The Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Ministry of National Defense said on the 8th that they will fully push ahead with "Challenge for All: Defense Industry" to help startups enter the defense sector at the Peace & Park Convention at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul.
The event was prepared as a follow-up to the "Plan to Foster Defense Startups" announced in Feb. The government plans to move away from a conglomerate-centered structure, expand startup entry into the defense ecosystem, and strengthen technology innovation based on civil-military cooperation.
In the global defense market, the military use of private-sector advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and robots is expanding, increasing the role of startups. However, domestic startups have faced difficulties entering the defense field due to restricted access to military information and a lack of validation opportunities.
In response, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and the Ministry of National Defense will promote "Challenge for All: Defense Industry" through a public-private open innovation approach and support the discovery of collaboration projects based on military demand, technology proof of concept (PoC), and commercialization links.
The program selected a total of 10 projects by combining a "top-down" approach, in which the military presents tasks, and a "bottom-up" approach, in which startups propose their technologies.
Top-down projects include technologies for detecting and neutralizing ultra-small drones, technologies to reduce ship and torpedo propulsion noise based on active noise control, an automatic on-deck takeoff and landing system for drones in environments where GPS cannot be used, an AI-based manned-unmanned aircraft midair collision prediction and avoidance system, and an AI decoy swarming system for deception in amphibious operations.
Bottom-up projects include a remote inspection integrated management platform for military facilities, advanced technology for Autonomous Driving mowing robots, bird-strike prevention technology for aircraft, an automatic patrol system based on drone stations, and air traffic management automation technology.
Selected projects will receive up to 100 million won in collaboration funds (PoC). After military validation and pilot purchases, they will also be offered opportunities for follow-up research and development worth up to 600 million won.
"Challenge for All" is a platform that supports startup growth through open innovation in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, defense, robotics, bio, and Climate Tech. This defense challenge is the second key area following artificial intelligence.
Noh Yong-seok, first vice minister at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), said, "The rapid defense application of private-sector innovative technology is key to competitiveness in the defense industry," adding, "We will support startups' entry into and growth within the defense ecosystem."
Lee Doo-hee, Vice Minister at the Ministry of National Defense, said, "Through inter-ministerial cooperation, we will expand opportunities for private corporations to enter the military and accelerate the introduction of advanced technologies."