[2026 Growth Strategy] 30 Trillion Won National Growth Fund to Focus on AI, Semiconductors, and More

Government Announces "2026 Economic Growth Strategy"
30 Trillion Won to Be Invested This Year from 150 Trillion Won National Growth Fund
Focused Support for AI, Semiconductors, Secondary Batteries, Bio, and Mobility Sectors

This year, the government has decided to provide 30 trillion won in support for advanced strategic industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors through the National Growth Fund. In addition, a 600 billion won National Growth Fund will be created, allowing citizens to directly invest in advanced industries.

According to the "2026 Economic Growth Strategy" released by the government on January 9, the government plans to execute 30 trillion won this year from the National Growth Fund, which is being established with a total size of 150 trillion won to promote productive finance. Of the 30 trillion won, 6 trillion won will be invested in AI, 4.2 trillion won in semiconductors, 1.6 trillion won in secondary batteries, 2.3 trillion won in bio, 3.1 trillion won in mobility, 500 billion won in displays, and 600 billion won in hydrogen fuel cells.

The support methods include 3 trillion won in direct investment, 7 trillion won in indirect investment, 10 trillion won in infrastructure investment, and 10 trillion won in ultra-low interest loans. Direct investment involves participating in corporate capital increases or equity participation in factory expansions. Currently submitted projects include next-generation AI solution software developers, the establishment of special purpose companies (SPCs) for the AI robot ecosystem, and capital increases for small and medium-sized enterprises to expand factories producing specialty gases for semiconductors.

Indirect investment involves the creation of large-scale funds jointly by advanced industry funds and private capital (banks, pension funds, retirement pensions, etc.) to make equity investments in line with policy objectives. Support will be provided mainly for large-scale projects through a 5.6 trillion won policy fund. Both blind funds (70%) and project funds (30%) will be introduced, enabling joint participation by the public and private sectors in mega projects.

On December 11 last year, at the Korea Development Bank in Yeouido, Seoul, key attendees including Eunokwon Lee, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, Seongjin Seo, Chairman of Celltrion, and Hyunju Park, Chairman of Mirae Asset, participated in a commemorative performance at the launch ceremony of the National Growth Fund Strategy Committee meeting. 2025.12.11 Photo by Dongju Yoon

In the second or third quarter of this year, a citizen participation fund worth 600 billion won will also be launched. This fund will apply subordinated financial reinforcement to cover up to 20% of losses, with the government partially compensating investors for their losses.

Additionally, long-term investments will be eligible for income tax deductions on the invested amount and reduced tax rates on dividend income. The structure offers tax benefits to those who invest in the fund for an extended period. The New Deal Fund established under the Moon Jae-in administration offered a 9% separate taxation rate on dividend income, and a similar level of tax benefits is expected this time as well.

The government will also push for deregulation of corporate venture capital (CVC). This includes expanding operational autonomy by easing restrictions on raising external funds and overseas investments. The current 40% limit on CVC external fundraising will be raised to 50%, and the cap on overseas investments as a proportion of total assets will be increased from 20% to 30%.

In addition, the government will raise the limit for recognizing loan loss reserves as deductible expenses when financial companies and others provide loans to venture businesses and productive areas such as policy funds.