South Korea is strengthening its dedication to digital export progress by supporting 150 early-stage AI and SaaS startups by means of KOSME’s Tech Export Voucher program, providing as much as $38,000 in funding to corporations missing infrastructure or international market expertise.
KOSME Expands Startup Help with Tech Export Voucher Program Spherical 2
The Korea SMEs and Startups Company (KOSME) has opened the second spherical of its Tech Service Export Voucher Program, providing as much as ₩50 million (approx. $38,000) in funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the AI, SaaS, and broader tech service sectors to commit additional in strengthening Korea’s digital export ecosystem.
Initially launched in 2025, this initiative differs from conventional export applications by prioritizing intangible tech companies over manufacturing output. With a pointy give attention to early-stage digital startups—lots of which lack inner infrastructure or international market expertise—this system goals to bridge a persistent hole in Korea’s startup export pipeline.
Strategic Startup Help from KOSME
The second spherical of the Tech Service Export Voucher Program will choose roughly 150 SMEs. Chosen corporations will obtain monetary assist to entry international readiness instruments, comparable to:
- Cloud and knowledge heart infrastructure
- Person interface optimization companies
- Localization and international compliance help
In the meantime, the taking part startups are required to contribute a 30% matching fund, underscoring a co-investment mannequin between the federal government and the enterprises.
This system additionally permits entry to over 8,000 export-related companies obtainable beneath KOSME’s broader voucher system, together with worldwide exhibition participation, design growth, mental property consulting, and certification assist.
AI & SaaS Startup Export: A Shift Past Manufacturing in South Korea
Whereas Korea’s conventional export narrative has centered on manufacturing—particularly, semiconductors, automotive, and electronics—this initiative displays a rising nationwide pivot towards digital-first, service-based exports.
Tech classes eligible beneath this program embrace:
- AI resolution suppliers
- SaaS platforms and instruments
- Cybersecurity and knowledge companies
- EdTech and e-learning applied sciences
- Recreation, movie, and animation studios with international ambitions
This enlargement aligns with South Korea’s long-term technique to elevate technology-based service exports as a key pillar of progress.
Tech Export Voucher Program: Strengthening Korea’s World Startup Place
Moreover, KOSME believes that offering funding assist by means of the Tech Service Export Voucher Program will assist strengthen the place of promising AI as SaaS startups within the international market, particularly people who possess aggressive applied sciences however lack worldwide traction.
“Exports of technology-based intangible companies are rising as a brand new progress pillar for Korea, extending past the standard manufacturing sector.
This Tech Service Export Voucher program will supply a big alternative for corporations with revolutionary applied sciences however restricted export expertise.”
Kang Seok Jin, President of KOSME.
The voucher’s versatile construction permits recipient startups to pick tailor-made companies based mostly on their distinctive progress wants, making a modular assist mannequin that aligns with the calls for of world enlargement.
KOSME’s Funding Help for AI and SaaS Startups: Stronger Alignment to Face Growing World Competitors
Finally, this program indicators stronger alignment between public sector coverage and the wants of tech entrepreneurs inside Korea’s startup neighborhood.
As AI and SaaS ventures face growing international competitors, applications like this function each a sign and a scaffold for Korea’s digital commerce ambitions.
The second spherical of purposes is now open, and early-stage digital startups throughout eligible classes are inspired to use.
Keep knowledgeable on Korea’s fast-moving startup and tech scene—comply with KoreaTechDesk on social media: LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Bluesky, and Fb for insights, funding information, and trade updates.
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