South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT said on Tuesday it will fully launch its 2026 programme to foster research and development special zones. It aims to develop the zones into key regional hubs for deep-tech startups and build a full-cycle growth system for technology entrepreneurship.

Total investment for 2026 will be 167.3 billion won, an increase of about 51.2 billion won, or 44 percent, from the previous year. This year, 75.7 billion won will be投入ed into commercialising strategic technology research results. The ministry will expand support for technology startup studios that provide comprehensive assistance including startup planning, team-building and links to early-stage investment based on deep-tech technology.

Support for scale-up in special-zone innovation growth will be expanded to 38.0 billion won. The ministry will strengthen R&D support for regulatory sandbox-based special cases for new technology demonstrations. It will also support scale-up at the demonstration stage, including pilot tests and prototype production, to advance technology and help companies enter markets in specialised fields by region. It plans to select promising deep-tech companies and provide multi-year, intensive support through mid-to-large R&BD of 1.0 billion won or more.

The Global Boost-up Project, which supports leading companies' global expansion, will be expanded to a total of 11.5 billion won. For special-zone companies pursuing overseas expansion, it will support global R&BD and overseas local proof-of-concept work to apply technologies and products to local markets.