Next Year's Startup Support: Massive ₩3.46 Trillion Investment, 111 Agencies Launch 508 Programs

## 2026 Integrated Announcement of Startup Support Programs: Injecting Vitality into the Startup Ecosystem on an Unprecedented Scale The '2026 Consolidated Announcement of Startup Support Programs by Central Government Agencies and Local Governments,' published by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, presents a blueprint to inject new vitality into the domestic startup ecosystem. With a total budget of 3.4645 trillion won, a 5.2% increase from the previous year, a total of 111 organizations, including 15 central government ministries and 96 local governments, will support preliminary entrepreneurs and startups through 508 programs. This marks the largest scale ever for both participating organizations and programs. **Key Contents and Features:** * **Expanded Participation:** The Financial Services Commission and the Korea Forest Service are participating for the first time this year, strengthening startup guarantee programs and support for startups in the forestry sector. * **Budget Allocation:** By support type, loans/guarantees (41.1%), technology development (R&D, 25.0%), and commercialization (23.5%) account for approximately 90% of the total budget, providing focused support for critical growth stages of startups. * **Strengthened Role of MSS:** Of the 3.274 trillion won allocated for central government ministries, the MSS is responsible for 3.0734 trillion won, accounting for 93.9%, playing a pivotal role in startup support. * **Expanded Local Government Participation:** Major local governments such as Seoul, Gyeongnam, and Gyeonggi will invest a total of 190.5 billion won to implement 420 regionally specialized projects, providing diverse support ranging from office space provision to technology development, nurturing agri-bio industries, and supporting re-challenges. **Strengthened Support by Sector:** * **R&D Budget Increased by 235.6 Billion Won:** to a total of 864.8 billion won. Through MSS's 'Startup Growth Technology Development' program, startups less than 7 years old will receive up to 1.5 billion won in technology development funds for a maximum of three years. The Ministry of Science and ICT also supports researcher startups from universities and research institutions, as well as technology development for AX innovation companies in 12 strategic technology areas such as semiconductors. * **Commercialization Budget Increased by 48.5 Billion Won:** to a total of 815.1 billion won. Through MSS's 'Preliminary, Early, and Leap Package' programs and the 'Super Gap Startup Project,' funding by growth stage, AI education, and overseas market expansion will be supported. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism plans to foster tourism-related startups through its new 'Tourism Open Innovation Program.' * **Youth Support Increased by 80.1 Billion Won:** to a total of 257.5 billion won. Through MSS's 'Youth Startup Academy' and 'Startup-Focused Universities,' it aims to promote youth startup activation. **Revisions to Startup Support Program Management Guidelines:** * **Enhanced Startup Liquidity:** Flexible installment payments for outsourced service fees, support for maintaining intellectual property rights filed before the project, and technology infringement litigation insurance premiums will strengthen startups' fund management and technology protection. * **Stricter Sanctions for Misconduct:** In cases of participating in programs through false or fraudulent means, the participation restriction period will be extended from 3 years to 5 years, and by strengthening the operating and management system for government-supported equipment, the aim is to create a transparent startup ecosystem. This integrated announcement is expected to lay the foundation for innovative growth of startups and contribute to fostering a more rational and transparent startup ecosystem.