What Is the Ministry of Health & SMEs Joint Biohealth Investment-Linked R&D Program?
In 2026, the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups are jointly operating the 'Investment-Linked Technology Development Project (Policy-Designated Type)' — a composite support program designed to help promising biohealth companies and research institutions secure both R&D funding and commercialization capital simultaneously. Each selected project receives up to 6 billion KRW (approx. USD 4.4M) in R&D grants, with additional pathways to policy finance and private investment — a significant departure from conventional one-dimensional R&D subsidies.
The program reflects the Korean government's accelerated commitment to positioning biohealth as a national strategic industry. With the global biohealth market projected to grow at over 7% CAGR through 2030, the two ministries have joined forces to help domestic SMEs and bio-ventures overcome the twin barriers of early-stage R&D funding and commercialization capital.
Eligibility and Supported Technology Areas
Who Can Apply
Eligible Technology Areas
Restrictions on Duplicate Funding
Applications covering the same project scope as an already-funded national R&D project are generally ineligible. However, follow-on development stages (Phase expansion) or new indication studies may qualify as separate projects — always verify with the administering agency before applying.
Key Evaluation Criteria
The most distinctive feature of this program is that investment attractiveness is explicitly embedded in the evaluation framework. While conventional R&D programs focus primarily on technological maturity and IP outputs, this program uses three balanced pillars:
Notably, evaluation panels include private venture capitalists and technology finance specialists, meaning your proposal will be assessed through the lens of 'would this company actually attract investment?' Your business plan must therefore go beyond technical description to articulate a clear market penetration strategy and investment scenario.
Technology Commercialization Strategy Checklist
Leveraging the Commercialization Support Ecosystem
Beyond the grant itself, this program opens multiple commercialization pathways.
Technology Transfer and Licensing
Through linkages with the Korea Technology Transfer Center (KTTC) and IP marketplaces, selected companies gain access to technology licensing matchmaking with large corporates or overseas biohealth firms. License-out transactions completed during the project term earn additional commercialization performance credits.
Global Expansion Support
Strengthen Your Proposal with KITIM Consulting
The Investment-Linked R&D program demands both volume and quality in its application documents. Crafting a business plan that coherently integrates technology, market, and investment in a single narrative is a genuinely complex task.
KITIM provides end-to-end support — from R&D project planning and business plan writing to technology evaluation preparation and investment strategy development — all under one roof. Our consultants, specializing in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and digital health respectively, review your application from the evaluator's perspective and co-develop a commercialization strategy report aligned with real VC investment standards.
Contact KITIM today for a free initial consultation, and our specialists will walk you through an eligibility assessment and document preparation timeline tailored to your situation.