SCALE-UP TIPS

SCALE-UP TIPS is a government-backed, private-sector-led incubator program in South Korea designed to foster the growth of promising, technology-intensive startups. Officially known as the Tech Incubator Program for Startups, it was initiated in 2013 by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) to identify and nurture companies with innovative technologies.

The program operates through a public-private partnership model. The government selects private accelerators, venture capitalists, and successful angel investors to act as program operators. These operators discover and invest in promising startups. Subsequently, the government matches this private investment with significant financial support, including R&D funds, commercialization costs, and overseas marketing support. For instance, under the "Scale-Up TIPS" track, companies that attract over approximately USD 750,000 in private investment can receive up to USD 900,000 in government R&D funding over three years. A "Global Track" was introduced in 2025 to provide even greater support for companies targeting overseas markets.

The program serves technology-based startups and SMEs that are entering a full-fledged growth phase, particularly in strategic sectors like AI and biotechnology. Beyond funding, TIPS provides comprehensive support including mentorship, professional services, and networking opportunities. It also operates "TIPS Town" in Seoul, a major hub where startups, investors, and support organizations co-locate to create a collaborative ecosystem. Since its inception, the program has supported over 3,200 startups, facilitating over USD 1.1 billion in combined public-private funding between 2022 and 2024 alone, and has been recognized as a top global accelerator.

Keywords: tech incubator, startup accelerator, public-private partnership, R&D funding, venture capital, commercialization support, Korean startups, global expansion, deep tech, angel investment