Program Overview: Four Institutions, KRW 420.7 Billion Over Five Years
Daegu has become a hub for AI transformation (AX) in robotics and bio. To build on this, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Daegu Metropolitan City are jointly running the "Regional Hub AX Innovation Technology Development" program. The total budget for 2026–2030 is KRW 420.7 billion. It breaks down into KRW 228.6 billion in national funding, KRW 83.9 billion in local government funding, and KRW 108.2 billion in private contributions.
The figure to look at first is the KRW 108.2 billion in private contributions. It means participating companies will cover about a quarter of the total cost. Before you weigh your chances of being selected, work out how much your company can realistically contribute in cash and in kind.
Three Tracks
Standard Model AX R&D (6 projects)
This track develops industry-standard AX models that the robotics and medical sectors can share. It works much like leading a platform. Applications run October 8 – November 9.
Process and Application Solution AX R&D (8 projects)
This track applies AI and software to build solutions for real production and clinical workflows.
Applied Product AX R&D (7 projects)
This track develops AX-enabled products aimed at global markets.
The 8 solution projects and 7 product projects, 15 in total, are issued together as a designated call (Notice No. 2026-643). Applications run October 29 – November 12. Funding per project and project duration differ by track, so check the RFP attached to the official notice instead of relying on secondhand figures.
Eligibility and What "Daegu Hub" Means
Companies, universities, research institutes, research associations, and business associations can apply. Companies based outside Daegu can consider joining through a consortium with a Daegu-based organization. Requirements on demonstration sites or business locations may vary by project, so confirm them in the notice.
In a designated call, a proposal that falls outside the RFP's scope is screened out at the document review stage. The first thing to build is a compliance matrix that maps each line of the RFP to the matching part of your proposal.
Is This a Fit for Your SME? A Checklist
A Two-to-Three-Week Preparation Roadmap
The designated call closes on November 12, and the standard model track closes even earlier, on November 9, so the schedule is tight. If you miss this round, the program runs through 2030, so further calls may follow. Start building consortium ties with Daegu-based organizations now.
How KITIM Can Help
The Korea Institute of Technology Innovation Management (KITIM) draws on its experience planning government R&D projects to support you with:
If you are not sure which of the 21 projects suits your technology, contact KITIM through our consultation request page before the deadline. We will help you decide what you can realistically prepare in the time left.