In South Korea, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that demonstrate outstanding technological innovation and the ability to commercialize R&D outcomes can be formally recognized through the Inno-Biz certification.
What is Inno-Biz?
Inno-Biz (이노비즈)—combining Innovation and Business—recognizes SMEs certified by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) for proven technological competitiveness and stable innovation systems supported by R&D.
Who can receive this certification?
Eligible SMEs are assessed primarily on future growth potential and technology-driven capability rather than past scale. Evaluations emphasize R&D capacity, commercialization readiness, organizational processes, and financial soundness appropriate to sustained innovation.
What does the certification indicate about the business?
Inno-Biz certification signifies that the SME has passed an on-site evaluation by Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KIBO). Reviews typically cover the firm’s Technology Innovation System (governance, processes, and commercialization/management capability) and its Technology Level (proprietary know-how, product/quality maturity, marketability, profitability). In practice, it is an official, third-party validation that the company operates a reliable, scalable innovation engine—not just a single successful product.
Coverage in KOBDi: The KOBDi database includes businesses certified as Inno-Biz (이노비즈). This information appears on each Business Profile page, and companies with this certification can be found via the KOBDi Korea Industry Search.