KOSME Recruiting Companies for 2026 Structural Innovation Support Program

Supporting Structural Transformation...
Helping SMEs Secure New Growth Engines

On January 5, the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) announced that it is recruiting companies to participate in the "2026 Structural Innovation Support Program" to support the sustainable growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups.

The Structural Innovation Support Program is designed to help SMEs overcome structural challenges arising from rapid industrial transformation, such as carbon neutrality and the acceleration of digital transformation. It comprehensively supports business, digital, and workforce transitions to create new growth engines.

Jungjinkong Headquarters, Jinju City, Gyeongsangnam-do

Specifically, the program provides: ▲ business transition consulting for entry into new business sectors; ▲ digital transformation consulting to enhance digital capabilities; ▲ industry and workforce transition consulting for job conversion and rapid reemployment support; and ▲ comprehensive follow-up support, including policy funds and research and development (R&D) linkage projects.

The program targets SMEs with five or more regular employees that wish to pursue business, digital, or workforce transitions. This year, KOSME plans to select and support approximately 1,000 companies for diagnostics and around 690 companies for consulting. Participating companies do not bear any costs for the program.

Participating companies can assess their level of readiness for structural innovation and the feasibility of business transition, and establish a structural innovation roadmap through customized consulting tailored to their circumstances. Upon approval of their business transition plan by KOSME, companies can also participate in follow-up programs such as business transition funds, R&D support, and industry and workforce transition grants.

Kang Seokjin, Chairman of KOSME, stated, "With the global industrial environment and market structure changing rapidly, this year is expected to be a challenging one for companies on the ground. We will proactively reach out to companies in need of structural innovation and do our utmost to provide new opportunities for innovation and growth."