98 Candidate Technologies Received Through Technology Demand Survey
100 Billion KRW Joint Public-Private Support
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on the 10th that it has issued the first call for proposals (RFP) for eight projects to be promoted this year under the ‘Strategic Technology Theme Projects (DCP).’
DCP is a project designed to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups to boldly take on high-risk research and development (R&D) challenges, featuring key elements such as ‘setting ambitious goals,’ ‘joint public-private support of 10 billion KRW,’ ‘guaranteeing research autonomy,’ and ‘reducing the burden of failure.’
Last month, it was designated as an ‘Innovative and Challenging R&D Project’ by the National Science and Technology Advisory Council. Accordingly, flexible research fund execution, elimination of success/failure distinctions, and project manager (PM) research management, among other leading-edge R&D tailored systems, can now be actively applied.
This year, from March 4 to April 17, a technology demand survey was conducted among companies, universities, and research institutes, receiving a total of 98 candidate technologies. The RFPs were refined through a planning committee. Subsequently, 11 RFPs were submitted as candidates to the ‘3rd Deep Tech Challenge Committee of 2024,’ and the committee finalized eight RFPs to be announced as DCP projects in the first round this year.
The main contents of the eight RFPs include the development of a high-temperature climate-adapted flow battery ESS (carbon neutrality), development of a 6U or larger cube satellite equipped with orbit transformation and de-orbiting functions (aerospace), development of a VLM-based autonomous mission multi-agent multi-legged robot system (advanced robotics), development of RF GaN HEMT epiwafer technology for 6G communications (semiconductors), AI-based customized embedded bone joint implant development (advanced bio), new technology development for industrialization of AAV-based gene therapy (advanced bio), and an advanced AI-robotics self-evolving next-generation material development platform (AI), among others.
For the eight RFPs, after investment (over 2 billion KRW) by operating consortiums, recommended performing companies will be evaluated and finally selected. Starting this year, participation of consortia including universities and research institutions with global infrastructure will be mandatory during R&D execution.
Oh Young-joo, Minister of SMEs and Startups, said, “This year’s DCP has attracted strong industry interest with 98 technology demands, including new submissions in quantum, hydrogen, and next-generation nuclear power fields, and many world-first and top-level RFPs have been proposed. We expect it to serve as a catalyst for first-mover challenging R&D by deep tech-based innovative ventures and for R&D cooperation with globally leading research institutions.”
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