The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) passed a 16.5 trillion won budget for 2026 in the National Assembly on the 3rd, and will launch a new scale-up program, "Unicorn Bridge," targeting aspiring entrepreneurs and companies established within the past seven years. 32 billion won has been allocated to this program, and approximately 50 companies will receive a package of support, including stage-by-stage commercialization funding and startup programs.
The Core of the 16.5 Trillion-Trillion-Won Budget and the Structure of the "Unicorn Bridge"
Unicorn Bridge's core goal is to provide comprehensive support for scale-up efforts, from technology and product advancement to establishing overseas subsidiaries. Beyond simple initial funding, it connects growth-stage-specific commercialization funding and programs to support commercialization and market entry for aspiring entrepreneurs and companies within seven years of launch. A key feature is its offering of global expansion paths, including support for establishing overseas subsidiaries.
In terms of budget, out of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' total budget of 16.5 trillion won for 2026, 32 billion won was allocated to the Unicorn Bridge program, targeting approximately 50 companies. The support method is summarized as a combination of phased commercialization funding and programs, with a single track covering everything from advanced projects to global expansion (establishment of overseas subsidiaries). The press release also included mention of AI (artificial intelligence) integration, suggesting the potential for targeted support for technology-intensive commercialization projects.
Startup and Investment Market Impact and Key Points to Watch
Unicorn Bridge focuses on bridging the funding and capacity gaps during the transition from the initial stage to the growth stage. For aspiring entrepreneurs, it provides funding and programs to mitigate the initial risks of commercialization. For companies within seven years of establishment, it supports scale-up projects, such as technological advancements and the establishment of overseas subsidiaries, facilitating market entry and expansion. This approach is interpreted as a way to supplement the burdensome costs of establishing and localizing global subsidiaries, which can be burdensome with private investment alone, with public support.
AI, as mentioned in the press release, has recently become a top priority for technology investment, and the market is showing a marked trend of segmentation into models, infrastructure, and application services. If phased commercialization support accelerates the verification (POC) and initial revenue generation of AI-based products and services, it could serve as a signal for attracting follow-up private investment. However, details such as detailed selection criteria, matching structure, and execution schedule will need to be confirmed in a future announcement.
Ultimately, within the 16.5 trillion won budget framework for 2026, Unicorn Bridge will present a comprehensive track that includes advancement and establishment of overseas corporations, and is expected to establish itself as a policy tool to support commercialization and global expansion for aspiring entrepreneurs and companies established within the past seven years.
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