SK Telecom enter U.S. pet market with Vetology Innovations deal

SK Telecom signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vetology Innovations, a San Diego-based animal health care company, to enter the U.S. pet market with “X Caliber,” its medical AI service for animals.

SK Telecom’s Son In-hyuk, head of global solution AIX, and Vetology Innovations CEO Seth Wallack pose for the photo at VMX 2024 in Orlando, Florida. [SK TELECOM]

SK Telecom signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vetology Innovations, a San Diego-based animal health care company, to enter the U.S. pet market with “X Caliber,” its medical AI service for animals.

The strategic partnership was formed at the Veterinary Meeting & Expo 2024, one of the largest gatherings of veterinary professionals annually organized by the North American Veterinary Community in the United States. The event is held every January in Orlando.

The AI-powered service analyzes X-rays of pets to assist veterinarians to diagnose critical diseases. It was locally commercialized in September 2022.

Founded in 2011, Vetology Innovations currently provides remote radiology reading services to 3,000 vet clinics in the United States.

SK Telecom hopes the partnership would allow the two companies to share AI technologies and pet-related data they have accumulated from operating their services, as well as discuss new business opportunities to expand into the global market.

“Through this business deal, SK Telecom’s AI health care solutions are expected to gain recognition for their technological capabilities in the U.S. market and contribute to the global shift of AI transformation in the veterinary market,” SK Telecom’s Son In-hyuk, head of global solution AIX, said in a statement. “The company plans to continue to discover and introduce new AI-based solutions that can appeal to markets worldwide.”

The Korean company has been working to expand its X Caliber into the global market through other partnerships.

It recently formed a supply deal with another Korean company, Vieworks, to develop new software based on SK Telecom's X Caliber and Vieworks' digital radiography software VXvue. The new software product is expected to be released in the first half of this year.

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]