Deadline Date: June 17, 2026
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups is inviting applications for K-Startup Grand Challenge programme to support global startups in entering, establishing, and expanding their operations in the Korean market.
The focus areas include mechanical and materials engineering, electrical and electronics, information and communication technologies, chemical and textile industries, bio and medical and life sciences, energy and resources, craft and design, software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, renewable energy, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing processes.
The programme is designed to support innovative startups seeking to enter the Korean market and scale their operations globally. It provides structured assistance for market entry, business establishment, and growth within Korea’s innovation ecosystem.
Selected participants benefit from support including Demo Day participation, investment attraction opportunities, visa acquisition assistance, company incorporation support, and provision of office space. The programme also facilitates startups in building connections with the local ecosystem and accessing growth opportunities.
The initiative targets startups that are ready for market entry, have a minimum viable product, demonstrate traction or validated technology, and are capable of operating quickly in a new environment. It is open to pre-startups or startups established within seven years of incorporation, or up to ten years for new industry sectors.
Applicants must also meet nationality requirements, where the representative or all representatives of the startup must not be Korean nationals.
For more information, visit KSGC.
