Applications for tenth K-Startup Grand Challenge 2025 now being accepted in South Korea
In order to assist foreign startups in expanding into Korea and scaling throughout Asia, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) of South Korea has formally opened applications to foreign startups for the K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) 2025, the country’s premier government-backed accelerator and soft-landing program.
In its tenth year, the 2025 edition provides a total government support pool of up to ₩950 million, or roughly $633,000. This includes grants for commercialization for the top-performing startups, travel and living expenses for chosen participants, and equity-free prize money for winning teams. With incorporation support, corporate partnerships, proof-of-concept pilots, and investment access, KSGC has been redesigned as a more adaptable, founder-first platform to assist promising international startups in entering Korea and achieving sustained success.
KSGC, which was introduced in 2025, uses a hybrid format that enables participants to start the program remotely while continuing to conduct business in their native nations. The three planned phases of the program run from July 2025 to April 2026: Phase 1: Market Exploration (10 teams, 3 weeks, July–August, 2025, online): focuses on localization tactics, find Korean markets, and mentorship.
Phase 2: Market entry (September–December, 3 months, 2025 | remote-enabled on-site | 40 teams): consists of investor engagement, business development, incorporation, and hands-on acceleration in Korea.
Phase 3: Market Growth (January-April, 3 Months, 2026 | On-Site Remote-Enabled | 20 Teams): Offers customized assistance for sustained expansion and visibility in Korea, including grants for subsequent commercialization for the top eight teams.
KSGC 2025 provides unmatched access to leading Korean institutions and international stakeholders. At the 2025 APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting, a high-level policy gathering that brings together SME ministers and innovation leaders from throughout the Asia-Pacific region, a limited number of teams will have the exceptional chance to pitch during Phase 2.
Additionally, participants will present their startups at the official KSGC Demo Day, which will be held during COMEUP 2025, South Korea’s leading startup and tech conference that draws media, ecosystem leaders, and investors from around the world. There will be prizes for the top 20 teams, and they will compete for a prize pool of ₩380 million ($253,000).
High-impact proof-of-concept projects and strategic alliances are also made possible by the program’s direct access to more than 20 of Korea’s top conglomerates, such as Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and KT. The Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (GCCEI), the organizing partner and a part of Korea’s 19-center national CCEI network, is providing support for these opportunities. Each center is partnered with a significant corporate partner, offering open innovation channels and localized support to help startups better connect with leaders in the industry.
KSGC provides comprehensive support to help chosen teams make the most of these connections. This support includes free office space, mentored business matchmaking, help with business incorporation, visa sponsorship, and follow-on scale-up grants of up to ₩50 million ($33,000) for top-performing teams.
