KOSME and SERCOTEC Partner to Support Startup Expansion
The two agencies form a cross-border alliance to share market data and operational resources for small and medium enterprises.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Startups
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The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) has signed a formal business agreement with Chile's Small and Medium Enterprises Technology Cooperation Corporation (SERCOTEC) to foster international startup growth. This announced partnership aims to facilitate market access for small and medium-sized enterprises between the two nations.
Why it matters
The agreement is designed to enhance the competitiveness of small firms by lowering barriers to international expansion through shared support policies and market intelligence. This collaborative framework targets a more integrated approach to scaling startups across trans-Pacific markets.
The partnership leverages a pre-existing infrastructure of 62 SERCOTEC Business Development Centers across Chile to provide entry points for South Korean firms. KOSME intends to utilize the Santiago Global Business Center to bridge the operational gap between the two distinct startup ecosystems.
The players
KOSME
The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency is a government-affiliated organization that manages support policies and funding for South Korean small businesses.
SERCOTEC
Chile's Small and Medium Enterprises Technology Cooperation Corporation operates a nationwide network of business centers to support domestic entrepreneurs.
The details
The collaboration functions by integrating KOSME's domestic demand identification processes with SERCOTEC's established regional network. Through this agreement, the agencies will conduct joint seminars, specialized training programs, and the formal exchange of operational experiences. These mechanisms are intended to standardize support pathways for startups attempting to navigate foreign regulatory and commercial environments.
Timeline
The business agreement signing ceremony occurred on October 26, 2026.
KOSME formally announced the partnership on October 27, 2026.
The Tech Race
This move signals a shift toward formalized, agency-led bridge-building between South Korean firms and Latin American markets. It follows the established operational mandate of the KOSME Santiago Global Business Center, now scaling its impact by integrating directly with Chile's regional network.
Founders and domestic small enterprises can expect access to new market information and training programs through the Santiago Global Business Center. Specific timelines for the rollout of joint seminars and training opportunities remain unannounced.
The takeaway
The partnership prioritizes the reduction of friction for startups looking to navigate international markets via shared operational resources. Interested enterprises should monitor KOSME communications for the first scheduled joint training seminar dates.
Further reading
For broader trends in global incubation, explore our Startups section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
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