Hello! We are LUMOS, your AI Agent companion for government projects.
We would like to share the news that the Ministry of SMEs and Startups will completely reorganize the TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startups) program starting in 2026. This reorganization represents a highly significant shift in the startup ecosystem. Below is a summary of the key updates you need to know.
What is changing?
1. Track Integration: Three complex tracks consolidated into one!
Current (2025)
General Track: Minimum pre-investment of 100 million KRW → up to 500 million KRW in funding
Deep-tech Track: Minimum pre-investment of 300 million KRW → up to 1.5 billion KRW in funding
Global Track: Minimum pre-investment of 300 million KRW → up to 1.2 billion KRW in funding
Reorganized Plan (2026)
Unified General Track: Minimum pre-investment of 200 million KRW → up to 800 million KRW in funding
Startups outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area maintain the minimum pre-investment requirement of 100 million KRW.
2. Funding Increased by 60%: From 500 million KRW to 800 million KRW!
The maximum funding amount for the existing General Track will be increased from 500 million KRW to 800 million KRW. Combined with the 200 million KRW pre-investment from the accelerator/operator, startups can secure a total of 1 billion KRW in funding.
LUMOS Insights 💡
This is a practical adjustment that accounts for inflation. It will serve as an excellent opportunity for startups to secure sufficient capital in their early stages, allowing them to focus entirely on product development and market entry.
3. Evolution of Post-TIPS: Offering broader options
Previously, graduates of the TIPS program could only transition to "Post-TIPS." Starting in 2026, companies will have two distinct paths to choose from.
Options for Outstanding TIPS Graduates
Post-TIPS (Existing): Support of 700 million KRW for commercialization capital
Deep-tech TIPS (New): Additional R&D support (transitioned from the previous Deep-tech Track)
LUMOS Insights 💡
Historically, companies had to choose between General TIPS and Deep-tech TIPS from the beginning. Now, a startup can lay its foundation with General TIPS, and subsequently advance its technological development through Deep-tech TIPS. This is exceptional news, particularly for startups that initially chose General TIPS and were previously unable to leverage Deep-tech track funding.
4. Significantly Enhanced Global TIPS: Focused support for companies expanding overseas
The existing Global Track will be phased out, and the Global TIPS program for growth-stage startups will be heavily strengthened.
Changes to Global TIPS
Minimum pre-investment from foreign VCs: Raised from $300,000 to $1 million
R&D and commercialization funding: Support of up to 5 billion KRW
5. Expanded Number of Supported Companies: Increased to 620 enterprises
The number of selected companies will increase by 100, going from 520 in 2025 to 620 in 2026.
Budget Reallocation Status
General TIPS: 477.7 billion KRW → 668.4 billion KRW (39.9% ↑)
Scale-up/Global TIPS: 156.7 billion KRW → 367.1 billion KRW (2.3x ↑)
What this reorganization means for startups
Advantage 1: Reduced confusion through simplified processes
The filing and selection process becomes clearer as complex track structures are streamlined. This reduces the time startups spend debating which track to apply for.
Advantage 2: Securing sufficient early-stage capital
By securing 200 million KRW in investment alongside 800 million KRW in government support, startups can steadily establish their initial stages with a total of 1 billion KRW.
Advantage 3: Customized support tailored to growth stages
By connecting General TIPS (800 million) → Post-TIPS or Deep-tech TIPS → Scale-up TIPS → Global TIPS (5 billion), businesses can systematically secure a total project budget of up to 10 billion KRW depending on their growth stage.
LUMOS Insights 💡
In effect, scaling up a business to a viable size has become highly feasible through government-funded initiatives alone. Developing a clear stage-by-stage growth strategy and hitting the milestones required at each stage will be of paramount importance.
Steps to Prepare
1. Meet Pre-Investment Requirements
Startups must secure at least 200 million KRW in private investment (100 million KRW for startups located outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area).
2. Design a Systematic Budget Management Plan
A structured, compliant plan is necessary to efficiently allocate and utilize the 800 million KRW R&D funding.
3. Establish a Growth Roadmap
Design a long-term growth strategy well in advance, spanning from initial TIPS through Post-TIPS, Deep-tech TIPS, and Global TIPS.
LUMOS's Preparation for 2026
In alignment with the restructured 2026 TIPS program, LUMOS is preparing an AI-assisted drafting feature for government proposals.
From drafting complex business plans to managing project budgets, LUMOS makes executing government-sponsored projects simpler and more precise.
We look forward to sharing these new solutions with you! 🚀
Apply for TIPS with LUMOS
Does managing public funding feel demanding? LUMOS automates the entire process—from budget request and execution to final reconciliation—allowing startups to focus entirely on their core business operations.
Real-time budget monitoring
Automated receipt and documentation management
Compliance and regulation alerts
Automated reporting generation
Are you planning to apply for TIPS?
Contact LUMOS today for detailed guidance and professional support.
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This article was created based on coverage published by Money Today on November 11, 2025.
