- Developing a "User Model" that records and accumulates users' computer and agent usage patterns in real time to predict next actions
- NAVER D2SF continues to back founders identifying new opportunities emerging from the AI paradigm shift
SEONGNAM, South Korea, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVER D2SF, the corporate venture capital arm of NAVER, has made a new investment in Clone Labs(CEO, Minchan Kim), an AI startup focused on understanding user intent and context. Clone Labs develops a User Model that learns computer and agent usage patterns to predict and execute next actions on behalf of users. NAVER D2SF decided to invest in the team based on its ability to quickly identify emerging problems in the AI era and pursue them relentlessly through experimentation.
As AI agents become more widely adopted, the very process of issuing commands and reviewing results is emerging as a new bottleneck. Paradoxically, the faster agents work, the more frequently users are pulled in for feedback — creating growing fatigue around "agent management."
To address this problem, Clone Labs is building a User Model: an AI that understands user intent and context without requiring constant intervention, enabling autonomous decision-making on the user's behalf. Rather than asking users to repeatedly explain context and step in manually, the User Model learns from users' behavior and preferences and communicates directly with AI agents.
The model is structured around three layers designed to maximize accuracy: Recording, which captures computer usage patterns; Memory, which accumulates and analyzes context and preferences during decision-making; and Prediction, which predicts and executes next actions based on those inputs. Clone Labs also applies a confidence-based gating system, automatically executing tasks when prediction confidence is high while escalating low-confidence or critical decisions back to the user. The company recently launched its first products, "Clone Desktop" and "Clone Plugin," targeting AI-native builders who actively work with multiple AI agents.
Clone Labs was founded by undergraduate students from Seoul National University and has published seven research papers related to AI agents, including collaborations with Stanford University and Carnegie Mellon University. The team has also conducted research in key foundational technologies such as CUA (Computer-Use Agents), long-term memory systems, and privacy-preserving memory architectures — all essential components for building User Models.
Clone Labs was initially discovered through the 2025 NAVER D2SF Campus Startup Competition and received investment just three months after entering NAVER D2SF's incubation program in January 2026. NAVER D2SF highly recognized the team's rapid iteration across problem definition, hypothesis testing, and product validation within a short timeframe.
"As AI technology advances rapidly, entirely new bottlenecks and market opportunities are emerging alongside it," said Sanghwan Yang, Head of NAVER D2SF. "Clone Labs quickly recognized that productivity is increasingly constrained by the bottleneck between humans and AI agents, and the team is tackling this challenge with strong research expertise and exceptional execution." He added, "NAVER D2SF will continue to support founders who identify and experiment on the frontlines of the AI era, while expanding collaboration opportunities with NAVER."
About NAVER D2SF
NAVER D2SF is NAVER's in-house corporate venture arm, supporting sustainable growth by collaborating with startups. Founded in 1999, NAVER has maintained its position as Korea's leading search engine for over 20 years and operates across commerce, content, fintech, and cloud services. Under the technological vision of D2 (For Developers, By Developers), NAVER is actively developing new technologies and global partnerships to grow as a leading tech company.
To learn more, visit https://d2sf.naver.com
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NAVER D2SF Invests in Clone Labs, an AI Startup That Predicts User Intent and Decisions
AIMX Singapore 2026 Unites Three Flagship Platforms in a Landmark Convergence of Innovation, Technology and Industry
SINGAPORE, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognising AI as a horizontal technology that is applicable across different domains and drives enterprise value, MP Singapore has partnered with IPI Singapore and DLG Exhibition & Events (DLG) for AIMX Singapore 2026, taking place from 26–27 August 2026 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands.
AIMX Singapore 2026 will be co-organised with IPI Singapore's TechInnovation to deliver enterprise-driven technology matching and advisory capabilities, while DLG's AI Gravity will converge cross-border innovation networks. With these strategic ecosystem partnerships, attendees of AIMX Singapore 2026 can experience a more integrated pathway from innovation to adoption across Asia-Pacific.
"This strategic relationship with IPI Singapore and DLG Exhibition & Events marks a significant milestone for us, reflecting a shared commitment to translating innovation into real-world impact. It also underscores our approach in evolving AIMX from a standalone platform into a broader ecosystem—one that delivers meaningful value not only to our partners, but to the wider community" - Jason Ng, Managing Director of MP Group
The collaboration with IPI Singapore and DLG extends beyond AIMX Singapore 2026, forming the foundation of a longer-term effort to bridge technology ecosystems across regions. This partnership enables sustained industry-technology collaboration for the regional technology ecosystem while creating recurring opportunities for joint innovation and market expansion between organisations.
TechInnovation Drives Technology Adoption
TechInnovation, established in 2012, is IPI Singapore's engagement platform aimed at empowering enterprises to discover diverse technologies, from sustainability, healthcare, material, IoT, chemical, to manufacturing and more. It features technology from global sources that are ready for deployment. Key highlights the platform will bring to the event includes:
- 1:1 advisory clinics by industry practitioners to enable enterprises navigate business growth challenges
- Facilitate targeted connections between a global network of technology solution providers and demand owners
- Showcase of diverse market-ready technology from global sources
Having IPI's advisory capabilities within the event, the program moves beyond traditional exhibition formats to deliver practical, outcome-oriented support for business growth and transformation.
"IPI is excited to be the co-organiser of this year's AIMX and TechInnovation. The coming together of these two platforms will present enterprises the opportunity to experience the collision of AI with diverse technologies, which I hope will facilitate cross-pollination of ideas across different domains, inspire new applications and catalyse new co-creation opportunities." - Michael Goh, Chief Executive Officer, IPI Singapore
AI Gravity to Showcase China's Rapidly Advancing AI Ecosystem
AI Gravity, powered by DLG Exhibition & Events Co., Ltd., the organiser of World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) Shanghai will bring a strong delegation of leading Chinese technology companies to AIMX Singapore, offering deep exposure to one of the world's most dynamic AI ecosystems.
The showcase will span key domains including:
- Embodied AI and intelligent systems
- Advanced robotics and automation
- AI-enabled manufacturing and smart mobility solutions
- Next-generation digital infrastructure and platforms
Through AI Gravity, AIMX Singapore will provide Southeast Asian and global stakeholders with direct access to Chinese innovators, fostering cross-border partnerships, market entry opportunities, and joint ventures. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance technological collaboration and knowledge exchange between China and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
"We firmly believe that the sustained partnership between AI Gravity and AIMX will serve as a solid bridge connecting the technological frontier with the ASEAN market. By seamlessly integrating global intellectual insights with regional resources, we are committed to building a lasting, open, and resilient AI ecosystem across this vibrant region, delivering long-term value for the development of the Southeast Asian AI industry" - Joes Qiu, Vice President of DLG Exhibition & Events Co., Ltd.
At AIMX Singapore 2026, we are expecting close to 5,000 attendees and over 100 exhibitors and brands at the event. Attendees will not only be able to explore the new innovations and insights in Healthcare, Logistics, Robotics and Embodied AI, Retail, Transport and Supply Chain, they will also be able to connect with partners to help them develop their digital transformation strategy, and access funding and implementation support.
For more information about AIMX Singapore 2026, visit www.aimx.global
About AIMX Singapore
AIMX Singapore, the flagship event of the AIMX Network, is a premier global platform that brings together the full spectrum of the artificial intelligence ecosystem—from deep-tech innovators and startups to industry leaders, investors, researchers, and policymakers. It showcases cutting-edge AI advancements from across the world and provides a dynamic space to explore emerging applications, strategic partnerships, and cross-sector collaborations. At its core, AIMX Singapore invites participants to engage with a central, future-oriented question: How is AI shaping our present and defining our future? Through visionary keynotes, panel discussions, technical masterclasses, and interactive demonstrations, the event fosters meaningful dialogue and insight into both the transformative potential and the societal responsibilities of AI.
Driven by a solution-oriented and collaborative approach, AIMX Singapore focuses on the practical implementation of AI technologies and the development of sustainable digital capabilities. It is designed to empower organisations and individuals—regardless of where they are in their AI journey—to adopt impactful solutions, enhance their AI literacy, and accelerate innovation. Through curated content tracks, hands-on learning, and targeted networking opportunities, AIMX Singapore supports real-world adoption while promoting ethical, inclusive, and responsible AI practices. By bridging global perspectives and uniting diverse stakeholders, AIMX Singapore plays a vital role in shaping an AI-enabled future that is equitable, effective, and aligned with the needs of communities.
About TechInnovation
TechInnovation is IPI Singapore's engagement platform aimed at empowering enterprises to discover the right technologies, connect with the right partners, and turn opportunities into real business outcomes. Its annual flagship event anchors a broader year-round effort to sustained, meaningful engagement between technology providers, businesses, and ecosystem partners.
TechInnovation serves the full breadth of Singapore's enterprise ecosystem - from sustainability and healthcare to manufacturing, digital transformation, and beyond - connecting businesses with practical, deployable solutions that address real challenges. A key focus is supporting SMEs in identifying, adopting, and scaling the right technologies for sustainable growth.
TechInnovation is organised by IPI Singapore, a subsidiary of Enterprise Singapore that enables SMEs to grow sustainably by providing guidance on technology and business solutions that prepare them for the future.
TechInnovation® is a registered trademark of IPI Singapore.
About AI Gravity
AI GRAVITY is a core programme within AIMX Singapore, designed as a strategic global initiative launched by the DLG Exhibition & Events Group. Its mission is to harness the transformative power of AI to connect markets, ecosystems, and industries — fostering cross-border collaboration opportunities that drive innovation and sustainable growth.
As part of the AIMX Singapore, AI GRAVITY serves as a collaborative platform to bridge regional ecosystems, empower cross-border development, and cultivate international partnerships that accelerate the global AI landscape.
Focusing on three strategic regions — Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe — AI GRAVITY leverages region-specific, high-level, and customized event platforms to achieve precise alignment between China's leading AI technologies and emerging international markets.
Through engagement with governments, enterprises, investors, and academia, AI GRAVITY fosters a cross-border AI ecosystem that enables knowledge sharing, technology adoption, and business collaboration — empowering regional AI ecosystems to achieve long-term growth and breakthrough innovation.
AI GRAVITY will empower partners across five key dimensions:
- Facilitating global investment and technology exchange: Promoting more active cross-border investment and technology collaboration between China and global AI ecosystems.
- Accelerating startup growth: Creating targeted connection channels for startups in China and ASEAN to engage with key investors, major enterprises, and regulatory authorities.
- Building bridges for public-private collaboration: Aligning resources and enabling joint efforts to drive efficient and coordinated AI industry development.
- Strengthening thought leadership: Uniting diverse perspectives to advance responsible AI development and enhance global influence.
- Expanding global networks: Establishing international partnerships in research, innovation, and commercialization to broaden global reach.
Together with AIMX Singapore, our vision is to cultivate an open, inclusive, and future-oriented AI ecosystem where innovation transcends borders — empowering global collaboration and shared prosperity.
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AIMX Singapore 2026 Anchors Strategic Relationship with TechInnovation and AI Gravity
