The National IT Industry Promotion Agency of Korea (NIPA), in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat and Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle) under Malaysia’s Ministry of Science,
Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), is implementing the inaugural Korea-ASEAN AI Development & Startup Competition 2025.
Cradle said in a statement on last Thursday that the Korea-ASEAN AI Development & Startup Competition 2025, titled AI Youth Festa is now officially open for applications.
Organized under the Korea-ASEAN Digital Innovation Flagship Project (KADIF), the competition seeks to identify and support 22 high-potential artificial intelligence (AI) startups, two from each ASEAN Member States (AMS) and the Republic of Korea, through expert mentorship, regional exposure and access to funding and markets.
As a flagship KADIF initiative, the competition aims to accelerate digital innovation, empower entrepreneurship and strengthen regional cooperation across Southeast Asia, while supporting the goals of the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI) and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
“The competition is more than an event — it’s a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and inclusive growth,
“By connecting young entrepreneurs across ASEAN and Korea, we are nurturing talent, forging lasting partnerships and laying the foundation for a resilient and future-ready digital ecosystem that will shape the future of our region,” said Hyungkyu Lim, Project Lead of NIPA.
Meanwhile, Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle, said this competition is a bold step toward ASEAN’s digital future.
“It offers startups access to mentorship, investors and a global stage for AI innovation,
“As a key milestone under ASEAN Startup Initiative, we’re proud to launch this journey in Malaysia and invite visionary founders to lead the way,” he aded.
Selected startups will participate in a structured 8-week accelerator led by a top Korean accelerator, featuring expert mentoring, regional networking and investor exposure.
The program will bring together 22 AI startup teams from ASEAN Member States and Korea to address regional challenges in sectors as healthcare, agriculture and education.
Participants will gain valuable guidance from AI experts, connect with regional startups and receive support for travel and accommodation.
They also stand a chance to win cash prizes, including:
• 1st Place: KRW 28 million (approx. $20,000)
• 2nd Place: KRW 14 million (approx. $10,000)
• 3rd Place: KRW 7 million (approx. $5,000)
The competition will culminate with a high-impact Demo Day and Winners Announcement, held alongside the Startup ASEAN Summit, 3-5 November in Kuala Lumpur.
The event will feature live startup pitches, investor engagement sessions, global speakers, cultural showcases and business matching opportunities.