SK Telecom, South Korea’s largest mobile carrier, is taking its artificial intelligence agent service overseas for the first time through a partnership with Japan’s TimeTree. The company said it has invested 2.2 billion yen (US$14.8 million) in the Tokyo-based startup, which operates a widely used calendar-sharing app with more than 67 million users worldwide.
The deal, signed in Tokyo on September 5, will see the two firms work together to develop AI-driven assistant services that help manage schedules and daily tasks. By integrating its AI agent technology into TimeTree’s platform, SK Telecom aims to broaden its AI ecosystem and strengthen its foothold in Japan’s fast-growing AI market.
TimeTree, launched in 2014, has become Japan’s leading shared calendar app with about 31 million registered users in the country—nearly a quarter of the population—and 67 million worldwide. By joining hands with SK Telecom, the platform will gain advanced AI features that could significantly change how users plan and coordinate their daily lives.
Under the deal, SK Telecom will embed its AI agent, known as A Dot or A., into TimeTree’s platform. This marks the first time the Korean telecom giant has deployed its AI technology outside of South Korea, signaling the beginning of its global expansion strategy.
The integration will be powered by SK Telecom’s new Agentic Workflow technology, which allows the AI agent to go beyond simple schedule reminders. The system can analyze user behavior, set goals, suggest events, and manage tasks in a proactive manner, essentially transforming TimeTree from a passive calendar into an active digital assistant.
For SK Telecom, the move is not only about expanding its footprint in Japan but also about positioning itself early in a market where the government has been actively promoting AI adoption. With relaxed regulations and state-backed initiatives, Japan is emerging as a promising testing ground for next-generation AI services.
TimeTree also sees significant upside from the collaboration. CEO Park Cha-jin described the agreement as a pivotal step that would not only strengthen TimeTree’s services but also pave the way for its entry into South Korea and beyond. The company expects the AI upgrade to help it retain its strong domestic base while tapping into new international markets.
