Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and the Gyeonggi Federation of SMEs and Venture Companies are recruiting companies to participate in the “2026 KHNP ‘Ask a Question, Get an Answer’ On-Site Clinic Center Support Program,” an optional project that provides up to 8 million won per company to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the nuclear power and energy sectors enter the supply chain. Applications will be accepted via email until 5:00 p.m. on October 8.
The program aims to resolve on-site challenges faced by SMEs in the nuclear power and energy sectors amid changing global energy conditions and supply chain uncertainties, while enhancing their technological and quality competitiveness to support their entry into and expansion within the supply chain. Support will be provided to approximately 10 companies, and the Gyeonggi Federation of SMEs and Venture Enterprises will serve as the implementing agency.
Eligible applicants must be classified as small and medium-sized enterprises under the Framework Act on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and fall into one of the following categories: KHNP-qualified suppliers; member companies of the KHNP Shared Growth Council; companies that have transacted with KHNP within the last three years; companies seeking to enter the nuclear power or energy supply chain; or promising startups in the nuclear power sector. Even early-stage companies with no prior experience in the nuclear power sector may apply, and companies in the renewable energy sector—such as solar, wind, hydrogen, and fuel cells—are also eligible. There are no restrictions on the location of the company’s headquarters.
There are three areas of support: “Certification, Testing, and Verification,” which covers fees for obtaining domestic and international certifications, testing and analysis, performance evaluations, and the production of test prototypes; “Quality and Supply Chain Support,” which assists with KHNP supplier registration, quality assessments, preparation for external audits, and the establishment of quality assurance systems; and “Technology Improvement and Commercialization,” which supports product performance and process improvements, as well as the refinement and commercialization of prototypes. Applicants may choose a single category or combine multiple categories, with a total application amount capped at 8 million won. For example, an applicant could apply for 5 million won in certification and testing fees combined with 3 million won for consulting on the development of quality documentation.
Separately, selected companies will receive free one-on-one support from external experts in each field, including technical consulting, assistance with establishing quality assurance systems, and guidance on supplier registration. Grant amounts are based on the supply price; companies are responsible for value-added tax (VAT) and any costs exceeding the limit. This is a post-payment system in which companies first incur the expenses, then receive reimbursement after submitting a completion report and having supporting documents reviewed; expenses incurred prior to signing the agreement are not eligible. Funding is not provided for mass production costs, the production of simple promotional materials, indirect costs such as labor, rent, and travel expenses, or the purchase of general-purpose equipment. The project period runs from the date of the agreement through June 30 of next year.
Selection is based on a written review and a face-to-face evaluation, with companies scoring 70 points or higher being selected in descending order of score. Points are allocated as follows: 25 points for company size and need for support (based on number of employees, revenue, and years in business); 15 points for plan feasibility; 20 points for the likelihood of achieving business results; 20 points for the appropriateness of the business plan; and 20 points for expected effects. Companies with 10 or fewer employees enrolled in employment insurance or with sales of 1 billion won or less last year receive full points in these categories. Women-owned businesses, businesses owned by people with disabilities, and businesses located in KHNP’s business incubation facilities receive 2 bonus points, while start-ups and youth-led start-ups receive 1 bonus point (up to a maximum of 3 points).
Companies that are suspended or closed, companies with delinquent national or local taxes (including those making installment payments), workplaces listed for wage arrears, workplaces subject to public disclosure of industrial accidents, companies with negative equity, and companies receiving other support for the same project are ineligible to apply. Applicants must submit an application form, a project implementation plan, supporting documents verifying eligibility, a certificate of small and medium-sized enterprise status, proof of full tax payment, financial statements for 2025, and a list of subscribers to the four major social insurance programs.
