The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Minister Han Sung-sook) announced on the 10th that it held the "Deep Tech Value-Up Partnership Day." This event shared the results of promoting technological collaboration by recommending and matching promising deep tech startups with large corporations. The event was designed to disseminate open innovation outcomes, including technology verification, supply contracts, and investment connections, and to discuss collaboration directions for next year.
The "Deep Tech Value-Up Program" is an open innovation program that brings together top technology-based startups and large corporations. Beginning with a pilot project with Hyundai Motor Company last year, this year saw the participation of a total of 11 large corporations, including SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor Company, LG Science Park, and POSCO Holdings. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups recommended 736 startups this year, and after 133 meetups, 62 were ultimately selected for collaboration. The average competition rate was 12 to 1, demonstrating the high demand for technological collaboration from large corporations.
Results are also being confirmed. Last year, DeepInsight, which participated in Hyundai Motor Company's pilot project, achieved tangible results, including winning a CES Innovation Award, securing a supply contract with a major corporation, and securing large-scale investment. This year, the collaborative companies are continuing to achieve results. Startup A secured approximately 12 billion won in investment through collaborations with two major corporations and plans to showcase its products to the global market with a promotional booth at the 2026 CES. Startup B received matching investment from a major corporation through a 10 billion won open innovation fund.
At the event, 11 large corporations and support organizations that contributed to the promotion of open innovation received Ministerial Commendations. Executives from major corporations, including Hyundai Motor Company, LG Science Park, POSCO Holdings, and KT, also attended to share collaborative achievements and future directions.
Hyundai Motor Company Vice President Chung Ho-keun said, "It is significant that we are able to collaborate with outstanding startups again this year," adding, "Next year, we will encourage more active participation at the group level." Cho Kyung-won, Director General for Startup Policy, stated, "The open innovation approach, where the government supports private-sector-led innovation, will continue. We will strengthen necessary institutional improvements, technology protection, and support for global expansion."
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