"Gangwon-Style K-Defense Fires Into the Future"... Gangwon Province Supports Seven Advanced Defense Innovation Companies

From Quadruped Robots to AI Surveillance Systems
Seven Promising Local Companies Selected
Up to 45 Million Won in Support for Technology Advancement and Product Development
Accelerating the Establishment of an Advanced Defense Industry Hub

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province announced that it has finalized the selection of seven companies to participate in the "2026 Gangwon Defense Industry Technology Advancement Support Project" and will begin providing full-scale support.

View of Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government.

This project comprehensively supports local companies wishing to enter the defense market by helping them overcome technological limitations and launch high-quality products. The support includes technology advancement, professional consulting, and network operations.

The province and Gangwon Technopark accepted proposals from 22 companies through an open call in early April, and expert evaluations were conducted over two days from April 16 to 17.

The evaluation focused on technological innovation, applicability to military use, and commercialization capability, resulting in the selection of seven companies as new project participants for this year.

The selected companies possess advanced technologies essential for future battlefields and security environments.

The primary supported technologies include: ▲AI-based CCTV blind spot monitoring acoustic systems, ▲quadruped robots for advanced mobility, and ▲parachute safety devices for maximized safety. These are all core technologies with strong potential for defense applications.

Gangwon Technopark will operate customized support programs for the selected companies.

Depending on each company's needs, up to 45 million won will be provided for prototype production, software upgrades, and improvements in design and performance, supporting the development of high-quality outcomes. To help lower the entry barriers to the defense industry, expert solutions for technical and management challenges will be offered up to three times per company.

Cooperative networks, such as technology exchange meetings and company roundtables, will be operated to strengthen information sharing and inter-company collaboration support.

Kim Manho, Director of Economic Affairs at Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, "This project will serve as a turning point where the innovative technologies of local SMEs meet the vast defense market, becoming a new growth engine for the Gangwon economy. We will spare no effort in providing full support so that the selected companies can grow into key players in the global defense market and invigorate the local economy."

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