Global TIPS
Offers later-stage Korean startups global market support through enhanced funding and international commercialization readiness.
Global TIPS 2026 is the highest-tier program in South Korea's restructured TIPS framework, providing up to KRW 6 billion in combined R&D and commercialization support to later-stage Korean tech startups with confirmed international investor traction. The 2026 cycle is the first under Global TIPS's new standalone structure, replacing the legacy Global Track that was previously embedded within the General TIPS program. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) announced the new structure at the December 18, 2025 Inter-Ministerial Science and Technology Ministers' Meeting alongside broader TIPS expansion.
The foreign venture capital prerequisite for Global TIPS was substantially raised in 2026: applicants must secure at least USD 1 million in confirmed overseas VC investment, up from the prior USD 300,000 threshold. This reflects MSS's intent to limit the program to companies with demonstrated international investor validation, not early-stage startups seeking initial overseas exposure. As with all TIPS programs, selection requires sponsorship by an accredited TIPS Operating Company — applicants cannot submit directly to MSS or KISED. Eligible companies must be for-profit entities registered and operating in South Korea. All documentation and evaluation procedures are conducted in Korean.
The combined Scale-up and Global TIPS budget more than doubled to KRW 367.1 billion for 2026, underscoring the government's commitment to supporting Korean startups at the growth and international expansion stages. Global TIPS targets sectors including AI, semiconductors, robotics, biotech, and advanced manufacturing — areas where multi-year, capital-intensive R&D cycles align with the KRW 6 billion maximum. Companies holding prior TIPS participation history and USD 1 million-plus in foreign VC commitments are the target profile; securing a Global TIPS operator relationship is the critical first step.
R&D and global commercialization by later-stage Korean tech startups that have secured at least USD 1 million in confirmed foreign venture capital investment.
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