SK Telecom hosts 'Happy AI Challenge' for 110 youths with disabilities

Students compete in AI problem-solving to bridge digital divide

Event expands from coding competition to AI use; AR and drone experiences added

A scene from the 2026 Happy AI Challenge hosted by SK Telecom [SK Telecom]

SK Telecom held the 2026 Happy AI Challenge to strengthen AI skills among youths with disabilities, aiming to close the digital divide widened by advances in AI and expand their access to emerging technologies.

SK Telecom announced Thursday that it hosted the 2026 Happy AI Challenge, a competition in which youths with disabilities use AI to demonstrate creativity and problem-solving abilities.

The event ran from Wednesday through Thursday at SK Telecom's Human Resources Development Center in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, under the theme "Connect Thoughts, Meet the Future." A total of 110 youths with disabilities and 44 teachers took part.

SK Telecom has supported digital skills development for youths with disabilities since launching an information retrieval competition in 1999. This year's event marked the 27th edition. In step with advances in AI, the company renamed the competition from the "Happy AI Coding Challenge" to the "Happy AI Challenge," reflecting a shift in focus toward creative problem-solving through AI.

On the first day of the competition, participants were paired in teams of two to work through a series of challenges. These included an AI ethics quiz, a robot pathfinding exercise, a cultural heritage information search and a QR code cipher challenge.

Participants also used SK Telecom's AI service A. to create posters and videos on assigned themes.

Participants also experienced cutting-edge digital technology through programs including augmented reality racing, drone simulation and coding with Lego robots. Time was also set aside for students to unwind, enjoy music and cheer one another on after the demands of competition preparation.

Jang Ji-hyun, a teacher at Mudeung Middle School who accompanied students to the event, said the preparation process helped the children gain confidence in using AI and overcome their fear of new challenges. "I will make sure they can participate in the next competition as well, so they can build even more experience," she said.

Kim Yun-gyu and Lee Eun-hee of Chungju Seongsim School won the Minister of Science and ICT Award; Jeon Jun-eon and Jeong Yong-su of Yeongju Jeil High School won the Minister of Education Award; and Yun Hyeon and Lee Da-bin of North Jeolla Province Pureun School won the Minister of Health and Welfare Award.

Meanwhile, SK Telecom has also operated the Happy AI Coding School since 2019, running coding and AI education programs at more than 570 schools nationwide. In September, the company invited winners from the previous year's Happy AI Challenge to take part in a program exploring future career paths and experiencing AI technology.

Eom Jong-hwan, head of SK Telecom's sustainability management division, said the competition was meaningful because youths with disabilities were able to express their ideas and solve problems using AI. "We will continue to use AI technology to reduce the digital divide and provide more opportunities for growth," he said.

chami@heraldcorp.com