South Korea is strengthening its dedication to digital export progress by supporting 150 early-stage AI and SaaS startups via KOSME’s Tech Export Voucher program, offering as a lot as $38,000 in funding to firms lacking infrastructure or worldwide market experience.
KOSME Expands Startup Assist with Tech Export Voucher Program Spherical 2
The Korea SMEs and Startups Firm (KOSME) has opened the second spherical of its Tech Service Export Voucher Program, offering as a lot as ₩50 million (approx. $38,000) in funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) all through the AI, SaaS, and broader tech service sectors to commit further in strengthening Korea’s digital export ecosystem.
Initially launched in 2025, this initiative differs from standard export purposes by prioritizing intangible tech corporations over manufacturing output. With a sharp give consideration to early-stage digital startups—numerous which lack interior infrastructure or worldwide market experience—this method objectives to bridge a persistent gap in Korea’s startup export pipeline.
Strategic Startup Assist from KOSME
The second spherical of the Tech Service Export Voucher Program will select roughly 150 SMEs. Chosen firms will acquire financial help to entry worldwide readiness devices, corresponding to:
- Cloud and data coronary heart infrastructure
- Particular person interface optimization corporations
- Localization and worldwide compliance assist
Within the meantime, the collaborating startups are required to contribute a 30% matching fund, underscoring a co-investment model between the federal authorities and the enterprises.
This technique moreover permits entry to over 8,000 export-related corporations obtainable beneath KOSME’s broader voucher system, along with worldwide exhibition participation, design development, psychological property consulting, and certification help.
AI & SaaS Startup Export: A Shift Previous Manufacturing in South Korea
Whereas Korea’s standard export narrative has centered on manufacturing—significantly, semiconductors, automotive, and electronics—this initiative shows a rising nationwide pivot in the direction of digital-first, service-based exports.
Tech lessons eligible beneath this program embrace:
- AI decision suppliers
- SaaS platforms and devices
- Cybersecurity and data corporations
- EdTech and e-learning utilized sciences
- Recreation, film, and animation studios with worldwide ambitions

This enlargement aligns with South Korea’s long-term approach to raise technology-based service exports as a key pillar of progress.
Tech Export Voucher Program: Strengthening Korea’s World Startup Place
Furthermore, KOSME believes that providing funding help via the Tech Service Export Voucher Program will help strengthen the place of promising AI as SaaS startups throughout the worldwide market, significantly individuals who possess aggressive utilized sciences nonetheless lack worldwide traction.
“Exports of technology-based intangible corporations are rising as a model new progress pillar for Korea, extending previous the usual manufacturing sector.
This Tech Service Export Voucher program will provide a giant different for firms with revolutionary utilized sciences nonetheless restricted export experience.”
Kang Seok Jin, President of KOSME.
The voucher’s versatile building permits recipient startups to select tailored corporations primarily based totally on their distinctive progress desires, making a modular help model that aligns with the requires of world enlargement.
KOSME’s Funding Assist for AI and SaaS Startups: Stronger Alignment to Face Rising World Opponents
Lastly, this program indicators stronger alignment between public sector protection and the desires of tech entrepreneurs inside Korea’s startup neighborhood.
As AI and SaaS ventures face rising worldwide rivals, purposes like this operate every an indication and a scaffold for Korea’s digital commerce ambitions.
The second spherical of functions is now open, and early-stage digital startups all through eligible lessons are impressed to make use of.
Maintain educated on Korea’s fast-moving startup and tech scene—adjust to KoreaTechDesk on social media: LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Bluesky, and Fb for insights, funding info, and commerce updates.
Elevate your perspective with NextTech Data, the place innovation meets notion.
Uncover the most recent breakthroughs, get distinctive updates, and be a part of with a world group of future-focused thinkers.
Unlock tomorrow’s traits at current: study further, subscribe to our e-newsletter, and grow to be part of the NextTech neighborhood at NextTech-news.com
Keep forward of the curve with NextBusiness 24. Discover extra tales, subscribe to our e-newsletter, and be a part of our rising group at nextbusiness24.com

