South Korea will provide support to nurture 100 defense-focused startups by 2030 to strengthen the defense industry's growth potential and better adopt cutting-edge technologies, government officials said. The blueprint, led by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, also aims to foster 30 venture companies capable of generating 100 billion won ($69 million) in yearly sales by 2030.
On February 23, 2026, South Korean government officials announced a blueprint to nurture 100 defense-focused startups by 2030, aiming to bolster the defense industry's growth potential and integrate cutting-edge technologies. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups will facilitate opportunities for these startups to collaborate with military branches and established defense contractors, thereby reducing entry barriers into the market.
The plan emphasizes supporting research and development (R&D) for startups from the early stages of arms development and ensuring their equal participation in defense contracts alongside major corporations. It also targets the cultivation of 30 venture companies capable of achieving 100 billion won ($69 million) in annual sales by 2030.
To monitor progress, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and DAPA will establish a pan-government control tower for oversight and implementation. This initiative focuses on fostering innovation in the defense sector through startup growth.
(Based on Yonhap and Korea Times reports)
