South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups Unveils $2.23 Billion Support Plan for Startups in 2025

The Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced its comprehensive 2025 startup support plan on December 31. This initiative includes a total budget allocation of KRW 3.294 trillion (approximately $2.23 billion), spanning 429 startup support programs led by 101 organizations. A central feature of the announcement is the “Super Gap Startup 1000+ Project,” aimed at fostering promising startups in ten key emerging industries. These industries include system semiconductors, bio-health, future mobility, eco-friendly energy, robotics, big data and AI, cybersecurity and networking, aerospace and marine technology, next-generation nuclear power, and quantum technology. Through this project, 669 companies will receive a combined KRW 131 billion ($88 million) in funding. Focus on Technology Development Among the newly introduced initiatives is the “Deep Tech Value-Up Program,” which facilitates collaboration between large enterprises and startups. This program will select 50 startups and provide them with a total of KRW 7 billion ($4.7 million) in financial assistance. The MSS also emphasizes technology innovation through its “Startup Growth Technology Development” program. This initiative targets startups with less than seven years of operation and annual revenues under KRW…