With ₩20B (~$14.8M) in credit guarantees on the table, the KODIT Innovation Icon initiative reinforces Korea’s position as a hub for high-growth ventures. This flagship Korean startup scale-up program champions green technology Korea and backs emerging leaders poised to become the next generation of Korean unicorn companies in startup funding Korea.

KODIT Opens 14th Innovation Icon Recruitment for Korean Startups

The Korea Credit Guarantee Fund (KODIT) has opened applications for the 14th cohort of Innovation Icon, offering up to KRW 20 billion (approx. USD 14.8 million) in credit guarantees over three years to help high-potential Korean startups scale toward global unicorn status. Applications close September 2, 2025.

Innovation Icon is KODIT’s flagship Korean startup scale-up program, supporting companies with new technologies or innovative business models through a coordinated package of financial and non-financial assistance.

Eligibility Criteria and Green Technology Evaluation Points

Applicants must be companies in new industries operating for 2 to 12 years and meet one of the following:

• Annual revenue of at least KRW 1 billion with an average two-year revenue growth rate of 10% or more, or
• At least KRW 3 billion raised from institutional investors.

Starting this round, KODIT will award additional evaluation points to companies with green technology, aligning with Korea’s carbon neutrality policy.

Program Benefits for Selected Innovation Icon Companies

KODIT will select five startups as Innovation Icons. Benefits include:

• Up to KRW 20 billion in credit guarantees over three years.
• Application of the minimum guarantee fee rate (0.5%).
• Additional guarantee fee support via partner banks.
• Consulting, overseas expansion, and promotional support, alongside other tailored financial and non-financial services.

KODIT Innovation Icon Track Record and Notable Alumni

Across cohorts 1–13, 68 companies have been selected as Innovation Icons, with a combined credit guarantee limit of approximately KRW 900 billion. Notable alumni include Bucketplace (operator of Today’s House), and KOSDAQ-listed firms SOS Lab, Dotmill, and Link Solution.

Ecosystem Impact of KODIT’s Innovation Icon Program

By adding green technology to its evaluation and maintaining large-scale credit guarantee capacity, KODIT is reinforcing Korea’s pipeline of Korean unicorn companies while directing support toward sustainability priorities.

With only five slots, competition will be strong, but the mix of guarantees, fee reductions, and capacity-building support can meaningfully de-risk scale-up and overseas expansion for qualified teams.

A KODIT representative encouraged applications from next-generation leaders in AI, bio, and eco-friendly sectors.

“We hope many next-generation leaders in core future industries such as AI, bio, and eco-friendly sectors will apply. KODIT will spare no effort to help Innovation Icon companies grow into unicorns and achieve meaningful results in the global market.”

Editor’s note on terminology: KODIT’s Innovation Icon provides credit guarantees rather than direct cash grants. Founders seeking startup funding in Korea often combine such guarantees with equity financing or bank lending as part of a broader capital strategy.

Stay informed on Korea’s fast-moving startup and tech scene—follow KoreaTechDesk on social media: LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Bluesky, and Facebook for insights, funding news, and industry updates.