SMEs Ministry Releases 11 Additional Deep Tech Challenge Project Proposals

Final Recipients to Be Selected After Recruiting for 34 RFPs

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on September 2 that it has additionally released 11 policy-designated research and development proposals (RFPs) in order to select projects to be supported under this year’s Deep Tech Challenge Project (DCP).

The DCP is a large-scale, technically challenging project-based research and development (R&D) program, providing support of up to 10 billion won, including private investment from venture capital firms and others.

The ministry plans to support a total of 20 projects through the DCP this year. To this end, it released 23 RFPs in April and has now added 11 more. Companies will be recruited through a public call for all 34 RFPs, and the final support recipients will be selected.

The 11 newly added RFPs were selected through detailed planning by experts, based on technology demands in deep tech fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and semiconductors, as identified by venture capital firms, research institutes, and companies.

Key proposals include the development of next-generation scanning high-speed laser annealing equipment technology for semiconductor processing, the development of an antibody fusion protein platform technology capable of simultaneously treating degenerative brain diseases and controlling inflammation, and the development of AI-based automatic disassembly technology for electric vehicle waste battery packs.

Details on all 34 RFPs, including the newly added ones, can be found on the official website of the Strategic Technology Bank. Companies wishing to take on technology development must meet requirements such as forming a project team and securing at least 2 billion won in minimum project funds, and may apply through the Integrated Research Support System (IRIS).

Park Yongsoon, Director General for Technology Innovation Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, "Deep tech technologies have the potential not only to drive the growth of individual companies but also to enhance national competitiveness and transform global paradigms by converging with various other technologies. We will concentrate our policy capabilities to ensure that our capable small and venture businesses can continuously take on cutting-edge technology challenges and lead the world without fear of failure."

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