KDB's Innovation Brokerage Promotion Support Program: A New Driver for Korea's Startup Ecosystem

The Korea Development Bank (KDB) has launched its ‘Innovation Brokerage Promotion Support Program,’ aiming to accelerate the growth of startups possessing innovative technologies. This initiative goes beyond simple financial support, systematically assisting the commercialization and business development processes to strengthen the competitiveness of Korea's startup ecosystem. It is interpreted as reflecting the government's commitment to securing new growth engines through technological innovation, particularly amidst the current uncertain global economic climate. The program aims to foster collaboration between startups and large corporations by strengthening the capabilities of technology brokerage firms, ultimately creating new markets based on innovative technologies.

Innovation Brokerage Promotion Support Program: A Turning Point for Korea's Startup Ecosystem

Technology Brokerage: A Core Element of Startup Growth

The KDB's program focuses on resolving difficulties in the commercialization and business development process for startups and strengthening the role of technology brokerage firms. Technology brokerage is a crucial process that connects innovative technologies held by startups with large corporations or investors, expanding business opportunities. In particular, Korea's startup ecosystem often faces challenges due to a lack of business experience, despite possessing excellent technology. This KDB support program is expected to address this issue and connect technological competitiveness to actual business performance.

Target and Content of Support

This program targets technology brokerage firms and supports strengthening technology brokerage capabilities, cultivating professional personnel, and building technology trading platforms. Specific support details include:

• Consulting support for technology brokerage firms


• Operation of professional personnel education programs


• Support for building and operating technology trading platforms

Expected Effects and Market Impact

The KDB's Innovation Brokerage Promotion Support Program is expected to have the following effects:

• Increased success rate of startup technology commercialization and business development


• Strengthened collaboration between large corporations and startups


• Creation of new markets based on innovative technologies


• Strengthened competitiveness of Korea's startup ecosystem

In particular, as the growth potential of startups is high in advanced technology fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and bio, this program is expected to contribute to accelerating innovation in these areas. Furthermore, the revitalization of the technology brokerage market is expected to create new investment opportunities and drive the growth of related industries.