Where Startup Support Is Heading in 2027
In its 2027 budget proposal announced on September 1 (KRW 18.0724 trillion in total), the Ministry of SMEs and Startups set aside KRW 441.1 billion for "Modoo Startup" (literally "Startups for Everyone"). Both the scale of the program and the size of each award are going up:
Keep in mind that these figures come from the government's budget proposal. The National Assembly may change the amounts and headcount during its review, so check the final numbers once the budget passes at year-end and again in the 2027 program notices.
Pre-Startup Package Absorbed, Early-Stage Package Retained
Starting in 2027, the Pre-Startup Package will be folded into Modoo Startup. The two programs targeted largely the same founders, which spread the budget thin and left applicants unsure where to apply. The Early-Stage Startup Package, which serves companies under three years old, will continue as a separate program.
Here is the basic gateway for each stage:
Receiving funds from several overlapping programs in the same year is restricted, so deciding which gateway to use first is a strategic choice in its own right.
How the Round-Based ("Audition") Selection Works
Modoo Startup does not hand out a large lump sum up front. Funding grows each time you clear a round. Round 1 takes a broad look at the idea and the founder's capabilities. Later rounds ask for evidence of execution, such as market validation, prototypes and early revenue.
Three things matter most under this structure:
If you are eliminated in a round, read the program notice carefully. It will tell you whether you can reapply in the next intake and whether you can move on to local government startup programs or startup-focused university programs.
What Pre-Startup Package Applicants Should Do Now
Follow-On Programs for Manufacturing and Tech Founders
If your startup is built on manufacturing or technology, treat Modoo Startup as a starting point and plan the next steps now:
Serial and returning founders should compare the second-chance tracks (the Re-challenge Success School, restart support programs and others) with Modoo Startup. If the program centers on analyzing why a past business closed and presenting a recovery plan, the second-chance track may fit better. If your strength is the market potential of a new idea, Modoo Startup may be the better choice.
How KITIM Helps You Design a Stage-by-Stage Funding Strategy
A single gateway means tougher competition, and each round asks for something different. KITIM supports you at every step: diagnosing your startup stage, choosing the right gateway, and preparing round-by-round business plans and pitches. We also help you map a three-year growth path that links into R&D programs and policy financing once you have incorporated.
If you are preparing for the 2027 intake, now is the best time to set the direction of your plan. Reach out through KITIM's consultation request page, and we will walk you through a funding strategy suited to your stage.