# South Korean TIPS program startup selections > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-tips-program-startup-selections > Updated: 2026-10-12T21:33:49.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ Tech Incubator Program for Startups (TIPS) has seen various companies selected for research and development funding. In late September, two startups supported by HiteJinro, Cool Bears and Vision Bridge Partners, were chosen for the program. Cool Bears will receive up to 1.5 billion KRW over 36 months to develop eco-friendly textile materials from starfish and shells, while Vision Bridge Partners will receive up to 800 million KRW over 24 months to enhance its AI-based K-pop fandom platform. By mid-October, the Busan Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (CCEI) reported a 100% selection rate for its first round of recommendations. Six technology startups from the Busan region, including Sasasa, Jovex, C3V, Wit Global, Keep Corporation, and Golden Brain Care, were selected. These firms are eligible for up to 800 million won in R&D funding over two years to support commercialization and international marketing, with specific focuses on AI medical tourism and digital healthcare software. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-12: Busan CCEI startups achieve 100% selection rate for TIPS program Six Busan-based startups were selected for the TIPS program via the Busan CCEI, receiving up to 800 million won in R&D support to advance AI medical tourism and digital healthcare technologies. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/busan-ccei-startups-achieve-100-selection-rate-for-tips-program ### 2026-09-28: HiteJinro-backed startups selected for South Korean TIPS program HiteJinro-backed startups Cool Bears and Vision Bridge Partners have been selected for the South Korean government's TIPS program to receive R&D funding for eco-friendly materials and AI-driven platforms. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hitejinro-backed-startups-selected-for-south-korean-tips-program --- Cite as: South Korean TIPS program startup selections. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-tips-program-startup-selections