What Is the Export-Oriented (Global Leader) Tech Innovation Program
The biggest change to the 2026 SME Technology Innovation Development Program is the overhaul of the 'Export-Oriented (Global Leader)' track. Most notably, the previous restriction limiting eligibility to 124 designated strategic items has been completely abolished, replaced by a free proposal system where companies design and pitch their own technology and market strategy. Companies that previously couldn't even apply because their product wasn't on the strategic item list can now freely propose their own export-promising technologies.
The funding scale is substantial as well. The 2026 Export-Oriented track has been allocated a total of KRW 54 billion, offering up to KRW 1 billion per company, for up to 2 years, with a support ratio of 65%. Compared to general technology development programs, both the funding cap and duration are generous enough to enable meaningful R&D investment aimed at overseas expansion.
Eligibility and Evaluation Preferences
The program targets export-oriented SMEs that need to secure competitiveness in global markets. Simply having large revenue or prior export performance is not enough — applicants must present concrete evidence that their technology can actually succeed in overseas markets.
During evaluation, projects in the following areas receive preferential treatment:
Since national strategic technologies and carbon neutrality have been consistently emphasized in recent government R&D budget allocations, clearly demonstrating the connection between your project and these areas in your business plan works in your favor during evaluation.
Application Strategy and Key Considerations
The most critical part of writing your business plan is proving 'why this technology will sell overseas' with numbers and evidence. Be sure to include the following elements:
You must also clearly understand the differences from similar tracks such as the Leap-Forward type and Parts/Materials/Equipment Strategic type. The Leap-Forward type focuses on upgrading technology within the domestic market, and the Parts/Materials/Equipment type specializes in supply chain self-sufficiency for specific components, whereas the Export-Oriented (Global Leader) track uses overseas revenue generation and market entry itself as its core KPI — meaning the logical structure of your business plan needs to be fundamentally different. Choosing the wrong track can result in a disqualification for non-conformity during evaluation, so be sure to verify that you've selected the track matching your actual business objective before applying.
How KITIM Consulting Can Help
The Korea Institute of Technology Innovation Management (KITIM) provides both business plan advisory services and R&D project planning consulting for the Export-Oriented Tech Innovation program. We offer hands-on support at every pre-application stage — from target market analysis and building your technical competitiveness narrative, to aligning your project with national strategic technologies and carbon neutrality priorities, to selecting the optimal track among similar program types.
With the shift to a free proposal system in 2026, 'what story to tell and how to tell it' has become the key variable determining success or failure. If you're considering applying to the Export-Oriented track, please reach out to KITIM. We'll assess your company's technology and market position together and provide a practical strategy to help you secure up to KRW 1 billion in global R&D support.