The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) has unveiled its ambitious budget for 2025, setting it at KRW 15.248 trillion (approximately USD 11.1 billion), marking a significant increase from the 2024 budget. 

This strategic financial plan, approved during the National Assembly’s session on December 10, 2024, focuses heavily on nurturing the innovation and global expansion of South Korea’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups.

A notable component of the budget is the intensive support for deep-tech startups, particularly in the AI and fabless sectors, which the MSS identifies as future growth engines. The plan includes fostering potential global unicorn companies and enhancing collaborations between large corporations and startups through advanced open innovation platforms.

Another critical aspect of the 2025 budget is the establishment of a Global Startup Hub, designed to centralize deep-tech startups and attract global tech companies and talent. This initiative is part of the broader Startup Korea strategy aimed at bolstering the international presence of Korean startups. The Hub is expected to serve as a cornerstone for Korean startups looking to penetrate global markets, offering them a supportive ecosystem and essential resources.

Furthermore, the MSS is dedicated to expanding its export support for SMEs and startups. By increasing tech service exports and providing scale-up financing, the ministry intends to develop new growth engines for international markets. The 2025 plan also includes significant enhancements in digital manufacturing and local innovation, with the development of smart factories and the launch of additional regional manufacturing AI centers.

The ministry’s comprehensive approach in 2025 reflects its commitment to strengthening the national economy by supporting the small business sector and fostering innovative growth among Korean SMEs and startups. This budget not only underscores the government’s support for technological advancement but also highlights its efforts to create a more sustainable and globally competitive business environment.