Support for Establishing 450 AI-Based Smart Factories

Integrated Notice for 2026 Smart Manufacturing Innovation Support Projects Announced

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on October 30 that it will launch the "2026 Integrated Notice for Smart Factory Construction and Smart Manufacturing Innovation Support Projects."

This integrated notice aims to provide detailed information on the implementation schedule and support plans for next year's support projects, which are designed to realize the "AI-Based Smart Manufacturing Innovation 3.0 Strategy" announced at the Cabinet Meeting on Major National Affairs on October 24. The goal is to help small and medium-sized manufacturing companies prepare in advance.

The support targets a total of 12 projects in the field of smart manufacturing innovation. The most significant change compared to this year is a substantial expansion of support projects related to artificial intelligence (AI). In particular, support for the phased establishment of "AI Factories," which integrate AI into smart factories to enable autonomous decision-making and execution such as defect detection and real-time process control, has been greatly increased. Specifically, approximately 450 projects will be supported, including 30 autonomous factories, 400 manufacturing AI-specialized smart factories, and 20 large-medium-small business cooperation AI tracks. In addition, consulting support such as AI Transformation (AX) planning using experts will be strengthened to help small and medium-sized enterprises adopt manufacturing AI.

Furthermore, a new program called "AI Application Product Rapid Commercialization" will be introduced to develop and disseminate AI solutions and equipment that address common challenges faced by SMEs in various industries, such as industrial accident prevention and labor shortages. In addition, the government will strengthen technology development projects necessary for smart factories, including AI, digital transformation technologies, and core process optimization. A separate track will also be established to support the application of outstanding R&D results to smart factories.

Meanwhile, for small and medium-sized enterprises with insufficient digital capabilities, support for the introduction of manufacturing robots and automation of labor-intensive manual processes will be expanded. The government will also continue to strategically foster not only manufacturing companies but also technology providers through cloud manufacturing solutions and supplier competency assessment projects. Support for manufacturing data standardization will also be increased to promote the construction of standard-based smart factories and vitalize the smart manufacturing ecosystem.

Kwon Soonjae, Director of Regional Business Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, "We have increased next year's related budget (based on the government proposal) by more than 80% so that small and medium-sized manufacturers can better experience the benefits of AI and accelerate the spread of AI technologies in manufacturing sites," adding, "We will continue to advance smart manufacturing innovation support policies to further enhance manufacturing productivity and competitiveness."

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