We are recruiting a new lead organization to support manufacturing startups by forming a consortium of maker spaces equipped with capabilities such as prototype production and product commercialization support.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Minister Lee Young) announced that it will recruit collaborative lead organizations for the 'Maker Activation Support Project,' a consortium of maker spaces equipped with the will and capability to revitalize manufacturing startups, from the 17th to February 9th.

A maker space is an open manufacturing startup space that supports the revitalization of makers by providing digital technology-based manufacturing equipment, such as 3D printers, to realize innovative ideas and lead to product commercialization.

As of the end of 2022, 227 maker spaces are in operation across 17 cities and provinces nationwide.

Even under difficult conditions such as restrictions on gatherings due to COVID-19, 390,000 people annually have utilized Maker Space equipment and facilities to produce over 106,000 prototypes (based on 2021 performance), supporting the manufacturing startups of makers through Maker Spaces.

This year, in order to strengthen the operation of maker spaces, a collaborative lead organization will be selected and piloted as a consortium between maker spaces (graduation labs) selected in 2018 that possess professional capabilities such as equipment, facilities, and know-how, and private maker spaces that have formed autonomously.

We are recruiting approximately five new collaborative lead organizations, and the selected organizations will receive project funds (up to 600 million won) necessary for facilities, equipment, and the operation of product commercialization support programs on a differential basis according to the evaluation results.

The selected collaborative lead organizations will, through various collaborative programs,We plan to support professional makers facing difficulties in starting a business by assisting them from idea prototype production to product commercialization, thereby helping them establish stable manufacturing businesses.

Minister Lee Young stated, “Manufacturing is the backbone of our economy and the foundation of job creation,” adding, “We will strive to revitalize manufacturing startups through this Maker Activation Support Project.”

All collaborative lead organizations are eligible to participate, including 'graduation labs' with prior experience in establishing and operating maker spaces or 'private labs' equipped with capabilities to support manufacturing startups.

The application period is from January 17 to February 9, and applications can be submitted on the K-Startup website (www.k-startup.go.kr).