Korea-ASEAN AI Development & Startup Competition 2025 to be launched by Cradle partners NIPA
The first Korea-ASEAN AI Development & Startup Competition 2025 is being held by the National IT Industry Promotion Agency of Korea (NIPA) in association with the ASEAN Secretariat and Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), which is a division of Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI).
The Korea-ASEAN AI Development & Startup Competition 2025, also known as AI Youth Festa, is now formally accepting applications, according to a statement released by Cradle last Thursday.
The competition, which is part of the Korea-ASEAN Digital Innovation Flagship Project (KADIF), aims to find and assist 22 high-potential AI startups—two from each of the ASEAN Member States (AMS) and the Republic of Korea—by providing them with access to markets, funding, and expert mentorship.
The competition is a flagship KADIF initiative that supports the objectives of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI) by accelerating digital innovation, empowering entrepreneurship, and strengthening regional cooperation throughout Southeast Asia.
“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.
The competition, according to Cradle Group CEO Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, is a daring 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.
A top Korean accelerator will lead a structured 8-week accelerator program for selected startups that includes investor exposure, regional networking, and expert mentoring.
22 AI startup teams from Korea and ASEAN member states will join the program to tackle regional issues in fields like education, healthcare, and agriculture.
In addition to connecting with local startups and receiving assistance with travel and lodging, participants will receive insightful advice from AI specialists.
A high-profile Demo Day and Winners Announcement, which will take place in conjunction with the Startup ASEAN Summit from November 3–5, in Kuala Lumpur, will mark the competition’s conclusion.
Live startup pitches, investor engagement sessions, international speakers, cultural showcases, and business matching opportunities are all planned for the event.
