Overview of 2026 Regulatory Sandbox New Industry Creation R&D
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Science and ICT have jointly announced the 2026 Regulatory Sandbox New Industry Creation R&D Program with a total budget of KRW 2.4 billion. This is a dedicated R&D initiative designed to accelerate commercialization for companies that have received regulatory sandbox approval, with a structure distinct from conventional R&D programs.
Key Support Conditions
What the Combination of Sandbox and R&D Means
For new industries blocked by existing regulations, technology development alone has clear limitations. This program offers Korea's only integrated framework that simultaneously addresses technology development and regulatory response.
Differences from Conventional R&D
According to 2024 statistics, while cumulative sandbox approvals exceeded 1,000 cases, only about 30% led to formal regulatory amendments. R&D linkage is a key mechanism for improving this conversion rate.
Promising Items by Sector
Industrial Convergence
ICT Convergence
Financial Innovation
Smart City
Mobility
Circular Economy
Three Critical Steps Before Application
Step 1: Understand Sandbox Approval Procedures
Temporary permits and empirical exceptions have different conditions. Temporary permits allow immediate market entry when safety is verified, while empirical exceptions require verification through data collected during limited empirical operations. This R&D accepts both routes, but proof of business launch is mandatory.
Step 2: Prepare Empirical Operation Evidence
Step 3: Draft the R&D Project Proposal
The proposal must clearly articulate how empirical data will be utilized. Rather than mere technology development, presenting a roadmap that extends to securing grounds for regulatory amendment will strengthen evaluation outcomes.
KITIM Consulting Integration Points
KITIM provides one-stop advisory services from sandbox application through R&D follow-up.
If you are facing commercialization challenges due to regulatory gaps, you need a strategy that addresses both regulatory response and R&D commercialization simultaneously. Through one-on-one consultation with KITIM's expert consultants, we will design the optimal commercialization path tailored to your company. Apply for consultation today.