Announcement for the Implementation Plan of Multi AI Agent Development (R&D) Jump-up Track for SME Manufacturing
SME manufacturers with an established AI foundation can skip the PoC stage and immediately enter the R&D support phase.
- Deadline
- 2026.10.30
Online applications via the Integrated Research Information System (IRIS) are accepted from October 1 to 30, 2026. This announcement recruits projects for the 'Jump-up Track,' which provides rapid R&D support by skipping the PoC stage for tasks that have already established an AI foundation in SME manufacturing sectors.
3-second summary
- Application Period: Oct 1 (Thu) ~ Oct 30 (Fri), 2026, until 18:00
- Application Portal: Integrated Research Information System (IRIS, www.iris.go.kr)
- Target Industries: SME manufacturing specialized sectors (Food, Beauty, Pharma, Auto Parts, etc., 8 fields)
- Key Feature: Tasks with established AI foundations from prior research may skip the PoC stage and proceed directly to R&D support
Eligibility checklist
- Consortium participation is mandatory, consisting of a supplier company (lead institution) and a demand company (joint/delegated).
- The supplier company must be an SME as defined in Article 2 of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises.
- The demand company must be a manufacturing enterprise participating in technology development for smart factory transformation and AI Agent adoption.
- Submission of the demand company's 'Factory Registration Certificate' - Industry Type is required upon application.
- Excluded if the project is previously developed/supported or similar to previously supported content of the same company.
Schedule & how to apply
- Application Period: Oct 1 (Thu) ~ Oct 30 (Fri), 2026, until 18:00
- Application Method: Online submission via Integrated Research Information System (IRIS)
- Note: No submissions or modifications allowed after 18:00 on the deadline; completion 2-3 days prior recommended to avoid system congestion
Recommended for
- Recommended for CEOs of SME supplier companies possessing capabilities in smart manufacturing or AI Agents.
- Suitable for CEOs of demand companies pursuing smart factory transformation and willing to adopt AI.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility requirements: Consortium participation is mandatory, consisting of a supplier company (lead institution) and a demand company (joint/delegated).; The supplier company must be an SME as defined in Article 2 of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises.; The demand company must be a manufacturing enterprise participating in technology development for smart factory transformation and AI Agent adoption.; Submission of the demand company's 'Factory Registration Certificate' - Industry Type is required upon application..
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 2026.10.30. Schedules may change — confirm against the official program notice.
How do I apply?
Applications follow the official program notice, which is in Korean. See the source link for the method and receiving office; Beaconoi can prepare an English draft for your review.
Which organization runs this program?
This program is administered by Korea Institute of Science and Technology Planning and Evaluation (KISTEP).
Last updated · Source: Korea Institute of Science and Technology Planning and Evaluation (KISTEP) — official notice
※ Program information is compiled from each institution’s public sources; actual eligibility, amounts and deadlines may change. Always verify against the official notice (in Korean) before applying.