Kibo to Increase Guarantee Ratio for Semiconductor and AI Companies

Implementation of Special Guarantees for Semiconductor Industry and Preferential Guarantees for AI
Guarantee Ratio Increased Up to 95%
Guarantee Fee Rate Reduced Up to 0.3% Points

On June 2, Korea Technology Finance Corporation (Kibo) announced the implementation of customized guarantee programs aimed at strengthening industrial competitiveness in the semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors. These programs include the "Special Guarantee for Semiconductor Industry Enterprises" and the "AI·AX Competitiveness Enhancement Preferential Guarantee."

Kibo explained that these preferential support measures were introduced to alleviate the burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and enhance the competitiveness of national core industries amid changes in the global trade environment and increasing domestic and international uncertainties. Through these initiatives, Kibo plans to strengthen support so that technology-innovative companies can turn crises into opportunities and achieve scale-up growth.

Firstly, the Special Guarantee for Semiconductor Industry Enterprises is a follow-up measure to the "Strengthening Fiscal Investment for Securing Global Semiconductor Competitiveness" plan announced by the government in April. This guarantee targets outstanding technology companies in the semiconductor sector, including fabless, foundry, and materials·components·equipment firms, and provides focused financial support for research and development (R&D) and the localization of manufacturing equipment. Kibo will apply preferential treatment to supported companies, including a maximum guarantee limit of up to 20 billion KRW, an increased guarantee ratio (up to 95%), and a reduction in guarantee fees (up to 0.3 percentage points).

Additionally, through the AI·AX Competitiveness Enhancement Preferential Guarantee, Kibo plans to help bridge the global gap in the AI sector and support the smooth transition to artificial intelligence for technology-innovative companies. Under this program, Kibo will offer preferential measures such as an increased guarantee ratio (up to 95%), reduced guarantee fees (up to 0.3 percentage points), and expanded special calculation criteria for AI technology companies and companies adopting or utilizing AI.

Previously, in May, Kibo launched the "Special Guarantee for Overcoming Crisis from Trade Environment Changes" with a scale of 1.2 trillion KRW, funded by government contributions secured through the government's first supplementary budget. This program was aimed at supporting companies affected by measures such as U.S. tariffs. By establishing three customized support systems?Special Guarantee for Overcoming Crisis from Trade Environment Changes, Special Guarantee for Semiconductor Industry Enterprises, and AI·AX Competitiveness Enhancement Preferential Guarantee?Kibo plans to actively respond to global trade environment changes and help resolve management difficulties faced by SMEs and venture companies.

Kim Jongho, Chairman of Kibo, stated, "Kibo has swiftly prepared three types of special (preferential) guarantees to help SMEs and venture companies, which are struggling due to increasing domestic and international uncertainties and changes in the global trade environment, overcome crises and take a leap forward." He added, "Kibo will continue to actively support technology-driven and high-growth-potential SMEs and venture companies so that they can use crises as stepping stones for scale-up through a variety of customized support programs."