SMEs Ministry Launches "Public-Private Joint Technology Commercialization R&D" with 40.1 Billion Won in Support

294 Projects Selected for the First Round of Support in the First Half of the Year

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on January 12 that it will be issuing the "2026 First Implementation Plan for Public-Private Joint Technology Commercialization" to promote the commercialization of technology by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This initiative consolidates and newly establishes the previously dispersed technology transfer and purchase-linked projects within the SME Technology Innovation Development Project under the name "Public-Private Joint Technology Commercialization." The aim is to increase the success rate of SME commercialization by systematically connecting the transfer of public technology to the private sector with demand-driven research and development (R&D).

The first round of support for the first half of this year totals approximately 40.1 billion won, with 294 projects to be selected. Specifically, 20 billion won will be allocated to technology transfer commercialization (200 projects), and 20.1 billion won will go to purchase-linked and win-win cooperation (94 projects). Additional support for technology readiness level (TRL) jump-up and purchase-linked projects will be announced separately in the future.

Among the main areas of support, technology transfer commercialization is a program that supports R&D for SMEs that have acquired outstanding technologies from public research institutions. Starting this year, the "Korean-style STTR" model has been introduced to further enhance the program with a phased support structure.

Technology transfer commercialization consists of two stages to improve the commercialization performance of SMEs. This year, the first stage will support technology and market validation (PoC and PoM). From next year, projects with outstanding results from the first stage will be selected for the second-stage commercialization R&D support.

"Purchase-linked and win-win cooperation" supports projects that carry out technology development according to the requirements of demand sources or investment companies, emphasizing commercialization through collaboration with large enterprises and public institutions. This year, demand sources that faithfully fulfill their purchase obligations after project completion will receive additional points if they participate again, and the mandatory purchase period has been shortened from five years to three years to accelerate the conversion of technology development results into actual sales.

Companies wishing to participate can apply online through the Integrated Research Support System (IRIS) website from January 29 to February 12. Detailed information can be found in the announcement on the Ministry of SMEs and Startups website.