Applications are being invited to join Innovate UK's Global Business Innovation Programme to South Korea.

Selected delegates will benefit from a funded programme of support including a get ready phase, a curated innovation visit to South Korea including exclusive introductions and networking opportunities to key contacts in the South Korean ecosystem and tailored growth support to help exploit visit outcomes.

FOCUS THEMES:

• Technology for integrating into newbuild and retrofitted ships including alternative fuel systems, battery technology and energy efficiency
• Technology for shipyard optimisation and decarbonisation
• Technology that supports the development of green shipping corridors

Smart shipping, digital and quantum technology, including autonomy, cybersecurity and route optimisation within the maritime space

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Ambitious UK companies who are actively undertaking research and development and have a strong interest in participating in international innovation projects, with the desire and capability to develop relationships with South Korean partners.

WHY SOUTH KOREA?

South Korea is a dominant force in the global maritime sector, particularly in shipbuilding and maritime transport. The country's shipbuilding industry is renowned for its technology and quality, with major shipyards like Hyundai Heavy Industries, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and Samsung Heavy Industries developing and delivering high-performance vessels. South Korea also boasts a strong maritime logistics and shipping sector, with busy ports and shipping lines facilitating global trade.

With a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, the country is leading efforts in low- and zero-carbon shipping, digital shipbuilding, and marine carbon capture technologies.

The UK maritime industry sees South Korea as a priority market for research collaboration, such as in advanced shipbuilding and integration of digital and clean maritime technologies. Both countries are signatories to the Clydebank Declaration for Green Shipping Corridors, highlighting a mutual commitment to decarbonising shipping routes and creating a strong foundation for meaningful international partnerships.

UK-South Korea relations are strengthened by two 5-year agreements to support innovative R&D collaboration with programmes delivered through Innovate UK and Korea’s Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP). In addition, the UK and South Korea signed a Science & Technology Framework Agreement in 2022, reinforcing a shared ambition to deepen innovation-led collaboration.

The GBIP presents a unique opportunity to attend Kormarine 2025 in Busan, to participate in B2B meetings with potential partners and to visit relevant organisations in the region.

For more information contact Sarah Hildersley.