2026 SME Researcher Recruitment Support Program Overview
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups' "SME Researcher Recruitment Support Program" is one of Korea's flagship government initiatives designed to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises' R&D competitiveness by supporting the recruitment and utilization of skilled research personnel. In 2026, the program consists of four tracks — Junior Researcher Recruitment Support, Senior Researcher Recruitment Support, Public Research Institute Researcher Dispatch Support, and Field-Customized Researcher Training Support — with roughly 775 new projects planned overall.
By track, the program will support approximately 260 junior researcher projects, 85 senior researcher projects, 30 dispatch projects, and training support for over 400 companies. For SMEs struggling with labor shortages and the cost burden of hiring top research talent, this is a program worth examining closely.
Track Details
Junior Researcher Recruitment Support covers up to 50% of the standard annual salary for one junior researcher per company, for up to three years. It suits companies looking to cultivate newly graduated master's or doctoral researchers into long-term R&D talent.
Senior Researcher Recruitment Support covers 50% of the annual salary for one experienced researcher per company, for up to three years, targeting professionals with substantial hands-on experience from large corporations or research institutes. This track is ideal for companies that need immediately effective expertise for new technology development or new business ventures.
Public Research Institute Researcher Dispatch Support allows government-funded research institutes and universities to dispatch their researchers to SMEs for a fixed period, with 50% of the dispatched researcher's salary covered for up to three years — letting companies tap into advanced research capabilities without the burden of direct hiring.
Field-Customized Researcher Training Support develops practical, field-ready researchers through a tiered Level 1–3 program, focused on improving on-the-job adaptability after hiring.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must generally be SMEs as defined under the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises, and must operate an in-house R&D center or a dedicated R&D department. Companies that do not yet have one should first pursue certification through the Korea Industrial Technology Association (KOITA) before applying. Meeting the personnel and space requirements for certification in advance is essential to avoid missing application windows.
How Researcher Hiring Strengthens R&D Competitiveness
Government support that eases the labor cost burden does more than cut expenses — it reshapes an SME's entire hiring strategy. With up to half of a researcher's salary covered for up to three years, companies can compete far more effectively for top talent without being constrained by salary limits, directly translating into stronger execution on national R&D projects and faster product development.
A particularly effective approach is a mixed hiring strategy that combines junior and senior researchers. Junior researchers bring the latest technical know-how and execution speed, while senior researchers contribute project management expertise and industry networks — together supporting the stable growth of an R&D organization.
KITIM's Consulting Support
KITIM provides end-to-end consulting that connects every stage of the process — from establishing and certifying an in-house R&D center or dedicated R&D department to securing selection in the Researcher Recruitment Support Program. Our services include eligibility diagnosis for companies without an existing R&D center, application preparation and online submission through smtech.go.kr, and consulting on recruitment planning documents, all designed to maximize your chances of selection.
If you are considering applying for the Researcher Recruitment Support Program, or need support starting from establishing an in-house R&D center, consult with KITIM's expert team to build the optimal support strategy for your company.