2026 SME Tech Innovation R&D Autonomous Proposal & Jump-Up Program Guide

Key Changes in the 2026 SME Technology Innovation R&D Program

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups has abolished all 124 designated strategic product categories in the 2026 Technology Innovation Development Program, transitioning to a fully autonomous proposal system. This landmark reform enables SMEs to freely design R&D projects based on their own capabilities and market demands.

Under the previous system, applications were restricted to 124 government-designated strategic product categories. This often disqualified innovative ideas in convergence technologies or emerging industries that didn't fit neatly into predefined classifications. Starting in 2026, proposals are accepted across all technology domains, with evaluation preferences given to projects aligned with Korea's 12 National Strategic Technologies (semiconductors, AI, quantum, bio, etc.) and carbon neutrality initiatives.

Impact on SMEs

Greater R&D planning freedom: Companies can design projects based on their proprietary technology roadmaps

Lower barriers for convergence technologies: Creative proposals no longer constrained by category classifications

Shifting competitive dynamics: Direct comparative evaluation across proposals replaces category-based segmentation

Strategies for Autonomous Proposal Success

In the autonomous proposal framework, the ability to articulate why your technology matters is the decisive factor. While the previous system rewarded alignment with government-designated categories, companies must now independently demonstrate market demand and technological differentiation.

What Evaluators Look For

Market-driven technology planning: Revenue and export targets beyond pure technical development

TRL-based roadmaps: Clear progression from current Technology Readiness Level to target TRL

IP strategy: Patent acquisition plans with analysis of existing IP portfolios

Quantitative performance metrics: Specific figures for revenue growth, export targets, and job creation

Business Plan Writing Essentials

Under the old category system, listing technology trends within the designated product area sufficed for background context. Autonomous proposals require companies to conduct and present their own market sizing, growth analysis, and competitive landscape research with supporting evidence. Clearly articulating connections to National Strategic Technologies can secure evaluation preferences.

Jump-Up Linked Program Details

The newly established Jump-Up Linked Program provides follow-on R&D support to companies that demonstrated excellent results in the existing Jump-Up (Doayak) program.

Funding: Up to KRW 1 billion (approximately USD 740,000) over 2 years

Selection: 5 companies in the first half of 2026

Eligibility: Companies with outstanding performance in the Jump-Up program

Key requirement: Demonstrated commercialization results or concrete commercialization plans from prior projects

The linked program aims to accelerate market entry by advancing existing R&D outcomes. Business plans must present a clear chain from prior project results → additional R&D → commercialization.

First-Half Call: 70 Companies, KRW 22.3 Billion

The first-half 2026 call targets approximately 70 companies with total funding of KRW 22.3 billion (approximately USD 16.5 million).

IRIS Application Process and Required Documents

Online submission through IRIS (National R&D Integrated Information System)

Business plan, company profile, and R&D budget breakdown

Certificate of corporate R&D center or dedicated R&D department

Financial statements for the past 3 years and technology documentation

Preferences and Bonus Points for New Applicants

First-time R&D performers: Bonus points for companies with no prior government R&D experience

Women-owned and disability-owned enterprises: Additional scoring preferences

Non-capital region companies: Extra preferences for companies located outside the Seoul metropolitan area

National Strategic Technology alignment: Evaluation advantages for projects in the 12 strategic domains

Choosing Between Program Types

Standard type: Approximately KRW 300 million annual government funding, 1-2 year duration, suitable for most SMEs

Jump-Up linked type: Approximately KRW 500 million annually, 2-year duration, exclusively for Jump-Up program graduates

Proven Strategies to Maximize Selection Rates

In the era of autonomous proposals, project planning capability directly determines selection success. Here are field-tested core strategies.

Technology Roadmap Best Practices

Three-phase structure: Short-term (1 year) core technology → Mid-term (2-3 years) prototyping and certification → Long-term (5 years) mass production and export

Include competitor positioning maps to visualize technological differentiation

Quantify key performance indicators: Specific targets such as "30% performance improvement"

Preparing for Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation

Quantitative evaluation: Pre-organize R&D investment ratio to revenue, patent filing records, and export share

Qualitative evaluation: Build a storyline that communicates market impact within 3 minutes during presentations

Presentation: Maximum 10 key slides with technology demonstration videos or prototypes

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KITIM R&D Consulting provides end-to-end support from project planning to business plan writing and presentation coaching, tailored to the new autonomous proposal system. With the elimination of the 124-category restriction opening up new opportunities, maximize your selection chances with our expert consultants. Contact us through our [inquiry page](/contact) to schedule a consultation.