Korea's four leading science and technology institutes, including the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), are joining forces to support deep tech startups' entry into global markets by linking their regional startup networks and international cooperation infrastructure.
According to GIST on Wednesday, the institute is recruiting participants for the "2026 Emerging Tech Global Launchpad" together with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), and the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT).
The Emerging Tech Global Launchpad is a program designed to support the global market entry of technology-based startups in emerging tech fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum, next-generation energy, and biotech. It helps companies leverage their domestically developed technologies to validate overseas field tests and global commercialization potential.
The application period runs through the 19th. Selected companies will receive comprehensive support for global market entry, including overseas field validation, global acceleration, expert mentoring, connections to international conferences, and local stay expenses covering airfare and accommodations.
GIST will oversee the Honam region, KAIST the central region, DGIST the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region, and UNIST the southeastern region, each tasked with identifying and supporting promising emerging tech startups in their respective areas.
Notably, when a company's CEO is affiliated with one of the four science institutes, the company may apply through that institution regardless of where the business is located. This arrangement aims to expand global opportunities for startups founded by faculty, researchers, and students at the science institutes.
The support program operates on two tracks — a "Global Entry Track" and a "Global Preparation Track" — depending on the company's growth stage and readiness for international expansion.
"GIST will lead the global expansion of the Honam region's technology startup ecosystem together with the four science and technology institutes, and actively support outstanding local technology-based startups in growing into globally competitive companies," GIST President Lim Ki-cheol said.
