SigzenGuru Possessing Core Electronic Warfare Technology

Ministry of SMEs and Startups Selected for the 'Deep Tech TIPS' Program

A domestic small and medium-sized defense company with outstanding technology in the field of broadband frequency synthesizers has been finally selected for the ‘Deep Tech TIPS’ program. ‘Deep Tech TIPS’ refers to future technologies that have not yet been fully commercialized but can have a significant impact on the economy and society, and it is a startup program supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

Broadband frequency synthesizer developed by Sigzen Guru. (Photo by Sigzen Guru)

On the 28th, SigzenGuru announced, "We have been recognized for our technological capabilities in the frequency synthesizer field used in weapon systems such as radar and electronic warfare, and have been selected as a startup for the ‘Super Gap Startup 1000+’ project supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups upon recommendation by Ajou IB Investment."

If selected for Deep Tech TIPS, companies can receive up to 1.5 billion KRW in research and development (R&D) funding over three years. For supported companies, this allows continuous technology development without sales activities for up to three years, making the competition fierce. Venture capital (VC) or accelerators (AC) with ‘TIPS operator’ status recommend companies they have previously invested in to the government, and the government selects some of these.

SigzenGuru was established in 2015. Receiving support from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in less than 10 years is unusual, indicating the company’s outstanding technological capabilities. The technology SigzenGuru possesses is the ‘broadband frequency synthesizer,’ a core technology of electronic warfare weapon systems. The frequency bands of communication and electronic warfare equipment are expanding, requiring advanced technology. It is an essential requirement not only for next-generation 6G wireless communication equipment but also for the measurement instrument field.

The outlook in the defense sector is also bright. Our military has started the development project of the ‘Korean version Growler’ electronic warfare aircraft (electronic warfare plane) that can paralyze North Korea’s air defense network and wireless command communication system in emergencies. The project is jointly promoted by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and defense companies, with an expected budget of about 1.85 trillion KRW. The broadband frequency synthesizer technology is key to the electronic warfare aircraft. The U.S. Navy’s ‘EA-18G Growler’ is similar. It is also used in the ‘Korean-type Long-range Artillery Missile Defense System (LAMD)’ being developed by 2029 and the surface-to-air missile system Cheongung-II guided weapon.

SigzenGuru expects to contribute to the export of electronic warfare systems as K-defense exports increase every year. Although the performance is similar to overseas electronic warfare systems, it is expected to have price competitiveness as well as follow-up support projects.

Kim Young-jin, CEO of SigzenGuru, said, "Being selected for Deep Tech TIPS R&D recognized our technological capabilities in the broadband frequency synthesizer field," adding, "We expect not only to develop core technologies within two years but also to export electronic warfare equipment."

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