MSS Expands Startup-BuS Program Nationwide at Centers for Creative Economy and Innovation

Expanded from 8 centers last year to 17 centers this year
123 startups attract a total of 56.5 billion won in direct and indirect investment

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on February 11, 2026 that it will operate the “Startup-BuS (Build up Strategy for Startups) Program,” an investment-attraction-focused support project of the Centers for Creative Economy and Innovation, at all 17 innovation centers nationwide this year.

Promotional poster for the Seoul Center for Creative Economy and Innovation's Startup BuS Program. Ministry of SMEs and Startups

The Startup-BuS program was launched in May 2024 to enable innovation centers to swiftly support promising regional deep-tech startups, from initial investment to follow-on funding. After a pilot run at five innovation centers (Gyeonggi, Incheon, North Chungcheong, Gwangju, and Ulsan), three new centers (Gangwon, South Gyeongsang, and Jeju) were added last year, bringing the total to eight centers in operation.

This year, the Startup-BuS program will be operated at all centers, improving accessibility for startups. Startups wishing to receive support through Startup-BuS can participate in weekly “mini pitching days” and other events held on designated days at each center nationwide.

The Startup-BuS program aims to continuously discover promising regional startups and provide rapid support, targeting initial investment within three months, selection for TIPS within six months, and connection to follow-on investment within 12 months.

Starting in December 2025, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups plans to provide end-to-end support for regional startups, from tailored consulting to investment, by closely linking the Startup One-Stop Support Centers established at innovation centers nationwide.

Since opening, the Startup One-Stop Support Centers have conducted more than 4,200 consultations over a two-month period, covering legal, tax, management, and startup information. In March 2026, an online consultation channel will also be launched and operated.

Through the Startup-BuS program, 1,089 companies were discovered at eight centers last year. Among them, 288 companies underwent acceleration, and a total of 123 companies successfully attracted direct and indirect investments amounting to approximately 56.5 billion won.

Megaplan attracted a total of 2.6 billion won in investment last year and was selected as a TIPS-supported company, after the excellence of its AI-based platform was recognized. The platform provides analysis and diagnostic services for the mass production of live mackerel using artificial spawning.

Numus attracted a total of 9.6 billion won in investment with its technology that safely opens the blood-brain barrier using ultrasound to enhance the drug permeability of therapeutics for brain diseases.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups also plans to hold joint investment briefings to showcase promising startups discovered and nurtured by each innovation center through the Startup-BuS program to domestic and overseas investors. A regional investment briefing will be held in May 2026, followed by a nationwide investment briefing in October 2026.

Startup Policy Director Cho Kyungwon said, “Through the Startup-BuS platform, we will actively discover promising regional startups and continuously establish a system for rapid growth through investment,” adding, “In addition, we will fully implement the ‘Startup for All Project,’ which will enable anyone to take on the challenge of starting a business and commercializing their ideas, and we ask for your keen interest.”

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