□ A support program will be fully launched to enable startups that have built technological capabilities in Korea to validate their business viability in global markets and secure opportunities for growth. The four national science and technology institutes—DGIST, KAIST, GIST, and UNIST—will establish a full-cycle global startup incubation framework spanning overseas on-site validation (PoC), investment strategy formulation, and linkage with international conferences.
□ DGIST (President Kunwoo Lee), KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee), GIST (President Kichul Lim), and UNIST (President Chong Rae Park), together announced that, with the support of the Ministry of Science and ICT, they will operate the “2026 Emerging Tech Global Launchpad” and recruit participating companies from May 29 to June 19.
□ This program is designed to support technology-based startups in the emerging tech sector to generate tangible commercialization outcomes in global markets. It classifies support types according to companies’ growth stages and target markets, and supports global expansion by leveraging regional startup networks and overseas collaboration infrastructure operated by the four national science and technology institutes.
□ The support types are divided into two tracks: “Go-To-Global” and “Born-To-Global”.
□ The Go-To-Global Track targets companies already preparing for entry into overseas markets or have begun initial attempts at international expansion. Selected companies will participate in overseas proof-of-concept (PoC) programs to validate the local applicability and commercialization potential of their technologies. In addition, they will receive support for local partner matching, establishing demonstration environments, expert mentoring, and networking opportunities.
□ The Born-To-Global Track is designed for companies seeking to systematically strengthen their capabilities for overseas expansion. It provides tailored education and intensive acceleration programs focused on enhancing global business models (BM), strategies for attracting foreign investment, and methodologies for entering local markets. Moreover, participants will be linked to international conferences held in global innovation hubs such as the United States and Singapore, thereby expanding their points of contact with investors and industry stakeholders.
□ Eligible participants are emerging tech companies located within the regional jurisdictions assigned to the four national science and technology institutes. DGIST covers the Daegu–Gyeongbuk region, KAIST the Central region, GIST the Honam region, and UNIST the Southeastern region. However, if a company’s representative is affiliated with one of the four institutes, it may apply through its affiliated institution irrespective of the company’s location. This is intended to expand global opportunities for startup companies founded by researchers, faculty members, and graduate students affiliated with the science and technology institutes.
□ “For emerging tech companies to grow in global markets, it is essential not only to ensure technological competitiveness but also to secure capabilities for local market validation and commercialization,” stated DGIST President Kunwoo Lee. “DGIST, together with the four national science and technology institutes, will actively support technology-based startups in securing tangible growth opportunities in global markets.”
□ The “2026 Emerging Tech Global Launchpad” represents an expansion of collaboration among the four national science and technology institutes beyond the “GRAVITY 2026 (integrated deep-tech student startup league),” extending its scope to international commercialization support for companies. This is significant as it has broadened the range of support beyond student startup discovery to include overseas validation and global market entry for region-based emerging tech startups.
□ Detailed recruitment schedules, eligibility requirements, and application procedures can be found on the “Emerging Tech Global Launchpad” website (launchpad2026.io).
