Can You Really Run Multiple Government Projects at Once?
With the combined R&D budgets of Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) exceeding KRW 7.7 trillion in 2026, relying on a single grant is no longer sufficient for meaningful business growth. In fact, 34% of government-funded companies now manage two or more projects simultaneously, and that share continues to rise.
But is it always allowed? In principle, duplicate funding for national R&D is prohibited. The critical distinction lies in whether projects address the "same technology" or "separate technologies." Projects with clearly differentiated technical scopes can be conducted concurrently. The starting point for any multi-project strategy is verifying technological distinctiveness through NTIS (National Science & Technology Information Service) similarity searches.
Understanding the Duplication Review Process
To safely pursue multiple projects, you must thoroughly understand the duplication screening procedure.
How to Use the NTIS Similarity Search
Visit NTIS (ntis.go.kr) and enter your research keywords and technology classifications under the similarity search functionCross-check against three criteria: technical objectives, research content, and final deliverablesIf a project with over 70% similarity is detected, prepare differentiation documentation in advanceReview Process Flow
Application stage: Researchers declare existing projects and provide differentiation statementsManaging agency screening: Agencies such as IITP or KIAT conduct initial screening using NTIS dataEvaluation committee decision: Final duplication assessment during written and presentation reviewsA duplication finding can result in project rejection and even clawback of previously received funds, making it essential to clearly delineate technical boundaries from the outset.
Proven Combinable Project Types for 2026
Here are field-tested combination strategies that minimize duplication risk while maximizing impact.
R&D Grants + Policy Fund Loans
Stepping-stone or Super-gap R&D grants (subsidies) and SME policy fund loans (KRW 4.43 trillion pool) serve different purposes and can run in parallelThe ideal structure: develop technology through R&D grants, then fund commercialization and equipment through policy loansTechnology Development + Voucher Programs
Export vouchers (overseas marketing) and innovation vouchers (technology and management consulting) are not subject to R&D duplication rulesLeveraging vouchers to commercialize R&D outcomes creates a powerful acceleration effectSmart Factory + AX Sprint Priority Track
The newly established AX (AI Transformation) Sprint Priority Track in 2026 awards bonus points to companies with existing smart factory implementationsApplying for AX Sprint after completing basic or advanced smart factory stages can boost selection rates by approximately 1.5xStartup Programs: Non-R&D + R&D Combinations
Among the 508 startup support programs in 2026, non-R&D programs (commercialization, mentoring, workspace) can be combined with R&D programsA classic pairing: Pre-startup Package (non-R&D) + Startup Growth Technology Development (R&D)Critical Compliance Points for Multi-Project Management
No Duplicate Personnel Cost Claims
A single researcher's combined participation rate must not exceed 100% (e.g., 60% on Project A + 40% on Project B)Track participation rates monthly and ensure accurate reporting in RCMS (Research Cost Management System)Separate Budget Management
Dedicated bank accounts for each project are mandatory; transferring funds between projects is strictly prohibitedEstablish allocation criteria for shared expenses (rent, utilities) before project kickoffIntegrated Reporting and Settlement
Manage interim, annual, and final report deadlines across all projects using a consolidated calendarBack-calculate settlement preparation periods (typically 1–2 months) to prevent scheduling conflictsOptimal Multi-Project Roadmap for 2026
First Half (January–June)
January–March: MSS and MOTIE consolidated announcement period — focus on R&D applications (Stepping-stone, Super-gap, Startup Growth Tech)March–April: Apply for first-half export and innovation voucher roundsMay–June: Submit smart factory implementation support applicationsSecond Half (July–December)
July–August: After first-half R&D selections are confirmed, apply for additional policy fund loansSeptember–October: Monitor AX Sprint priority track and second-half voucher openingsNovember–December: Begin planning next year's projects and conduct preliminary NTIS similarity reviewsThe key to multi-project success is a phased portfolio strategy: secure core R&D projects in the first half, then layer on non-R&D programs and policy financing in the second half.
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When approached strategically, running multiple government projects simultaneously becomes a powerful lever for business growth. KITIM provides end-to-end support — from preliminary NTIS duplication reviews and optimal project portfolio design to per-project budget management. If you need a multi-project strategy tailored to your company, reach out through our [Contact Page](/contact) to speak with a specialist consultant.
