509 Companies Selected to Lead Innovative Growth by Financial Services Commission and 12 Ministries
509 Promising SMEs and Mid-Sized Companies Selected Through Financial-Industrial Collaboration

License News = Reporter Sangmi Kim | The Financial Services Commission (FSC), in collaboration with 12 relevant ministries, has selected 509 key small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies in various industries to lead Korea's innovative economic growth under the “Innovation Premier” program.

The full list of the selected 509 “Innovation Premier” companies by ministry is available on the FSC website. These selected companies will receive customized financial and non-financial support from policy finance institutions through the end of 2026, as well as special privileges in each ministry’s support programs.

On the 14th, the FSC announced the results of the first round of the “Innovation Premier 1000” enterprise selection for 2025.

According to the FSC, 13 government bodies, including the FSC, selected a total of 509 SMEs and mid-sized companies as part of the first round of the “Innovation Premier 1000” program this year. The program is a joint initiative to provide intensive support to outstanding companies in each industry. It consolidates previously existing support programs such as “Korea’s Top 1000 Innovative Companies” and “Excellent Company Priority Process” to offer more effective and integrated assistance. This initiative was introduced during the 9th Policy Finance Support Council meeting (Dec. 29, 2024).

The program allows each ministry to select innovative and high-growth SMEs and mid-sized companies based on policy goals. Once selected, policy finance institutions will provide tailored financial and non-financial support to these companies. Ministries will also issue an “Innovation Premier Certificate” to promote the selected companies and offer special advantages through their own support programs.

◆ 509 Companies Selected for the First Round of “Innovation Premier 1000”

From February to March this year, each ministry announced the program and assessed the innovation and growth potential of applicants, considering industrial characteristics and policy direction. As a result, 542 companies were initially selected, but after excluding 30 duplicate selections, a final total of 509 unique companies were confirmed. These companies will be eligible for benefits until the end of 2026.

Of the 509 selected companies, 505 are engaged in industries categorized under innovation-driven growth. These include a wide range of fields such as:

• Manufacturing & Mobility (electric vehicles, advanced defense, robotics),

• Artificial Intelligence (AI analysis, big data),

• Environment & Smart Agriculture/Fisheries (eco-friendly fuel, alternative foods), and more.

By company size, 488 are SMEs, and 21 are mid-sized companies.

Additionally, over 96% (492 companies) fall under the “Five Key Priority Funding Areas” designated by the Policy Finance Support Council, which are crucial for linking policy finance with industrial policy for more impactful support.

◆ Support Procedure and Future Plans for “Innovation Premier 1000” Enterprises

(Application and Assignment of Responsible Institutions)
Selected companies can submit applications for financial and non-financial support both online and offline to the “Policy Finance Integrated Support Team.” The team will review the applications and existing transaction records to assign each company to a designated policy finance institution (and branch office) for tailored support.

(Financial and Non-Financial Support)
Policy finance institutions will introduce exclusive products for the “Innovation Premier” companies, offering top-tier benefits such as preferential interest rates, higher loan limits, and better guarantee ratios. In addition, the institutions will provide non-financial services including consulting, investor relations, and export support, taking into account the company’s growth stage, industry characteristics, and investment needs.

(Certificate Issuance and Ministry-Specific Benefits)
Each ministry will issue an “Innovation Premier Certificate” to support the publicity of selected companies. Ministries including the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Korea Customs Service, and the FSC will also provide special benefits under their respective support programs. Details on certificate issuance and specific benefits can be obtained directly from the relevant ministry.

(Post-Selection Management)
The Policy Finance Integrated Support Team and the FSC will regularly share information on the selection and support status with the ministries. Any areas requiring improvement will be reviewed and addressed through the Policy Finance Support Council.

For example, future selection quotas for each ministry will be adjusted based on their performance in company selection and program operation. Ministries that show strong demand or notable outcomes will be granted higher quotas for the second round of selection.

(Future Plans)
The second round of “Innovation Premier” applications and selections will take place in the first half of 2026. From 2026 onward, approximately 1,000 companies will be selected annually to receive intensive support benefits.

The FSC stated, “The first-round ‘Innovation Premier’ companies will enjoy benefits until the end of 2026. Companies wishing to maintain their status beyond this period must reapply and be reselected before expiration.”