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In test-obsessed Korea, AI boom arrives in exams, ahead of the technology itself

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Over 500 new AI certifications have sprung up in Korea in two years, but few are trusted or even taken

Students at Sangincheon Middle School in Incheon take part in an AI class in February to prepare for KT’s nationally accredited AICE (AI Certificate for Everyone) Junior certification exam. (KT)

A wave of artificial intelligence certifications has flooded the market in South Korea over the past two years.

But according to government data, most of these tests exist only on paper, and have never been used by a single person.

As of Wednesday, there were 505 privately issued AI-related certifications registered with the Korea Research Institute for Professional Education and Training, a state-funded body under the Prime Minister’s Office.

This is nearly five times the number recorded in 2022, before tools like ChatGPT captured global attention. But more than 90 percent of those certifications had zero test-takers as of late last year, the institute’s own data shows.

Many of the credentials are loosely tied to artificial intelligence in name only. Among recent additions are titles like “AI Brain Fitness Coach,” “AI Art Storybook Author,” and “AI Trainer,” which often have no connection to real AI technology.

KT’s AICE (AI Certificate for Everyone) is South Korea’s only nationally accredited AI certification, offering five levels of exams that assess real-world AI understanding and skills, from block coding for elementary students to Python-based modeling for professionals. (KT)
KT’s AICE (AI Certificate for Everyone) is South Korea’s only nationally accredited AI certification, offering five levels of exams that assess real-world AI understanding and skills, from block coding for elementary students to Python-based modeling for professionals. (KT)

Only one of the 505 AI-related certifications — KT’s AICE exam — has received official recognition from the South Korean government. The rest have been registered by individuals, companies, or private organizations, with no independent oversight or quality control.

In 2024, just 36 of these certifications held any kind of exam. Only two had more than 1,000 people apply. Fourteen had a perfect 100 percent pass rate. And 20 were removed from the registry that same year.

For test organizers, the appeal is often financial. One popular certification that attracted around 500 candidates last year charged up to 150,000 won ($110) per person, including test fees and course materials. The content reportedly consisted of basic instructions on how to use existing tools like ChatGPT or Stable Diffusion. Some issuers even promote these credentials as qualifications to teach AI to students or the general public.

The people signing up tend to be those anxious about keeping up in an AI-driven world. A survey released this week by education firm Eduwill found that among 391 South Koreans in their 20s to 50s, 39.1 percent said they planned to earn an AI certificate to prepare for the digital future. Others (27.6 percent) said they were taking online AI courses or learning how to use automation tools like Notion AI.

Industry officials warn that most of these certificates hold little value in the job market. Jeong Sung-hoon, communications manager at Seoul-based AI startup Wrtn, told The Korea Herald that these credentials are often “window dressing” for resumes.

Wrtn ranked second in generative AI app usage among Koreans under 30 this March, according to local mobile analytics firm Wiseapp.

“Most private AI certifications aren’t taken seriously by hiring managers,” Jeong said. “Even for non-technical jobs like communications or marketing, what matters more is whether someone actually understands the AI space. That can’t be faked with a certificate.”

mjh@heraldcorp.com



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Mental Health Technology Market Forecast Report 2025-2030:

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Dublin, Sept. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “Mental Health Technology Market Research Report 2025-2030” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

The Mental Health Technology Market was valued at USD 15.22 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 30.98 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 12.58%.

The global mental health technology market is set to grow due to rising mental health awareness and supportive government & NGO initiatives.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • By Technology: The software & services segment accounted for the largest market share of over 70%.
  • By Age: The teenager segment shows the highest growth of 13.05% during the forecast period.
  • By Application: The clinical mental health management segment dominates and holds the largest market share in 2024.
  • By End-User: The individual consumers segment holds the largest share of the global mental health technology market.
  • By Geography: In 2024, North America accounted for a share of over 50% of the global mental health technology market.

MENTAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY MARKET NEWS

  • On June 4, 2025, Iris Telehealth and Holmusk announced a strategic partnership to integrate their advanced AI platforms, combining telepsychiatry services with real-world behavioral health data and localized insights to enhance and personalize mental health care delivery.
  • On April 22, 2025, Lyra Health, one of the leaders in workforce mental health solutions, introduced Lyra Empower, an AI-powered platform designed to deliver high-quality, transformative mental health care globally. The platform integrates advanced technology with clinical excellence to support HR leaders, members, and care providers.

MENTAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY MARKET TRENDS

AI-driven mental health solutions, including chatbots and virtual therapists, are revolutionizing the way individuals access mental healthcare. These tools offer 24/7 support, enabling users to receive immediate, judgment-free guidance on issues ranging from stress to depression. By leveraging natural language processing and machine learning, AI platforms can deliver personalized, data-informed interactions that mimic human conversation, helping bridge the gap between demand and availability of mental health professionals.

Teletherapy and virtual counseling gained widespread acceptance, particularly following the global shift toward remote services during the COVID-19 pandemic. These platforms offer greater flexibility and accessibility, allowing patients to connect with licensed therapists from the comfort of their homes. This model is especially beneficial for individuals in rural or underserved areas.

Wearable devices such as the Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Whoop are increasingly being integrated into mental health care by monitoring physiological indicators like sleep patterns, heart rate variability (HRV), and stress levels. These metrics can offer early signals of mental health changes and enable real-time feedback for both users and clinicians. The growing synergy between wearables and mental health platforms helps foster proactive mental well-being management and supports data-driven treatment approaches.

The mobile app ecosystem for mental health has expanded rapidly, with apps like Headspace, Calm, Moodpath, and Sanvello gaining millions of users worldwide. These platforms offer guided meditation, mood tracking, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tools, and personalized mental health plans. Their ease of use, affordability, and on-demand access make them an attractive option for individuals seeking daily support and self-care solutions.

MENTAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY MARKET DRIVERS

Increasing awareness of mental health as a crucial component of overall well-being has significantly fueled demand for digital mental health solutions. Public discourse, social media advocacy, and corporate wellness initiatives have helped reduce stigma and encourage proactive mental health care. This cultural shift has empowered individuals to seek support earlier and more frequently, creating a receptive market for mental health apps, teletherapy platforms, and AI-driven self-help tools.

Governments and international organizations are actively promoting mental health through funding, policy support, and public health campaigns. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched global mental wellness initiatives, while countries like the U.K. and Australia have invested in digital mental health platforms through public healthcare systems. Non-governmental organizations (NGO) also collaborate with tech providers to deploy tools in underserved regions. These efforts legitimize digital mental health technologies and accelerate their adoption on a systemic level.

The widespread availability of smartphones and affordable internet has been a major enabler for the mental health technology market. With billions of people connected globally, many in remote or resource-constrained areas, digital platforms now offer scalable, on-demand access to support. This infrastructure allows mobile apps, virtual therapy, and wearable-integrated tools to reach diverse populations, making mental health care more inclusive and continuous.

The global rise in mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions, has created an urgent need for scalable interventions. This growing burden has overwhelmed traditional healthcare systems and propelled the development and adoption of technology-driven solutions that can meet rising demand more efficiently.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

The mental health technology sector faces significant regulatory uncertainty due to inconsistent standards across regions and the absence of clear, comprehensive frameworks governing digital mental health tools. This lack of uniform regulation creates confusion for developers and clinicians alike, leading to uneven product quality and varied user protections.

Mental health apps and digital platforms collect highly sensitive personal data, making privacy and security a top concern. Inadequate data protection can erode user trust and lead to regulatory violations. The fear of breaches or misuse of personal mental health information poses a significant barrier to widespread adoption.

MENTAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY MARKET GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

In 2024, North America accounted for a share of over 50% of the global mental health technology market. North America’s mental health technology market is flourishing with widespread adoption, commercialization, and competitive saturation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) digital platforms like Woebot, SilverCloud Health, and other FDA-approved tools have gained widespread adoption as standalone mental health support systems and add-on tools to traditional therapy.

A breakthrough policy change took place in July 2024, when Medicare introduced new codes for payment to compensate providers and developers for offering digital mental health treatments, such as app-based CBT, AI-facilitated therapy aids, and remote mental well-being courses. The step was taken considering the increasing body of clinical evidence that demonstrates how digital therapeutics can equal or surpass conventional interventions for some behavioral disorders.

There is a growing public recognition of mental health as a critical component of overall well-being in North America. Rising cases of depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and burnout, especially post-COVID-19, have led to a surge in demand for accessible, stigma-free mental health support.

The APAC region is witnessing significant growth in the global mental health technology market, with the fastest-growing CAGR of 13.18% during the forecast period. APAC has become a hotspot for mental health tech startups, especially in countries like Singapore, India, Japan, and South Korea. Startups are leveraging AI, chatbots, digital CBT, and behavioral analytics to create engaging and personalized tools.

The widespread adoption of smartphones and increasing internet connectivity across APAC, including in rural and semi-urban areas, is enabling the delivery of mental health services via mobile platforms. For example, India and Southeast Asia have millions of new internet users annually, making mental health apps and teletherapy accessible to large populations.

One of the principal drivers of APAC mental health tech uptake is smartphone penetration and internet use. China, India, South Korea, and Indonesia alone have a combined population of several hundred million web users who increasingly turn to mobile apps to cope with emotion, stress, and guided self-help.

In much of APAC, mental illness remains a taboo subject, particularly among elderly segments. The stigma has traditionally acted as a deterrent for people to seek help. But the younger generation (18-35 age group) is challenging this trend with a larger receptivity to experimenting with self-help tools, AI chatbots, and online counseling platforms. As the tide of awareness increases, APAC is all set to rank as one of the world’s fastest-growing mental health tech markets.

MENTAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY MARKET VENDOR LANDSCAPE

The global mental health technology market report consists of exclusive data on 32 vendors. The market is moderately to highly competitive, with the presence of a diverse mix of players ranging from large tech giants and healthcare platforms to startups and specialized mental health providers. The competitive environment is shaped by continuous technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and increasing investment in mental health-related digital tools. Vendors compete primarily on factors such as user engagement, clinical effectiveness, AI capabilities, etc. Woebot and Wysa have integrated natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to personalize user interactions.

A key trend in the mental health tech space is the growing enterprise adoption of digital wellness solutions. Platforms like Headspace Health are expanding into the corporate sector with offerings like “Headspace for Work,” reflecting rising employer demand for scalable, preventive mental health support for employees. Due to growing demand for accessible and scalable mental health solutions, vendors are increasingly focusing on mental health apps, teletherapy platforms, AI chatbots, wearables, etc.

Key Vendors

  • Apple
  • Amwell
  • BetterHelp
  • Calm
  • Google
  • Headspace
  • Lyra Health
  • Talkspace

Other Prominent Vendors

  • Advanced Data Systems (ADS)
  • AdvancedMD
  • Ava Mind
  • Brightline
  • Cerebral
  • Compulink
  • Eleanor Health
  • Iris Telehealth
  • Kintsugi Mindful Wellness
  • Meru Health
  • Modern Health
  • Muse
  • Oracle
  • Ouraring
  • OxfordVR
  • Qualifacts
  • SonderMind
  • Spring Care
  • Talkiatry
  • Unmind
  • Woebot Health
  • Workit Health
  • Wysa
  • XRHealth

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details
No. of Pages 135
Forecast Period 2024 – 2030
Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $15.22 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $30.98 Billion
Compound Annual Growth Rate 12.5%
Regions Covered Global

Key Topics Covered:

Chapter 1: Global Mental Health Technology Market Overview

  • Executive Summary
  • Key Findings
  • Key Developments

Chapter 2: Global Mental Health Technology Market Segmentation Data

  • Technology Market Insights (2021-2030)
    • Software & Services
    • Hardware
  • Age Market Insights (2021-2030)
  • Application Market Insights (2021-2030)
    • Clinical Mental Health Management
    • Preventive & Wellness-Oriented Mental Health Support
  • End-user Market Insights (2021-2030)
    • Individual Consumers
    • Healthcare Providers
    • Wellness Providers

Chapter 3: Global Mental Health Technology Market Prospects & Opportunities

  • Global Mental Health Technology Market Drivers
  • Global Mental Health Technology Market Trends
  • Global Mental Health Technology Market Constraints

Chapter 4: Global Mental Health Technology Market Overview

  • Competitive Landscape
  • Key Players
  • Key Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fxuq78

About ResearchAndMarkets.com
ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world’s leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.


            



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Senator Cruz introduces an AI ‘sandbox’ bill to ease regulatory burdens – Computerworld

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California, for instance, has moved to restrict AI-generated or manipulated content in political advertising, particularly during elections. Colorado has passed a law to prevent AI-driven discrimination in employment, housing, and finance, though its rollout has been postponed.

Earlier this year, tech giants, including Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, had backed a moratorium on state-level AI rules. In March, OpenAI had even suggested to “create a sandbox for American start-ups and provide participating companies with liability protections, including preemption from state-based regulations that focus on frontier model security.”

That push lost momentum in July, when the Senate overwhelmingly rejected President Trump’s proposal for a 10-year ban on state AI regulation.



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Symrise unveils new global data and AI hub in Barcelona

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Symrise has launched its new global data and AI hub in Barcelona, marking a major milestone in its digitalisation strategy.


The pioneering centre, named the #BCN Hub, will create a dedicated platform to develop advanced data-driven solutions that strengthen innovation across Symrise’s core customer markets.


Around 25 postgraduates have joined an intensive 12-month programme designed to combine structured learning with hands-on experience, laying the foundation for a sustainable in-house data and AI capability.


Symrise selected Barcelona for its outstanding talent pool, strong academic institutions and vibrant technology ecosystem.


The hub provides an inspiring environment in which teams can design ideas, build prototypes and transform them into scalable solutions that deliver measurable benefits for customers in highly competitive markets.


The #BCN Hub will enable Symrise to create digital solutions that help customers respond faster to consumer trends, optimise product development and ensure supply chain resilience.


By focusing on six key business areas – finance, research and development, procurement, supply chain, consumer insights and sustainability – the hub will support the delivery of high-quality and sustainable products.


The approach empowers manufacturers to accelerate their innovation cycles, improve transparency and bring personalised, trend-driven products to market more efficiently.


“The #BCN Hub will become an in-house centre for innovation, collaboration and transformation at Symrise,” said Eliza Millet, Chief Digital and Information Officer.


“It will allow us to accelerate product development, strengthen strategic business planning and boost operational efficiency.” Chief Transformation Officer Nick Russel added.


“Digitalisation goes beyond advancing projects – it opens new ways to approach challenges creatively and deliver value to our customers.”


The programme welcomes graduates from diverse fields such as computer science, physics and bioinformatics, with participants bringing strong analytical skills and the ability to adapt quickly to complex topics.


Symrise offers intensive mentoring from experienced experts in digital transformation and analytics, combining structured training with real-world projects.


This personalised guidance accelerates learning and creates long-term career opportunities within the company, ensuring a steady pipeline of digital talent to support customer-focused innovation.


The hub actively engages with Barcelona’s ecosystem, with Symrise collaborating with the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, participating in recruitment events and partnering with technology leaders such as Microsoft.


The company also plans community events and meetups to foster knowledge exchange within the tech scene.


On the technology side, the hub leverages Symrise’s established platforms that include the following:


  • Atl@s Lakehouse built on Databricks for advanced analytics
  • UiPath for process automation 
  • Mendix for rapid application development.


This combination ensures fast prototyping and smooth scaling of solutions that enhance efficiency and responsiveness across the value chain.


With the #BCN Hub, Symrise aims to expand its digital capabilities, strengthen its global presence and continuously deliver innovative solutions that help its customers succeed in dynamic markets.



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