The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) has opened applications for the 2025 Soonicorn Special Guarantee program. This initiative aims to support high-potential startups nearing unicorn status—commonly referred to as soonicorns. Selected companies may receive special guarantees of up to 20 billion KRW, along with global consulting and other forms of support.
To be eligible, companies must have secured at least 5 billion KRW in cumulative investment—or 3 billion KRW for outstanding regional startups—and demonstrate strong growth potential, innovation capabilities, or a company valuation of at least 100 billion KRW. The selection process includes document screening, technical evaluation, and a final presentation, with around 15 companies to be chosen.
In 2025, the program will prioritize deep-tech companies in fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, and quantum technology by awarding additional points during evaluation. A new performance-based support system will also be introduced, offering further guarantees to companies that show strong results following selection.
Since 2019, the government has selected and supported 126 soonicorns through this program. These companies have collectively attracted more than 5 trillion KRW in follow-up investments. Among them, eight have successfully become unicorns, while 13 have gone public through IPOs and four have achieved successful mergers or acquisitions—demonstrating the program’s strong track record.
Applications are open from May 7 to May 30, 2025. More details can be found on the websites of the MSS and Kibo Technology Fund.
