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K-Startup Grand Challenge

K-Startup Grand Challenge

Offers foreign-founded startups a flagship pathway to enter Korea with acceleration, mentoring, and growth-focused market support.

ClosedKorea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship DevelopmentSouth Korea
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About

The K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) is Korea's flagship inbound accelerator program for foreign-founded startups, operated annually by the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. The 2025 cycle received 2,626 applications from entrepreneurs across 97 countries, underscoring its position as one of the most internationally visible…

What this grant funds

Foreign-founded startups across all technology sectors seeking Korean market entry, incubation, and commercialization support.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.3–4 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—
Funding analytics

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Industries

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Eligibility criteria

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Application process

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What you have to submit

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Timeline

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: www.kised.or.kr