Joint Global Acceleration Program
with SRI (Stanford Research Institute)

Program Operators

PrimeTech Ventures

Founded in Silicon Valley in 2017, PrimeTech Ventures is an active venture capital firm with offices in Korea and Japan. Building on its track record of early-stage investments in Korea, successful global market expansion, and venture exits, PrimeTech provides startups with expertise and networks in business strategy, fundraising, and international growth.

SRI International

Established in 1946, SRI International is a world-renowned research and innovation institute that has long been a cradle of Silicon Valley innovation. SRI has pioneered transformative technologies and products including the computer mouse, ARPANET, Siri, and the da Vinci surgical robot. With more than 13,000 patents and over 50 spin-off companies, SRI has played a leading role in shaping the U.S. innovation ecosystem. In 2024, SRI was selected by DARPA* as a Regional Commercial Accelerator, recognizing its expertise in translating research breakthroughs into commercialization and entrepreneurship. SRI offers Korean startups an unparalleled opportunity to validate technologies, test markets, and build the entrepreneurial foundation needed for success in the U.S. and beyond.

* DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is the U.S. government’s premier agency for pioneering high-risk, high-reward research. It applies the most rigorous standards in advanced technology commercialization and strategic partnerships.

Program Overview

Duration: Approximately 10–12 weeks (through the end of December)

Location: SRI Menlo Park Campus (333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA)

Selection & Kickoff: 2nd week of October (tentative)

Cohort Size: 10 startups

Eligibility

Eligible Companies:

• Early-stage startups (Seed to Series B) founded within the past 7 years*

• Both Korean startups and overseas startups** founded by Koreans are eligible

  * Startups in the “new industry sector”: under 10 years old

  ** For overseas startups, eligibility follows Article 3-2 of Korea’s Enforcement Decree of the Support for Small and Medium Enterprise Startups Act

Sectors:

• Artificial Intelligence

• System Semiconductors

• Robotics

• Future Mobility (EV, Autonomous Driving…)

• Clean Tech & Energy (Renewables, Hydrogen…)

• Cybersecurity

• Space & Ocean

• Quantum Technologies

• Big Data & Cloud

• Advanced Materials & Next-Gen Communications

• Metaverse & Digital Content

• Bio & Healthcare

  Please refer to the KOSME announcement for detailed sector classifications

Preferred Criteria:

• Companies with a U.S. headquarters or subsidiary, or those that have decided to pursue a corporate flip

• Companies with an MVP or product/service suitable for PoC/PMF validation

• Companies that currently maintain a customer or partner pipeline in the U.S., or have prior PoC or pilot project experience

• Founders and core team members with global business experience and English proficiency

• Companies that may not meet the above but possess distinctive technology or exceptional team capabilities that can secure a competitive edge in the U.S. market

Program Features & Benefits

Global Market Validation:

• Hands-on mentoring and expert resources to rigorously test both technology and business models, accelerating the path toward proven PMF

• Real-world validation opportunities through market testing, pilot projects, and partner discovery, helping startups build credibility and traction in the U.S.

Investment & IR Opportunities:

• Tailored fundraising strategies that align with the stage of growth, traction, and PMF, turning progress into a compelling investment story

• Hands-on IR coaching and deck refinement to sharpen pitches and strengthen communication with global investors

• Access to the Silicon Valley investment network through curated introductions and investor matching with VCs, CVCs, and accelerators in the U.S.

Tailored Company Support:

• Comprehensive diagnostics and localization strategies across market, technology, talent, and investment ensuring readiness to scale in the U.S.

• Customized problem-solving and growth roadmaps designed around each company’s unique strengths and challenges

• On-demand access to experts in IP, tax, legal, compliance, and more, providing the confidence to navigate the complexities of global expansion

Exclusive SRI Benefits:

• Workspace embedded within SRI’s Menlo Park campus - a historic hub of breakthrough innovation in Silicon Valley

• Immersive participation in world-class programs through weekly sessions, workshops, and tailored training led by global experts

• Unparalleled networking access to Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem, creating pathways to strategic partnerships, investors, and new market opportunities

Additional Notice

This program, supported by the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME), is a differentiated global acceleration initiative jointly operated by PrimeTech Ventures and SRI International.

Please refer to KOSME’s official application portal for the detailed announcement and further information. -> LINK

We welcome the participation of interested startups and encourage inquiries related to this preliminary survey via the contact below:

📩 michelle@primetechvc.com

© 2025 PrimeTech Ventures × SRI International