The Ministry of SMEs and Startups plans to nurture 20 artificial intelligence (AI) startups with a valuation of 1 trillion won by 2030.
The ministry announced this initiative as part of the 'AI Startup Beyond Unicorn Cultivation Strategy,' developed in collaboration with the National AI Strategy Committee, during the 'Deep Dive Into 2026' event on November 11.
According to the ministry, this strategy focuses not only on discovering promising AI startups but also on selecting and providing concentrated support to help them grow into global AI companies that surpass unicorn status.
Since March of this year, the ministry has gathered feedback through research projects and discussions with experts and potential unicorn companies to formulate specific support measures.
The goal is to foster one AI decacorn and 20 AI unicorns by 2030, with a comprehensive support system from discovery to growth, accelerating innovative development, and promoting entry into global markets. This will be centered around three strategic areas and 12 detailed tasks.
The government, academia, and the private sector will collaboratively identify 'early-stage AI unicorns' with growth potential, building a candidate pool and selecting the top 20% of companies based on investment and employment metrics. If linked to final-stage projects, each company could receive over 10 billion won in research and development (R&D) and commercialization funding.
Customized support will be provided in line with the value chains of five key industries, including manufacturing and biotechnology. A control tower for nurturing AI unicorns will be established in collaboration with the National AI Strategy Committee to formulate policies and create a coalition involving startups, large corporations, and investors.
Additionally, to facilitate rapid growth into global unicorns, AI funds such as the Next-Generation Unicorn Project and the National Growth Fund will be supplied at various stages of growth.
To promote entry into global markets, a national AI connector will be established to directly link global AI demand sources with AI startups, facilitating technology transactions. Domestic and international AI talent will be connected to 'early-stage unicorn' companies, allowing them to participate in the companies' 'AI project initiatives,' thereby enhancing competitiveness and supporting the recruitment and dispatch of research personnel.
Meanwhile, the 'Deep Dive Into' event, now in its fourth year, is themed 'AI MAKES SENSE' and will run until December 12, covering three topics: 'Physical AI,' 'Agent AI,' and 'AI for Humanity.' This event is part of the ministry's 'Super Gap Startup Project (DIPS).'
Lee So-young, Minister of SMEs and Startups, stated, "For AI startups to grow into global unicorns, comprehensive support is needed, including technology development, commercialization through technology validation, securing investment and market access, and international expansion. Through this strategy, we will focus on supporting companies that can grow into decacorns beyond global AI unicorns in South Korea."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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