Korea's four leading science and technology institutes — KAIST, GIST, DGIST, and UNIST — are joining forces to help region-based emerging tech companies expand into overseas markets.
KAIST announced Thursday that the four institutes will jointly run the "2026 Emerging Tech Global Launchpad," a program supporting overseas proof-of-concept (PoC) testing, investment attraction, and global network connections. Applications are open through June 19.
The program tailors its support based on the readiness stage and target markets of emerging tech-based startups, leveraging each institute's regional startup networks and overseas cooperation infrastructure to facilitate global expansion.
Two support tracks are available. Track 1, the "Global Expansion Track," targets companies that are already preparing for or have begun entering overseas markets. Selected companies will participate in overseas PoC programs to validate their technology's fit with local customers and commercial viability. They will also gain access to testing environments connected with local partners and expert networks.
Track 2, the "Global Readiness Track," is designed for companies looking to build their overseas expansion capabilities. It offers PoC-tailored training and intensive commercialization support programs focused on refining overseas product and customer discovery strategies, designing investment scenarios, and developing local market entry methodologies.
After PoC-specific development, participants will be connected to international conferences held at major innovation hubs including the U.S. West Coast, U.S. East Coast, and Singapore, helping them find global PoC customers. Participating companies will have direct access to local firms, investors, and global big tech representatives, expanding opportunities for technology validation and business cooperation.
The program is open to emerging tech companies based in regions covered by each of the four institutes. KAIST oversees the central region, GIST the Honam region, DGIST the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region, and UNIST the southeastern region. However, companies whose chief executives are affiliated with one of the four institutes may apply through their affiliated institution regardless of location.
"By bringing together cooperation among the science and technology institutes and regional tech startup networks, we will help domestic technology companies quickly generate results in overseas markets," KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung said.
