The Ministry has opened applications for the Startup Open Innovation Program, giving young companies a valuable opportunity to work directly with major corporations and public institutions. The program connects startups with organizations that have identified clear business and technology challenges. Instead of offering simple grants, it focuses on practical collaboration, real-world testing, and commercial deployment of solutions. As a result, startups can validate their technologies in operational environments while corporate partners gain faster access to innovative tools.
As industries accelerate digital transformation, more companies are embracing open innovation partnerships. Recent global data shows that 41% of the world’s top 100 innovation-driven firms plan to increase their open innovation budgets in 2026, compared with 25% last year. This rise reflects a clear global move toward collaborative growth models. Domestically, participation is also expanding. The number of corporations involved increased from 68 to 90 within a year. At the same time, submitted challenge proposals grew from 94 to 126. These trends demonstrate growing confidence in partnership frameworks that reduce risk, speed up development, and bring new technologies to market more efficiently.
Following a demand assessment launched in late December, 30 challenge projects were shortlisted across mobility, defense, and water management sectors. Participating organizations include Kakao Mobility, LIG Nex1, and Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-Water). Through this call, around 30 startups will be selected. Each will work closely with corporate teams to deliver practical solutions. The venture client model allows corporations to test startup technologies in real environments. Consequently, startups gain early validation and revenue opportunities. At the same time, corporations shorten development timelines. Unlike research-only schemes, this model promotes operational deployment. Therefore, collaboration remains outcome-focused. Public private collaboration within this structure ensures solutions respond to genuine industry needs. The model also strengthens long-term ecosystem trust between innovators and established enterprises.
Selected startups will receive up to KRW 140 million, or about USD 100,000. This amount represents a KRW 20 million increase from last year. In addition, participants will receive tailored consulting and specialist training. Corporate partners may provide testing facilities and operational data. Technical personnel will also support proof-of-concept development. Startups that perform well can apply for follow-on R&D and commercialization support. The Startup Open Innovation Program reflects broader public-private partnership trends. Although it is not a classic infrastructure concession, it blends public funding with private deployment capacity. Governments worldwide now use similar hybrid tools. These tools complement large PPP projects in digital services, utilities, and smart mobility. As a result, innovation moves faster from pilot stage to market integration.
Beyond the strategic challenge track, the Ministry selected 30 additional initiatives under the Private Selection and Recommendation Track. Major corporations such as Hyundai Motor Group’s ZERO1NE and Samsung Electronics’ C-Lab Outside joined the scheme. Startups selected through these platforms may receive follow-on government support. Furthermore, the Mutual Autonomous Matching Track enables companies and startups to find partners independently. Corporate meetups will begin in February. A formal application call will follow in March. By expanding participation channels, authorities aim to strengthen industrial competitiveness. The Startup Open Innovation Program therefore signals a structured shift toward integrated innovation partnerships. This approach combines public oversight with private agility, positioning the national ecosystem for sustained growth in 2026 and beyond.
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