Gyeongbuk Western Intellectual Property Center Announces First Round of 2026 'IP Narae Program' Support Project

The Gyeongbuk Western Intellectual Property Center, operated by the Gyeongbuk Chamber of Commerce and Industry with support from the Korea Intellectual Property Office and the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government, has announced the first round (first half of the year) of its 2026 'IP Narae Program' and is striving to help startups secure technologies.

The IP Narae Program is a project that provides intellectual property technology management convergence consulting to strengthen IP capabilities, targeting small and medium-sized enterprises established within seven years, or within ten years for those in new industries.

Specific support includes identifying promising technologies based on a company's existing technology, proposing IP dispute prevention strategies, providing patent portfolio strategy, and suggesting R&D directions. In addition, the program offers solutions to non-patent IP issues and suggests ways to connect with other institutional support programs for commercialization and business stabilization.

Last year, the Gyeongbuk Western Intellectual Property Center selected 29 companies, conducted patent searches and analyses of competitors and relevant technology sectors, and filed 43 patents, 6 trademarks, and 4 designs.

Furthermore, a total of four technology transfers were achieved by two companies.

Notably, A4Lab Co., Ltd., based in Gumi, secured rights for both software and hardware necessary for building a 'surgical navigation system' through the IP Narae Program, and, with consulting from the center, pursued global expansion by participating in CES 2026, linking with initial startup packages, startup growth projects, other institutional support programs, and winning the 2025 FIX Grand Innovation Award.

The deadline for beneficiary company applications is 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the 11th of this month. Eligible applicants are small and medium-sized enterprises located in Gumi, Gimcheon, Sangju, Goryeong, Seongju, and Chilgok. Local companies within these jurisdictions should apply through the Gyeongbuk Western Intellectual Property Center.

For business applications and inquiries, please visit the regional intellectual property center’s website or contact the Gyeongbuk Western Intellectual Property Center.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.