Government to Foster 'K-Palantir'... Five New Security Unicorns Targeted by 2030

Focused Investment in AI, Drones, Space, and Quantum Technologies
Establishing a Korean-Style In-Q-Tel and Introducing Rapid Procurement
Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Ministry of National Defense, and Korea Aerospace Administration Announce Strategy for Fostering Innovative Companies in Future New Security

The government is launching an initiative to foster a "Korean-style Palantir," focusing on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, space, and quantum technology. By 2030, it aims to nurture five unicorns in the new security sector with a corporate value exceeding 1 trillion won each, as well as 50 innovative companies in the sector with annual sales of more than 100 billion won. In addition, the government plans to establish a dedicated investment organization modeled after In-Q-Tel, the technology investment arm of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

On June 26, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Korea Aerospace Administration held a "Strategy Meeting for Fostering Innovative Companies in Future New Security" at the Chungmu Room of the Presidential Office, where they announced the "Direction for Fostering Innovative Companies in Future New Security."

Reference photo to aid understanding of the article. Hanwha Systems' long-range surface-to-air guided weapon system L-SAM multifunction radar (MFR) exhibited at IDEX 2025 held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, last February. The Asia Business Daily DB

The government’s goal is to build an ecosystem where private sector innovation, like that of Palantir Technologies—a U.S. company specializing in AI-based battlefield information analysis platforms—strengthens security capabilities and drives industrial growth. To this end, the government has designated drones and robots, defense AI and semiconductors, space and aviation, and cybersecurity and quantum communication as strategic areas for new security. Promising companies in these fields will be identified and given focused support.

The most notable aspect of the plan is the introduction of a "Korean-style In-Q-Tel." A government-funded investment organization will be established to make direct investments in early-stage technology companies, and by linking with the Fund of Funds and defense industry funds, the government aims to secure up to 10 trillion won in investment resources in the future.

The procurement process will also undergo significant changes. Instead of the lengthy acquisition procedures for conventional weapon systems, a rapid procurement system will be introduced to enable the initial deployment of advanced technologies such as AI within one year. A new "OTA-type R&D" system, which connects companies with the military for joint demonstrations and links research and development to procurement, will be created, providing up to 10 billion won per company over five years.

The Korea Aerospace Administration will also play a key role in fostering the space industry as part of the new security strategy. Through the "K-Moonshot Project," the government will develop core technologies for a "space data center," build a national satellite information platform, and promote the development of AI-powered unmanned aerial vehicles and electric/hybrid vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The government plans to establish a "New Security Innovation Companies Promotion Committee" chaired by the Prime Minister, enact special legislation, and revise the National Contract Act to build a comprehensive government support system.

A government official stated, "The core of the security industry is rapidly shifting from hardware to AI and software. We will strengthen support so that new security innovation companies can become key players in national security and economic growth."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.