Overview of Korean Government R&D Support Programs (2025)
The Korean government provides a wide range of R&D and commercialization support programs to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups develop innovative technologies, expand into new markets, and strengthen competitiveness. In 2025, the main policy trend is support for innovation-driven technologies, national strategic industries, and customized regional/sector programs.
1. Ministry of SMEs and Startups (중소벤처기업부)
SME Technology Development Support Programs
Funding scope: Supports R&D projects in new technology and product development, process innovation, and commercialization.
Program types: Includes market-oriented R&D and innovation capability enhancement projects.
Scale: Eligible companies may receive several hundred million KRW (up to a few million USD equivalent), depending on project size and company conditions.
Human resource support:
For newly recruited or experienced R&D personnel, up to 50% of annual salary for up to 3 years is subsidized.
When dispatching research staff from public institutes to SMEs, up to 50% of annual salary support is also provided.
2. Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (산업통상자원부)
Scale-Up Technology Commercialization Program
Focuses on helping manufacturing SMEs diversify businesses and expand into new industries and emerging markets.
Provides integrated support including business model (BM) development, market research, technology & management consulting, and commercialization.
Strategic focus areas (15 fields): Advanced materials, future mobility, biotechnology, robotics & AI, displays, and other national priority sectors.
3. Ministry of Science and ICT (과학기술정보통신부)
Cooperative and Convergent Technology Commercialization Program
Aims to build a private sector-led collaboration ecosystem by supporting joint R&D and convergent technology commercialization.
Strengthens the link between research outcomes and business applications, helping companies bring lab results to the market more quickly.
4. Sector-Specific and Regional Support
Food & Agriculture (Ministry of Agriculture and Korea Agro-Fisheries Technology Agency):
Focused on food-tech companies and agricultural technology commercialization.
Provides assistance with prototype development, certification, and market testing.
Local Governments & Techno Parks:
Region-specific programs, e.g., Seoul Private Investment Linked Program (Seoul Metropolitan Government) or Jeonbuk Techno Park Prototype Support.
Tailored initiatives to match regional strengths and industrial bases.
Key Features of Support Programs
Direct R&D funding: for prototype development, testing, certification, and performance evaluation.
One-stop package support: from business model planning, consulting, IP/patent strategy, to commercialization.
Human resource expansion: through talent recruitment support and research staff dispatch.
Private investment linkages: programs often integrate venture capital or angel funding to accelerate market entry.
Global commercialization: support for overseas expansion and participation in global value chains.
Sector-specific programs: customized support for strategic fields such as biotech, semiconductors, robotics, AI, and food technology.
How to Apply
Companies can access and compare support programs through:
Each ministry’s official website
“Biz Korea” portal (기업마당), which provides an integrated platform for SME policy support programs.
Here are the official English-language homepage links for the main Korean government ministries and agencies mentioned, which provide R&D support programs for businesses:
Official Government Ministry & Agency Websites
Ministry of SMEs and Startups
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy
https://www.motie.go.kr/www/main.do?lang=eng (Official government site—not found directly above, but usually available under this address)
Ministry of Science and ICT
https://www.msit.go.kr/eng/index.do (Standard official site address, not listed explicitly but referenced via multiple government pages)
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural A\ffairs
https://www.mafra.go.kr/english/index.do (English homepage—commonly used format, referenced in government releases)
Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT)
https://www.at.or.kr/eng/ (The main agency supporting agricultural tech commercialization)
Biz Korea Portal (기업마당)
https://www.bizinfo.go.kr/eng/main.do (Integrated platform for SME policy and R&D support programs)
You can use these websites to access application guidelines, program details, and the latest R&D support announcements relevant for foreign and local companies interested in Korean innovation programs.
Sources : wikipedia.com