The Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) was established in May 2009 as a quasi-government organization under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. 

KIAT is a comprehensive support organization for industrial technology in policy planning, industry-academia cooperation, materials and components development, international technology cooperation, technology commercialization, and local industry and mid-tier company support.

With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, represented by artificial intelligence, big data, and the internet of things, innovation in manufacturing will become crucial preemptive preparation to respond to the ever changing market trends.

KIAT aims to establish an innovation support system that creates a virtuous cycle: active support for technological innovation in companies, universities, and research institutes leading to successful business.