Hancom, the Korean software company known for its word processing applications, announced Thursday it is recruiting participants for "AI-dea Crew," a project-based learning organization designed to support voluntary artificial intelligence skill development among employees and discover creative ideas.
AI-dea Crew is part of Hancom's ongoing AI internalization strategy, a program that supports employees in directly applying AI tools to their work and daily lives to experience their utility firsthand. The project runs for three months starting in March, with teams of up to three members allowed to participate. Solo participation as a one-person crew is also available.
Hancom does not require perfect results from participants. Instead, the company recognizes project completion simply by sharing the process of improving work or daily life inefficiencies using AI tools. The emphasis is on experience rather than outcomes, a measure designed to encourage employees to explore AI flexibly. Any employee with ideas for improving work efficiency or solving everyday inconveniences with AI can participate with any topic. However, work-related topics are limited to the participant's own department to verify practical improvement effects. The company actively encourages forming joint crews with colleagues from other departments to strengthen internal communication and promote the fusion of diverse perspectives.
Hancom has prepared comprehensive support measures to allow employees to focus solely on learning. The company provides activity funds of up to 300,000 won ($220) per crew member, which can be freely used for AI course enrollment or paid tool subscriptions. Team dinner expenses are also supported, and a networking party will be held for participants after activities conclude. Outstanding crews will receive special awards through a separate evaluation process. Evaluation is conducted not by specific executives or experts but through a voting system where Hancom employees directly participate as judges. Rather than simply evaluating superior development capabilities or technically impressive results, the evaluation prioritizes the freshness of problem definition and creativity in approaches using AI.
"AI-dea Crew is not simply about assigning work, but a growth program to create an environment where employees can become familiar with AI and develop," Hancom CEO Kim Yeon-soo said. "We expect Hancom's unique AI DNA will naturally become internalized through the process of studying and experimenting together with colleagues."