Lending 'Advanced Research Equipment and Facilities' to SMEs

TIPA, 2021 Research-Based Utilization Plus Project Announcement

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Tetos Co., Ltd. secured core next-generation display technology in 2019 by utilizing research equipment such as the Focused Ion Beam System (FIB-SEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) at Korea University of Technology and Education. As a result, its sales increased from 6.4 billion KRW in 2018 to 10 billion KRW in 2019, and the company achieved the outcome of hiring six additional employees.

Optorain Co., Ltd. also succeeded in domesticating real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing devices by improving the performance of in vitro diagnostic products using research equipment necessary for semiconductor processes, such as the automatic ultraviolet exposure system (8 inch) at the Korea Nano Technology Institute in 2019.

Such 'Research Infrastructure Utilization Plus Project,' where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lacking advanced research equipment or facilities borrow or jointly use equipment or facilities from universities or research institutes, is showing successful results.

The Technology and Innovation Promotion Agency for SMEs (TIPA, President Lee Jae-hong) announced on the 8th that it will implement the '2021 Research Infrastructure Utilization Plus Project' from the 24th of this month to November 30th to establish a research and development foundation for small and medium ventures.

The total support budget for this project is 8.3 billion KRW (2 billion KRW for enterprise-led type, 6.3 billion KRW for infrastructure plus type), and usage fees are supported in the form of vouchers. Applications can be made by signing up on the 'Research Infrastructure Sharing System (https://rss.auri.go.kr/),' applying for the lead research and development institution project, and submitting the application form and required documents.

Especially this year, the project identifies novice SMEs struggling with R&D execution to provide consulting and other support, and adjusts the voucher validity period to 45 days so that SMEs with actual demand can use it preferentially. Companies that refund more than 50% of the voucher will be restricted from participating in the project the following year to promote voucher circulation.

Detailed information can be found through the Comprehensive Management System for SME Technology Development Projects (www.smtech.go.kr) and the Research Infrastructure Sharing System.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.