Why Local Government R&D Programs Deserve Attention
When bio SMEs search for R&D funding, they often focus only on central government programs — but each local government also runs its own bio/medical R&D support programs. A representative example is the Seoul Business Agency's "2026 Seoul R&D Bio/Medical Technology Commercialization Support Program," which Seoul-based SMEs apply for by forming a consortium with universities or hospitals, receiving up to KRW 600 million in R&D funding over two years per project.
Features of the Seoul R&D Model
Implications for SMEs in Other Regions
Many regions outside Seoul also run similar regional R&D programs through local business agencies, techno parks, and bio promotion centers (Gyeonggi, Incheon, Daegu, and others). Local government R&D programs tend to have lower competition than central government R&D and offer an advantage in leveraging existing networks with regional universities and hospitals.
Application Strategy
Contact KITIM
KITIM supports bio SMEs with identifying local and central government R&D programs, forming consortiums, and writing business plans. Contact us through [KITIM Contact](/contact) if you're considering applying for a local government bio R&D program.