The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) of South Korea has officially opened applications to international startups for the K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) 2025, South Korea’s flagship government-backed accelerator and soft-landing program designed to help international startups expand into Korea and scale across Asia.
Now in its tenth year, the 2025 edition offers a combined pool of up to ₩950 million (approximately $633,000) in total government support. This includes equity-free prize money for top teams, travel and living stipends for selected participants, and commercialization grants for the best-performing startups. KSGC has been redesigned as a more flexible, founder-first platform—offering incorporation support, corporate partnerships, PoC pilots, and investment access—to help promising global startups both enter Korea and build long-term success.
Founder-First Support: A Flexible, Phased Gateway to Korea
New in 2025, KSGC adopts a hybrid format that allows participants to begin the program remotely while maintaining operations in their home countries. The program unfolds over three structured phases from July 2025 to April 2026: Phase 1 – Market Exploration (July–August, 3 Weeks, 2025 | Online | 80 teams): Focuses on mentoring, Korean market discovery, and localization strategies.
Phase 2 – Market Entry (September–December, 3 Months, 2025 | Remote-enabled on-site | 40 teams): Includes hands-on acceleration in Korea, business development, incorporation, and investor engagement.
Phase 3 – Market Growth (January–April, 3 Months, 2026 | Remote-enabled on-site | 20 teams): Provides tailored support for long-term growth and presence in Korea, including follow-on commercialization grants for the top 8 teams.
Global Exposure: From APEC Policymakers to the COMEUP 2025 Stage
KSGC 2025 offers unparalleled exposure to Korea’s top institutions and global stakeholders. During Phase 2, a select group of teams will have a unique opportunity to pitch at the 2025 APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting, a high-level policy event bringing together SME ministers and innovation leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Participants will also showcase their startups at the official KSGC Demo Day, which will take place during COMEUP 2025—South Korea’s premier startup and tech conference, which attracts global investors, media, and ecosystem leaders. They will compete for a ₩380 million ($253,000) prize pool, with awards presented to the top 20 teams.
PoC and Partnerships with Korea’s Industry Giants: Samsung, Hyundai, LG & More
In addition, the program offers direct access to over 20 of Korea’s leading conglomerates—including Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and KT—enabling high-impact PoC projects and strategic partnerships. These opportunities are supported by the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (GCCEI), the organizing partner and a member of Korea’s 19-center national CCEI network. Each center is aligned with a major corporate partner, providing localized support and open innovation channels to help startups engage with industry leaders more effectively.
To help selected teams fully capitalize on these connections, KSGC offers full support—including visa sponsorship, assistance with business incorporation, free office space, curated business matchmaking, and follow-on scale-up grants of up to ₩50 million ($33,000) for top-performing teams.
KSGC Alumni Success: From Entry to Expansion in Korea
One standout success is Polymerize, a Singapore-based AI deep-tech startup and winner of the 2024 KSGC. The company has established a local R&D team in partnership with KAIST—Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea’s top science and engineering university—and is currently running PoC projects with more than 10 major Korean materials companies. It has also secured Series A bridge funding from SparkLabs Korea and signed a commercialization deal with a leading Korean chemical manufacturer—demonstrating tangible impact and a strong long-term commitment to the Korean market.
Applications Now Open: Apply by June 13, 2025 to Shape the Future in Korea
KSGC is open to startups founded and currently led by non-Korean nationals. International students residing in Korea are also welcome to apply. Eligible startups should have been operating for less than seven years, or up to ten years for deep-tech sectors. Priority will be given to companies in AI, biotech, fintech, smart manufacturing, energy, mobility, and other innovation-driven industries.
“KSGC 2025 reflects Korea’s commitment to being more than a launchpad—it’s a true partner in global growth,” said Andy Taekseon Kim, Deputy Director of the Global Startup Division at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS). “This program is designed to provide what global founders need most: strategic flexibility, substantial non-dilutive funding, and direct access to Korea’s key industries.”
Benefits at a glance:
- Up to ₩950 million in equity-free funding, including grants and living stipends.
- Hybrid program format with remote onboarding and in-country acceleration.
- Free office space and full support for visa and business incorporation.
- Direct access to over 20 major Korean conglomerates for partnerships.
- Opportunities for PoC projects with top Korean companies.
- Investment opportunities with industry’s top VCs and GCCEI, unlocked through KSGC private IR sessions
- Structured mentoring and localized business development support.
- Pitch opportunities at the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting and COMEUP 2025.
- Compete for a ₩380 million prize pool on Demo Day.
- Follow-on scale-up grants of up to ₩50 million for top teams.
- Applications are open until June 13, 2025 (15:00 KST).
- For details and to apply, visit www.k-startupgc.org or contact [email protected].
