Mr. Yeol-Soo Choi, Acting President of KISED, and François Piolet, Country Director of Thales South Korea, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster the development of Korean startups in the aerospace and deep tech sectors. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Kyoung-Won Cho, Director General for Startup Policy at the Ministry of SMEs & Startups (MSS), and Mrs. Pascale Sourisse, Senior Executive Vice-President for International Development at Thales.



Through this partnership, South Korean startups will gain access to Thales’ global innovation network, including its digital acceleration programs and Digital Factory locations in Montreal, Paris, and Singapore. The collaboration aims to support foreign entrepreneurs in accessing the South Korean ecosystem, promoting greater exchange in an environment of open innovation.

The upcoming launch of the Global Startup Centre in Seoul is aligned with this collaboration. The Centre will provide a comprehensive environment, including office spaces, funding vouchers, and mentorship programs, to help foreign entrepreneurs and startups accelerate their opportunities and access new markets.

Supporting the South Korean Startup Ecosystem

The MSS and KISED are committed to creating an enabling environment for startups to launch and scale their businesses. As part of South Korea’s strategy to become a global hub for international entrepreneurship, the Global Startup Centre will soon offer a holistic support system for startups.

The MoU, signed in Seoul on July 17, 2024, solidifies Thales’ support for the local innovation ecosystem. Thales will introduce some of the most talented startups from its global network to South Korea. The agreement also sets the stage for incubating South Korean startups at Thales Digital Factories in Montreal, Paris, and Singapore, and for their participation in Thales’ acceleration programs.

With 81,000 employees worldwide, including 33,000 researchers and engineers, Thales invests nearly 4 billion euros annually in Research & Development (R&D). The Group has a strong technological foundation and deep roots in open innovation, covering AI, cybersecurity, big data, connectivity, and quantum technologies. Thales' portfolio spans Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Cybersecurity & Digital Identity.

Thales Celebrates 40 Years in South Korea



This year marks Thales' 40th anniversary of collaboration with South Korea. Over the years, Thales has partnered with esteemed South Korean companies, including Hanwha, KAI, KT Group, LIG Nex1, and Samsung Electronics, across various sectors such as defence, aerospace, and digital identity.

Through its Digital Identity and Security business, Thales has supported over 200 SMEs and startups with licensing and software monetisation solutions, helping South Korean companies protect their intellectual property and implement new business models that drive growth.

In light of South Korea’s rapid development in its SME and startup ecosystem, this MoU with KISED highlights Thales’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of companies in the aerospace, space, and deep tech sectors.


Pascale Sourisse, Senior Executive Vice-President for International Development at Thales, commented, “We are honored to join forces with the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) to contribute to the growth of South Korea’s startup ecosystem and support its global expansion. Our global footprint and innovation capabilities are valuable assets for rising stars driving change in aerospace and deep tech. In addition to fostering the expansion of South Korean startups abroad, we also hope that foreign entrepreneurs can similarly access the South Korean ecosystem for greater exchange and collaboration in an environment of open innovation.”

Kyoung-Won Cho, Director General for Startup Policy at the Ministry of SMEs & Startups, stated, “As the Korean government is making all-out efforts to nurture promising startups in the aerospace and deep tech sectors, it is very meaningful to promote cooperation with Thales, a global leader in these fields.”

Acting President Yeol-Soo Choi added, “The Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) will spare no effort in supporting our startups with innovative technologies to lead digital innovation and enter the global market through collaboration with Thales.”