The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Minister Han Sung-sook, hereinafter referred to as the Ministry of SMEs and Startups) announced that it will hold the 'Defense Industry Startup Challenge KICK-OFF DAY' on the 31st at Luna Mielle in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, chaired by Vice Minister Noh Yong-seok, and that it will recruit startups to participate in the 'Defense Industry Startup Challenge' from October 31st to November 20th at 4:00 PM.
This event was organized to promote the entry of innovative startups into the defense industry and strengthen the competitiveness of the domestic defense industry amid the accelerating application of civilian advanced technology to weapon systems.
In the global defense market, private startups based on cutting-edge technologies like AI and drones are rapidly growing. Companies like Anduril in the US and Helsing in Europe are attracting attention, achieving corporate values that surpass those of major defense conglomerates in a short period of time. In Korea, promising startups like Pablo Aviation and GenGen AI are achieving success across both the civilian and military markets. However, access to information and networking challenges still present challenges for companies entering the defense ecosystem.
Accordingly, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, in collaboration with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Defense Industry Promotion Association, has established the "Defense Open Innovation Challenge," with 10 defense companies and organizations, including the Air Force, Navy, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), LIG Nex1, and AU. This challenge aims to provide opportunities for innovative technology demonstrations and collaboration by allowing startups to address pressing challenges facing the military and defense companies.
Startups interested in participating can check the "Defense Startup Open Innovation Challenge" recruitment notice on the K-Startup website and apply. Selected startups will receive approximately 60 million won in collaborative funding, as well as customized support including consulting, specialized training, and networking. Collaborating organizations will also support project implementation through demonstration infrastructure, technical consulting, and human resources. Successful companies will also be provided with follow-up research and development (R&D) opportunities.
Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups Noh Yong-seok said, “If open innovation based on civilian-military cooperation is activated through this challenge, it will be able to supplement the existing defense material acquisition system and promote innovation across the industry.” He added, “We will strengthen policy support so that startups can stably enter the defense industry ecosystem and coexist with existing defense companies.”
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