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.

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

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 startup programs in East Asia. The program follows a phased selection structure: approximately 80 teams enter Phase 1, 40 advance to Phase 2, and 20 reach Phase 3 with extended Korean market entry support. The grand prize for the top team is KRW 100 million (approximately USD 66,700).

Eligibility targets foreign nationals holding or planning a startup company established within the past seven years. No Korean business registration is required at the time of application — the program is specifically designed for overseas entrepreneurs seeking Korean market entry. All accepted teams receive settlement funds during the 3.5-month Korean incubation period, startup visas (D-10-2 and D-8-4 visa categories), office space, Korean intern employment support, corporate establishment and tax guidance, housing and daily life support, and networking and consulting access. Top-performing Phase 3 teams receive an extended three-month settlement support package in addition to the grand prize.

The 2025 application period ran April–May 2025 via the K-Startup online platform (k-startup.go.kr), with the program implemented during the summer and fall. The 2026 cycle dates have not yet been announced by KISED. Foreign startups in technology sectors — including AI, hardware, biotech, medtech, advanced materials, manufacturing, robotics, and IoT — with ambitions for Korean market entry are the primary target applicants. Program inquiries can be directed to the KISED Global Expansion Team at +82-2-2039-1607.