Small and Medium Business Administration Sejong Government Complex. /Courtesy of Small and Medium Business Administration

On the 19th, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that it is recruiting startups to participate in the startup leap package support project for 2025. The application period is from the 20th to March 13.

The startup leap package support project is a program that supports corporations established for more than 3 years and less than 7 years (leap-stage startups) to overcome crisis situations due to poor sales and lack of funds.

This year, a total of about 373 startup corporations will be selected, and tailored startup support programs necessary for scale-up of leap-stage startups, including commercialization funds for product development, prototype production, and market pioneering, will be provided.

The 2025 startup leap package allows applicants to select one of three types: 'general type,' 'large enterprise collaboration type,' and 'investment parallel type,’ based on the scale of required funds and commercialization methods.

Corporations selected for the 'general type' will receive up to 200 million won in commercialization funds for prototype production, intellectual property acquisition, and business model improvements, along with tailored startup support programs provided by each organizing institution. Additionally, it is possible to apply for an extra 'success return type' within the budget range of the general type; if selected, up to 50% of the basic support project cost (maximum of 100 million won) will be additionally supported, potentially totaling up to 300 million won in support.

'The large enterprise collaboration type' is a program aimed at startup corporations wishing to collaborate with nine large enterprises, including KT and LG Electronics, utilizing the expertise and infrastructure of these corporations to assist in product development, commercialization, and overseas market entry. Commercialization funds (up to 200 million won) can also be supported.

Corporations selected for the 'investment parallel type' will receive commercialization funds (up to 200 million won) and can additionally receive matching investments (up to 200 million won) through conditional equity acquisition contracts from Korea Venture Investment (KVIC).

To introduce the 2025 startup leap package project, various on-site project briefings have been arranged. On the 27th, nine large corporations will hold briefing sessions and on-site consultations regarding the collaboration areas and support details of the large enterprise collaboration type. Each organizing institution will also conduct on-site project briefings introducing the 2025 program by type from the 25th to March 7.