SMEs Ministry Invites Companies to Join Technology Innovation Project... KRW 15.6 Billion to Be Invested

A Total of 125 New Companies to Be Selected
Applications Open Until June 15

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on May 14 that it is now accepting applications from companies wishing to participate in the second half of the 2026 SME Technology Innovation Development Project.

The SME Technology Innovation Development Project is the Ministry's flagship research and development (R&D) support initiative, designed to help SMEs secure independent technological competitiveness and facilitate their entry into overseas markets. Through this recruitment for the second half of the year, the Ministry plans to newly select a total of 125 companies and provide total funding of 15.6 billion won. The types of support have been subdivided according to the characteristics of each company.

First, the 'Export-Oriented' program is designed to help SMEs with high export potential establish competitiveness in overseas markets. In the second half of the year, 60 companies will be selected, and the selected companies will receive up to 1 billion won in technology development funding over a maximum of two years.

Notably, while last year the support areas were designated as 124 strategic items in 12 national strategic technologies and carbon neutrality sectors, this year the restrictions on technology fields have been lifted to encourage broader technological innovation. However, the 124 strategic items in the existing strategic technology and carbon neutrality sectors will continue to receive preferential treatment in the selection process.

The newly introduced 'Jump-Up Linked' program this year provides research and development funding to promising SMEs selected for the Ministry’s Jump-Up program, supporting their growth into global leading companies. In the second half, five companies will be selected, and each will receive up to 1 billion won over two years to build a growth ladder.

The 'Materials, Parts, and Equipment (SoBuJang)' program aims to foster the development of core technologies in the foundational sectors of national industry, supporting technological independence and strengthening innovation capabilities. SMEs involved in strategic items outlined in the SME-specialized roadmap are eligible to participate. In the second half, 60 companies will be selected and provided with up to 500 million won in R&D funding over two years.

Hwang Youngho, Director-General for Technology Innovation Policy, stated, "We will establish a diverse system of support for technological innovation so that SMEs can secure technological sovereignty and gain outstanding competitiveness in rapidly changing overseas markets." He added, "We will focus our policy capabilities not only on simple R&D support but also on helping SMEs take a leap forward and achieve tangible economic results."

Detailed information about the SME Technology Innovation Development Project can be found on the Ministry of SMEs and Startups website or the Integrated Government R&D Information System website starting May 15. Applications can be submitted through the Integrated Government R&D Information System website from June 1 to June 15, until 6:00 p.m.

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