Korea’s startup ecosystem is increasingly defined by intellectual property strategies as a driver of global competitiveness. FuturePlay was recognized as an outstanding operator in the 2025 Public-Private IP Strategy Support Program (CIPO Program), and it highlights the growing emphasis on integrating technology, business, and IP management. And such frameworks are creating structured pathways for AI and semiconductor startups towards investment readiness and international expansion.

FuturePlay Recognized as 2025 CIPO Program Outstanding Operator

On December 4, 2025, FuturePlay was awarded the “Outstanding Operator” title under Korea’s CIPO Program, receiving the Korea Invention Promotion Association President’s Award. The program, jointly run by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and the Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA), tasks private investment institutions with assuming the role of Chief IP Officer for startups, supporting their IP-centered management strategies.

FuturePlay acted as the operator for the AI and semiconductor specialist track, providing hands-on IP management support to five startups: Roai, IDeAOcean, TDS Innovation, Robos, and MediInTech.

The company also partnered with patent firm Chawon to deliver execution-focused solutions, including technology and market analysis, global patent and brand strategies, risk mitigation based on prior-art studies, freedom-to-operate expansion strategies, and international market-entry planning.

CIPO Program: Strategic Backbone for Korea’s Deep Tech Startups

The CIPO Program is designed to bridge public policy with private investment expertise. By embedding a Chief IP Officer within startups, it ensures that intellectual property becomes a core asset rather than a peripheral consideration.

Companies that previously participated, such as Hydro Expand in 2024, continued strengthening their IP-based competitiveness after program completion, filing new patents and earning certifications like the Excellent Employee Invention Enterprise, alongside recognition in the “Challenge! K-Startup” IP League.

Such initiatives offer structured pathways for Korea’s AI and semiconductor startups to transform technological innovation into market-ready assets, aligning domestic IP management with global investment standards.

Stakeholder Insights Highlight Program Impact

Roai CEO Hong Suk-ui, whose company won first place in the CIPO Networking Day investment pitch, stated,

“The program clarified how technology can transform into market assets. Our IP portfolio now underpins stronger negotiating power and follow-on investment potential.”

Jeon Kyung-jin, FuturePlay’s IP Manager who led program operations, emphasized,

“IP is a core factor in determining a technology company’s competitiveness. Integrated analysis of each company’s technology, business, and IP status enables tailored strategies at every stage of the corporate lifecycle. We will continue strengthening IP-centered support to help startups respond effectively to market changes.”

FuturePlay & CIPO Award Signals IP Strategy as a Global Competitiveness Lever

FuturePlay’s leadership in the 2025 CIPO Program reflects a broader trend in Korea’s deep tech ecosystem: the systematic integration of intellectual property management into startup acceleration.

For investors and founders, structured IP guidance reduces global market-entry risks and improves visibility to international venture capital. That is why Korea’s AI and semiconductor startups can leverage such programs to compete not only regionally in Asia-Pacific markets but also in cross-border innovation sectors, aligning IP management with emerging global standards in technology commercialization.

This framework also signals Korea’s commitment to building a sustainable deep tech ecosystem, where startups can secure investment, negotiate partnerships, and scale internationally with IP assets as a foundational strategic lever.

Forward-Looking Implications for Founders and Investors

The recognition of FuturePlay in the 2025 CIPO Program underscores the necessity of IP-centric strategies for scaling deep tech startups.

Founders who integrate IP from the outset strengthen investment readiness and operational resilience. Investors and global stakeholders gain a transparent model through Korea’s CIPO framework to identify startups with structured growth and risk-mitigated expansion plans.

As Korea continues to refine its innovation policies, the lessons from the 2025 cohort offer actionable insights into how public-private collaboration can accelerate the region’s AI and semiconductor sectors on a global stage.

– Stay Ahead in Korea’s Startup Scene –
Get real-time insights, funding updates, and policy shifts shaping Korea’s innovation ecosystem.
➡️ Follow KoreaTechDesk on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Threads, Bluesky, Telegram, Facebook, and WhatsApp Channel.