South Korea is strengthening its commitment to digital export growth by supporting 150 early-stage AI and SaaS startups through KOSME’s Tech Export Voucher program, offering up to $38,000 in funding to companies lacking infrastructure or global market experience.
KOSME Expands Startup Support with Tech Export Voucher Program Round 2
The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) has opened the second round of its Tech Service Export Voucher Program, offering up to ₩50 million (approx. $38,000) in funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across 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 traditional export programs by prioritizing intangible tech services over manufacturing output. With a sharp focus on early-stage digital startups—many of which lack internal infrastructure or global market experience—the program aims to bridge a persistent gap in Korea’s startup export pipeline.
Strategic Startup Support from KOSME
The second round of the Tech Service Export Voucher Program will select approximately 150 SMEs. Chosen companies will receive financial support to access global readiness tools, such as:
- Cloud and data center infrastructure
- User interface optimization services
- Localization and global compliance assistance
Meanwhile, the participating startups are required to contribute a 30% matching fund, underscoring a co-investment model between the government and the enterprises.
The program also allows access to over 8,000 export-related services available under KOSME’s broader voucher system, including international exhibition participation, design development, intellectual property consulting, and certification support.
AI & SaaS Startup Export: A Shift Beyond Manufacturing in South Korea
While Korea’s traditional export narrative has centered on manufacturing—specifically, semiconductors, automotive, and electronics—this initiative reflects a growing national pivot toward digital-first, service-based exports.
Tech categories eligible under this program include:
- AI solution providers
- SaaS platforms and tools
- Cybersecurity and data services
- EdTech and e-learning technologies
- Game, film, and animation studios with global ambitions
This expansion aligns with South Korea’s long-term strategy to elevate technology-based service exports as a key pillar of growth.
Tech Export Voucher Program: Strengthening Korea’s Global Startup Position
Furthermore, KOSME believes that providing funding support through the Tech Service Export Voucher Program will help strengthen the position of promising AI as SaaS startups in the global market, especially those that possess competitive technologies but lack international traction.
“Exports of technology-based intangible services are emerging as a new growth pillar for Korea, extending beyond the traditional manufacturing sector.
This Tech Service Export Voucher program will offer a significant opportunity for companies with innovative technologies but limited export experience.”
Kang Seok Jin, President of KOSME.
The voucher’s flexible structure allows recipient startups to select tailored services based on their unique growth needs, creating a modular support model that aligns with the demands of global expansion.
KOSME’s Funding Support for AI and SaaS Startups: Stronger Alignment to Face Increasing Global Competition
Ultimately, this program signals stronger alignment between public sector policy and the needs of tech entrepreneurs within Korea’s startup community.
As AI and SaaS ventures face increasing global competition, programs like this serve as both a signal and a scaffold for Korea’s digital trade ambitions.
The second round of applications is now open, and early-stage digital startups across eligible categories are encouraged to apply.
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