Supporting SMEs to Turn Technology into Profit

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on April 27 that it will issue a notice for the "2026 Technology Commercialization Package Support Program, Second Implementation Plan" to promote the commercialization of technology by small and venture companies.

This announcement follows the "2026 Technology Commercialization Package Support Program, First Implementation Plan," which was released in February. Through the supplementary budget, a dedicated track for startups has been newly included.

The Technology Commercialization Package is a program newly established this year to provide optimal commercialization support so that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have secured excellent technologies through government R&D support programs and other means do not experience interruptions in achieving market results due to a lack of funding. The program aims to deliver tangible outcomes such as increased exports and sales for SMEs.

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Based on a roadmap designed by the SMEs themselves, commercialization experts will prescribe tailored commercialization services, which will be offered in a menu-style format. In addition, institutions specialized in commercialization support will be selected to provide customized programs for SMEs.

Eligible applicants are SMEs that have completed the development of, or have acquired, technologies for commercialization after January 1, 2023. The program will support a total of four tracks: ▲Outstanding projects from government R&D ▲Linkage with technology transaction platforms ▲Linkage with regulatory innovation R&D ▲Startups conducting R&D.

Through this announcement, approximately 150 companies will be selected and provided with follow-up R&D commercialization grants of up to 150 million won. It is expected that companies possessing technologies at the commercialization stage will be able to receive tailored commercialization services, laying the foundation for rapid growth.

SMEs wishing to apply for the Technology Commercialization Package Support Program can check the program notice on the websites of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs, and the Integrated Management System for SME Technology Development Projects. Applications can be submitted online through the Integrated Management System for SME Technology Development Projects from May 11 to May 26.

Hwang Youngho, Director of Technology Innovation Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, "Although Korea's investment in R&D is among the highest in the world, the outcomes in technology commercialization remain relatively weak. We will actively support the excellent results generated through government R&D so that they can be commercialized and contribute to enhancing national competitiveness."

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