"Fostering Regional Deep Tech"... 51.2 Billion Won Invested in 174 Special Zone Companies

Ministry of Science and ICT Launches Full-Scale R&D Special Zone Promotion Project

Focusing on AI, Advanced Biotechnology, and Semiconductors... Support for Proof-of-Concept, Investment, and Global Expansion

The government will provide a total of 51.2 billion won in support to 174 deep tech companies located in the Daedeok, Gwangju, Daegu, Busan, and Jeonbuk Research and Development Special Zones. The goal is to support the full-cycle growth of companies in national strategic technology sectors—such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced biotechnology, and semiconductors—from startup and proof-of-concept to commercialization and global expansion.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on May 11 that it will officially begin supporting new projects for the 2026 Research and Development Special Zone Promotion Program. The recipients are companies and institutions within the five metropolitan special zones selected through open competition and evaluation.

Exterior view of the Research and Development Special Zone Promotion Foundation. The Asia Business Daily DB

This project focuses on revitalizing regional deep tech startups and expanding the commercialization of public research outcomes. In particular, its core lies in providing integrated support for technology-based companies to establish themselves stably within the region and grow, encompassing proof-of-concept, investment, and overseas expansion.

Among the selected companies, those in AI (32%) accounted for the largest share, followed by advanced biotechnology (16%), semiconductors and displays (8%), advanced robotics (8%), and secondary batteries (7%).

"Support for Proof-of-Concept, Commercialization, and Talent Development"

Sixty companies chosen for the 'Strategic Technology Research Outcome Commercialization Support' project will pursue technology transfer, startup, and commercialization based on public technologies in national strategic sectors. They will also receive support for the entire commercialization process, including proof-of-concept (PoC), prototype development, and investment strategy formulation.

In addition, sixty-nine companies selected for the 'Regional Innovation Proof-of-Concept Scale-Up' project will participate in regulatory sandbox programs to conduct on-site verification and performance testing of products and services, and will receive research and business development (R&BD) funding.

Fifteen specialized technology transfer and commercialization institutions will be responsible for discovering outstanding technologies from local universities and government-funded research institutes and linking them to startup opportunities. Nineteen organizations carrying out the 'Innopolis Campus' program will operate talent development programs, including training for employees of special zone companies and internships.

In the newly initiated 'Strategic Research Institute Company Development' project this year, eleven research institute spin-offs have been selected. They will conduct joint commercialization research with research institutes, aiming to advance their technologies and enter the market.

Each special zone plans to hold kick-off meetings for principal investigators this month to discuss inter-agency cooperation and strategies for expanding results.

Lee Eunyoung, Director of Research Performance Innovation at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "Research and Development Special Zones are evolving into core hubs leading regional innovation growth, going beyond the commercialization of public research outcomes. We will strengthen our support so that they can become global deep tech innovation centers."

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