Ministry of SMEs and Startups' Makerspace to Support Startups from Prototyping to Initial Mass Production at Once

Introduction of Manufacturing-Specialized Model
Building a Practical Manufacturing Startup Infrastructure

The government is creating an environment where manufacturing startups can take on the challenge of moving from prototype development to initial mass production all at once.

On January 12, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced the recruitment of manufacturing-specialized makerspaces for 2026. This new manufacturing-specialized makerspace program has been redesigned to support startups all the way to the level where they can actually produce and launch products in the market.

Previously, after completing a prototype, entrepreneurs had to manage the mass production stage on their own. However, in the manufacturing-specialized makerspaces, companies with expertise will participate together to provide integrated services such as design verification, process design, cost analysis, and mass production feasibility evaluation. Through this process, startups will be able to progress naturally from the prototype stage to actual production without being limited to just prototyping.

The Ministry plans to expand the number of host organizations for makerspaces from 8 last year to 13 this year. Institutions (companies) with dedicated spaces of at least 1,000 square meters and equipped with specialized equipment and personnel can apply by forming a consortium with professional companies that have capabilities in prototype development, mass production design, product certification, and initial mass production. Selected host organizations, after evaluation, will not simply provide equipment but will serve as regional manufacturing-specialized platforms that combine the process and mass production expertise of professional companies with the creative and experimental functions of makerspaces.

Cho Kyungwon, Director of Startup Policy at the Ministry, stated, "Makerspaces will not just be simple making spaces, but will operate as manufacturing startup hubs that take responsibility for productization and initial mass production together with professional companies. Through makerspaces, we aim to create a field-oriented manufacturing startup ecosystem where startups can actually produce products and take on the market."

Applications can be submitted through the K-Startup website until February 3. Further details can be found in the official announcement.