TIPS — Tech Incubator Program for Startups
Funds Government science and innovation matching where private VCs/accelerators select startups and government co-funds science and innovation.
TIPS is Korea's flagship private-sector-led R&D matching program under KISED and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Accredited private operators such as venture firms, accelerators, and startup planners screen startups first, then the government co-funds R&D and commercialization support around that private selection. The program works in three tiers: Pre-TIPS for teams up to three years old, main TIPS for startups up to seven years old, and Post-TIPS for companies that have already met scale milestones. Main TIPS can reach KRW 800 million per startup, and the 2026 program budget expanded to KRW 668.4 billion with support for 620 startups. Access is rolling, but direct applications to KISED are not accepted; an accredited operator has to recommend the company. The best fit is a venture-backed startup with a Korean company structure and a clear research or commercialization plan that can survive operator screening. Success depends on finding the right private partner and matching their investment thesis, because the government funding is attached to that private-channel gatekeeping rather than a general open call.
Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.