2025 U.S. Market Validation Study Program

The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) in collaboration with MATTER, the Chicago-based global healthcare incubator, are proud to present the fifth annual program aimed at preparing a cohort of Korean healthcare companies for U.S. market success.

The KOSME U.S. Market Validation Study Program will help small-medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups validate clinical, technical and business elements of their product and company by working with established partners. These short-term validation study projects will span approximately 10 weeks.

The validation study will evaluate a specific hypothesis to drive critical decisions, advance market readiness and catalyze potential next steps to advance their business in the U.S. market. Intended to be discrete, non-pilot, non-internal review board (IRB) engagements, these efforts quickly answer questions that help drive businesses forward.

The validation study may focus on, but is not limited to, technical, cost or usability. Following is a non-exhaustive example of the types of work that could be conducted as part of the program’s scope. Example formats of validation studies include clinician surveys, in-market testing, data analysis, clinical workflow assessment and focus groups. Participants would focus on one or two key questions as part of this engagement.

MATTER has an established group of partners that will accept studies as part of the program. This network of health systems and other partners can be leveraged to conduct specific validation studies and we will take your solution to this network to find a match.

In the ensuing three-month program, MATTER will support five SMEs and startups focused on successful business landing in the U.S. The program connects Korean innovators with industry partners who help advance your solution and roadmap.

Program participants will:

• Receive access to programming, resources and mentorship to advance their product in the U.S. healthcare ecosystem
• Participate in a validation study to strengthen their business base
• Receive a one-year membership to MATTER
• Engage with other cutting-edge SMEs and startups
• Gain exposure to the MATTER community
• Pitch to potential partners, investors and industry influencers at a showcase event

The program is open to Korean bio and digital healthcare SMEs and startups interested in growing a new venture in the U.S. Click here to complete an application by June 20, 2025. Any questions regarding the application can be directed to molliepark@kbdcchicago.org.

June 2: Applications open
June 20: Applications close
July 7: Semi-finalists notified
July 14-15: Virtual meetings with semi-finalists
August 25: Finalists notified
September 2-November 18: U.S. Market Validation Study Program for Korean SMEs and Startups

Dates are subject to change.

Since our inception in 1979, mandated by the visionary “Small & Medium Enterprises Promotion Act 1978” by the South Korean Congress, we’ve stood as a steadfast beacon of support for Korean Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Startups. With an annual budget of $8.1 billion, bolstered by our expansive network of 26 global offices, we proudly serve as the catalyst for over 22,000 Korean companies each year. Through our unwavering dedication, we provide not just support, but comprehensive solutions, empowering these enterprises to navigate and conquer the ever-evolving business landscape of today. For more information, visit KOSME.

MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, includes more than 1,000 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together, the MATTER community is accelerating innovation, advancing care and improving lives. For more information, visit matter.health and follow @MATTERhealth.