and potential local business tie-ups. The achievement has drawn attention as an example of a regional company using public support as a springboard to break into overseas markets.

The South Gyeongsang AI Star Company Development Project identifies high-potential AI firms in the province and nurtures them into competitive small and mid-sized enterprises. The province launched the program in 2024 and this year is continuing its support with a provincial budget of 370 million won. The program provides technology commercialization and consulting in the first year, applied R&D in the second, and advanced R&D with follow-up support in the third.

Five companies are currently participating: Daeheong Networks and Deps, selected in 2024, and Dong Seo Information Technology, Taejin System and Whitefox, added in 2025.

"Regional AI companies have proven their competitiveness in the global market," said Park Hwan, head of South Gyeongsang Province's AI Industry Division. "We will spare no effort in supporting them as they grow into globally innovative enterprises."


ook967@heraldcorp.com