What Is the Startup Growth Technology Development Program?
The Startup Growth Technology Development Program is a flagship R&D support initiative operated by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) that funds research and development for technology-based SMEs and venture companies. Its distinguishing feature is offering customized support tracks that correspond to a company's growth stage, from early startup through the growth phase.
In 2026, the total budget has increased by 10% over the previous year to approximately KRW 450 billion. Support has been particularly strengthened in the areas of digital transformation, carbon neutrality, and bio-health.
Program Tracks
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Startup Growth Technology Development Program, a company must qualify as an SME under the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises. Specific requirements such as company age and revenue vary by track. Selecting the appropriate track for your company's current situation is the first strategic step.
All applicants must maintain an in-house research institute or R&D department. The principal investigator must hold a master's degree or above, or have at least 5 years of relevant industry experience. Restrictions may apply if a single company is simultaneously conducting two or more government R&D projects.
Ineligible Applicants
Evaluation Criteria and Scoring
Evaluation proceeds in two stages: document review and presentation. The document review assesses technology, market viability, and commercialization capability. Only companies that pass the document review proceed to the presentation evaluation.
The technology evaluation examines the innovativeness of the proposed technology, the feasibility of securing core technologies, and the appropriateness of development goals. The market evaluation assesses target market size, growth potential, and competitiveness strategy.
Key Evaluation Areas
Key Strategies for Improving Selection Rates
Systematic proposal writing aligned with evaluation criteria is essential for improving selection rates. It is especially important to support claims of technology innovation with objective data and present a concrete commercialization roadmap.
Reflecting recent trends such as digital transformation, ESG, and carbon neutrality, and aligning with government policy directions can serve as bonus factors. Research schedules and budget execution plans must also be realistic.
KITIM's Support
The Korea Institute of Technology Innovation Management (KITIM) supports the entire application process for the Startup Growth Technology Development Program. From selecting the appropriate track through company assessment to structuring and writing the business plan and presentation coaching, KITIM provides one-stop services. Drawing on years of experience as evaluation committee members, KITIM delivers consulting optimized for the evaluation criteria.