Applications open for 2026 Daedeok Special Zone accelerating support project

A view of the Korea Research Special Zone Foundation headquarters. [Herald DB]
A view of the Korea Research Special Zone Foundation headquarters. [Herald DB]

The Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone headquarters of the Korea Research Special Zone Foundation announced Wednesday it is accepting applications for the "2026 Daedeok Special Zone Accelerating Support Project," aimed at intensively backing startups with promising technologies.

The program is one of the foundation's flagship startup support initiatives, designed to help technology-based startups in the Daedeok Special Zone attract investment and commercialize their products.

Eligible applicants include startups and prospective founders based in the Daedeok Special Zone, as well as companies planning to relocate there. This year, the foundation plans to identify and support around 100 promising startups across the 12 national strategic technology sectors, space and aerospace, biotech, and fields designated as specialized or strategically nurtured within the Daedeok Special Zone.

Selected companies will receive customized consulting; tailored education and mentoring covering business model development, market entry strategy and investment readiness; investment strategy development, IR material refinement and demo day participation; global expansion support including overseas market entry strategy and global network connections; and technology validation and market entry support through domestic and international proof-of-concept projects, open innovation partnerships with large and mid-sized companies, and technology collaboration based on local overseas demand.

Among last year's participants, Linsol — a deep tech startup specializing in acoustic detection technology for the defense industry — secured 800 million won (about $527,000) in follow-on investment. Carbon Energy, a climate tech startup focused on carbon capture technology, raised 3.7 billion won in Series A funding.

Applications are open through June 26. Companies wishing to participate should select a dedicated accelerator, complete the application form and submit it to the designated office.

"Deep tech startups need investment linkages and close support tailored to the nature of their technology in order to commercialize innovations and establish themselves in the market," said Lim Moon-taek, head of the Daedeok Special Zone headquarters. "The Daedeok Special Zone headquarters will strengthen technology commercialization support that meets the needs of each company, including cooperation with large and mid-sized enterprises and overseas on-site demonstration projects."


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com