The South Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) has launched a new phase of its “Challenge for All – Defense” open innovation initiative, inviting approximately 50 industry partners to collaborate with defense-focused startups and accelerate the commercialization of advanced military technologies.
Under the program, selected companies will work alongside established defense enterprises to develop and validate tactical solutions, receiving up to 100 million won ($67,500) for proof-of-concept activities and prototype development. Eligible participants may also access additional government research and commercialization funding of up to 600 million won ($405,500) based on project needs.
Applicants will be evaluated through document screening, meetings with military representatives and defense contractors, and reviews of their proposed collaboration strategies before final selections are made. The application deadline is set for early August.
The latest recruitment significantly expands the initiative after the program’s inaugural phase selected 10 companies in March. According to MSS, the effort aims to help startups transition innovative technologies into operational defense applications while enabling the military to adopt cutting-edge solutions more rapidly. The ministry also pointed to the continued growth in global defense spending, which reached a record $2.718 trillion in 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, driving increased demand for defense innovation.
