KRW 800M for International R&D Partnerships: Complete Guide to KIATs Global Innovation Program

Korean SMEs have built world-class manufacturing and technology capabilities, but many struggle to access international markets, foreign expertise, and global distribution channels. The Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) runs a program specifically designed to bridge these gaps by funding collaborative R&D projects between Korean companies and overseas partners.

The Global Innovation Support program provides up to KRW 800 million (roughly $600,000 USD) for joint R&D projects that bring Korean technology to international markets. This isnt just research funding - the program covers overseas testing, international certification, IP filing in foreign jurisdictions, and other activities essential for global commercialization.

The twist is that you need a real international partner. Whether its a European research institute, an American corporation, or an Asian manufacturing partner, the program funds collaboration rather than solo efforts. This design forces Korean SMEs to build the relationships they need for sustained international success.

The September 16, 2025 deadline gives you time to identify partners, structure your consortium, and prepare a compelling proposal. Heres everything you need to know.

Key Details at a Glance

What This Opportunity Offers

The KRW 800 million grant covers a comprehensive range of activities for international technology development. Joint R&D forms the core, but the funding extends well beyond laboratory work.

International testing and certification often represents a major barrier for Korean SMEs entering foreign markets. Products that meet Korean standards may require different certifications for EU, North American, or other markets. The program funds these certification processes, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Overseas IP filing protects your technology in target markets. Filing patents internationally is expensive - between translation costs, filing fees, and attorney charges, each jurisdiction adds substantial cost. The grant covers these IP protection activities.

Pilot demonstrations with foreign partners help validate technology in real-world conditions abroad. Whether thats installing equipment at a European facility, running field trials in Southeast Asia, or testing with American customers, demonstration projects build the evidence needed for commercial adoption.

Technology localization adapts your solutions for specific market requirements. Different regions may have different power standards, environmental conditions, regulatory requirements, or customer preferences. Funding supports adaptation work.

Partner engagement activities facilitate the relationship-building essential for successful international collaboration. Travel, joint workshops, and coordination costs are eligible expenses.

Who Should Apply

This program targets Korean SMEs with technology ready for international markets but needing resources and partnerships to get there.

Manufacturing SMEs with export potential are a core audience. If youve developed manufacturing technology, industrial equipment, components, or materials that could serve international customers, this program helps you access those markets through partnership.

ICT companies targeting international expansion fit well. Software, semiconductors, electronics, and digital services companies can use the funding to adapt products and build relationships for foreign markets.

SMEs with existing foreign relationships have an advantage. If youve already identified a potential partner - perhaps through trade shows, industry connections, or previous projects - the program provides resources to formalize and deepen that collaboration.

Companies targeting specific geographic expansion should consider how their target markets align with KIATs priorities. The program has particular interest in certain bilateral relationships based on government-to-government technology cooperation agreements.

Ventures needing certification or IP support for international markets may find this program especially valuable. These activities are expensive and often overlooked in R&D budgets.

To be eligible, the lead applicant must be a Korean SME in manufacturing or ICT sectors. Your project must involve a formal partnership with a foreign research institution or corporate entity. Your consortium must commit to delivering pilot demonstrations and commercialization plans - not just research outputs.

Insider Tips for a Winning Application

Align with bilateral cooperation priorities. KIAT maintains technology cooperation frameworks with various countries - particularly in Europe, North America, and select Asian partners. Research which bilateral relationships KIAT emphasizes and frame your project accordingly. A project aligned with Korea-Germany industrial cooperation, for instance, may receive favorable consideration.

Secure your foreign partner before applying. This isnt a program where you can find a partner later. You need a committed overseas collaborator with a signed letter of intent or cooperation agreement. Reviewers evaluate the strength of your partnership, not just your solo capabilities.

Detail partner contributions. Strong applications show what the foreign partner brings beyond just hosting activities. Are they contributing matching funds? Providing facilities? Sharing IP? Offering market access? The more substantial the partner commitment, the stronger your proposal.

Focus on commercialization, not just research. KIAT wants technology that reaches markets, not papers that sit on shelves. Your proposal should detail the path from R&D outputs to commercial products, including pilot deployments, customer validation, and sales strategies.

Budget for real international activities. Include substantial allocations for overseas travel, testing at partner facilities, international certification, and IP filing. Applications that keep everything domestic miss the programs purpose.

Plan technology localization specifically. Explain exactly how your technology needs adaptation for target markets. What technical modifications are required? What certifications are needed? What customization do customers expect? Specific localization plans demonstrate market understanding.

Build consortium with complementary capabilities. Your Korean team and foreign partner should bring different strengths. Maybe you have the core technology while they have market access. Perhaps you have manufacturing capability while they have application expertise. Articulate how the partnership creates capability neither party has alone.

Application Timeline

Working backward from the September 16, 2025 deadline, heres a realistic preparation schedule.

Now through March 2025: Identify and engage potential foreign partners. This takes time - youre asking organizations in other countries to commit to formal collaboration. Start building relationships through industry events, trade missions, research networks, or direct outreach.

March - May 2025: Formalize your partnership. Negotiate terms of collaboration, define project scope, agree on contribution levels, and execute preliminary agreements. Get commitment letters from your foreign partner.

May - June 2025: Structure your consortium and develop your technical approach. Define work packages, assign responsibilities, establish milestones, and create your budget framework.

June - July 2025: Draft your full proposal. Cover all required sections including technical approach, consortium structure, commercialization plan, budget justification, and risk management.

July - August 2025: Get internal review from KIAT program officers if possible, and external review from advisors familiar with the program. Revise based on feedback.

August - September 16, 2025: Final polishing and submission. Submit well before the deadline.

Required Materials

Project proposal: Comprehensive document covering objectives, technical approach, consortium structure, work packages, milestones, expected outcomes, and commercialization path.

Partnership documentation: Letters of intent, MOUs, or cooperation agreements from foreign partners confirming their commitment and contribution.

Partner profiles: Detailed information about foreign partners including capabilities, track record, and relevance to the project.

Budget breakdown: Detailed budget showing allocation across partners, work packages, and expense categories, with justification for major items.

Commercialization plan: Specific strategy for moving from R&D outputs to market products, including pilot plans, certification roadmap, and go-to-market approach.

Company documentation: Korean SME registration, financial statements, and evidence of manufacturing or ICT sector activity.

Technical credentials: Evidence of your teams capability to execute the proposed R&D, including relevant experience and prior project success.

What Makes an Application Stand Out

Partnership strength (30%): How committed and capable is your foreign partner? Strong applications show substantial partner investment, clear complementarity, and genuine mutual benefit.

Commercial potential (25%): Will this R&D lead to market success? Reviewers want to see clear paths from technology to products to customers.

Technical merit (20%): Is the proposed R&D sound and achievable? Technical approach should be innovative yet realistic.

Alignment with priorities (15%): Does this project fit KIATs strategic focus areas and bilateral cooperation frameworks?

Team capability (10%): Can this consortium execute the proposal? Track record, technical expertise, and management capability matter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Weak or undefined partnerships: Vague references to potential partners dont work. You need committed collaborators with documented agreements.

Research without commercialization: Pure research projects that dont lead to market products miss the programs intent. Show the commercial endgame.

Domestic-focused projects: Activities that could happen entirely in Korea dont fit. Demonstrate genuine international scope.

Unbalanced partnerships: If your foreign partner is just a token participant without real contribution, reviewers will notice. Build genuine collaboration.

Ignoring certification and IP: Underbudgeting for international certification and IP filing suggests you havent thought through commercialization requirements.

Unrealistic timelines: International collaboration adds complexity. Build realistic schedules that account for coordination challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply without a foreign partner? No. A formal partnership with an overseas research or corporate entity is a requirement, not an option.

What countries qualify as partners? Generally any country works, but KIAT has particular interest in partners from countries with bilateral technology cooperation agreements with Korea.

Do foreign partners receive funding directly? Typically, Korean entities receive and manage the grant, with subcontracting or pass-through arrangements for foreign partners as appropriate.

What cost sharing is required? Requirements vary by project type and call. Expect to contribute matching funds, though the percentage varies.

Can multiple Korean companies form a consortium? Yes. Multiple Korean entities can partner together with foreign collaborators.

What happens to IP from the project? IP arrangements are typically negotiated between consortium partners and documented in your agreements. KIAT may have review rights but generally does not claim ownership.

How competitive is selection? Quite competitive. Strong partnerships, clear commercialization paths, and alignment with program priorities are essential.

How to Apply

Ready to internationalize your technology through KIAT support? Heres your path forward.

Start immediately on partner identification and relationship building. This is typically the longest lead-time item and cannot be rushed.

Research KIATs priority areas and bilateral cooperation frameworks to understand how your project might align with strategic focus.

Engage KIAT program officers early if possible. They can provide guidance on program fit and application requirements.

Formalize your partnership with documented agreements that clearly articulate commitments from all parties.

Develop a comprehensive proposal covering technical approach, commercialization plan, consortium structure, and budget.

Submit before the September 16, 2025 deadline.

For complete program guidelines, application forms, and priority area information, visit: https://www.kiat.or.kr/front/user/main.do

Questions about program fit or specific requirements? KIAT program officers can provide guidance on whether your project aligns with current priorities.