South Korea Ministry of SMEs and Startups unveiled the “TIPS Next Strategy” at a special event marking the 10th anniversary of TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startups). The event was also celebrating the milestone achievement of securing 15 trillion KRW (10.7 billion USD) in follow-up investments. The event brought together over 400 participants, including TIPS operators, startup companies, and support organizations, to celebrate TIPS’ remarkable successes and outline the future direction of the program.
Over the past decade, TIPS has been instrumental in shaping the success of South Korea’s tech startups. It has helped over 3,200 startups secure a total of 15 trillion KRW in investments and created more than 22,500 new jobs. The program, launched in 2013, is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and private sector experts, which identifies and nurtures innovative tech startups with government support for R&D and commercialization.
The event featured a celebratory ceremony for the 15 trillion KRW (10.7 billion USD)milestone, with awards presented to outstanding startups and partners. These included the “Welcome to TIPS Excellence Award,” where three top companies from each region were recognized. Additionally, participants engaged in a panel discussion with TIPS startup leaders, sharing success stories and discussing the newly introduced “TIPS Next Strategy.”
TIPS has been recognized globally for its excellence, ranking among the top four startup accelerators in the world in a recent CB Insights report, alongside renowned names like Plug & Play, Y Combinator, and Techstars. This distinction highlights the program’s international standing as a leader in fostering tech entrepreneurship.
The “TIPS Next Strategy” is a forward-looking framework designed to accelerate the program’s impact, focusing on four strategic areas:
- Strengthening Scale-up Support for Long-term Growth
TIPS aims to enhance the long-term growth of startups by providing AI-powered diagnostic tools, tailored solutions, and growth guides to help companies at different stages of their journey. The introduction of post-TIPS support and financial programs for scaling-up ventures further supports their growth. - Expanding Global Reach and International Partnerships
Recognizing the importance of global expansion, TIPS is creating specialized tracks to support overseas R&D collaborations and facilitating global market entry. A new international R&D track will support innovative startups with funding for international collaborations and provide resources for global expansion. - Promoting Regional Startup Ecosystems
In a bid to decentralize innovation and foster regional ecosystems, TIPS will focus on attracting startups from outside the capital region. Special programs will be developed for regional startups, offering them guidance, investment, and acceleration services. - Building Robust Governance and Operational Support
TIPS will enhance its governance by appointing expert operators who will support the program’s implementation and help startups thrive. Additionally, specialized programs will be made available to entrepreneurs in areas such as management and taxation, supporting them with comprehensive growth resources.
As Korea continues to position itself as a hub for innovation, TIPS’ evolution is poised to solidify its role in nurturing high-growth startups that can compete on the global stage. Minister Oh Young-ju emphasized that fostering tech entrepreneurship is critical to the nation’s future in a world dominated by technological innovation. “Through the TIPS Next Strategy, we aim to support long-term growth for startups and help them gain a competitive edge in the global market,” said Minister Oh.
The celebration of TIPS’ 10-year legacy is not just about looking back at its success but also about setting the stage for the next decade of tech entrepreneurship, positioning Korea as a key player in the global innovation economy.
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