K-Startup Grand Challenge 2025

About

The K-Startup Grand Challenge 2025 invites international startups to apply for a comprehensive accelerator program in South Korea, offering up to ₩950 million in government support, including equity-free funding, mentorship, and direct access to major Korean corporations, with applications open until June 13, 2025.

Benefits

• Up to ₩950 million in equity-free funding including grants and living stipends
• Hybrid program format with remote onboarding and in-country acceleration
• Free office space and full support for visa and business incorporation
• Direct access to over 20 major Korean conglomerates for partnerships
• Opportunities for PoC projects with top Korean companies
• Structured mentoring and localized business development support
• Pitch opportunities at the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting and COMEUP 2025
• Compete for a ₩380 million prize pool on Demo Day
• Follow-on scale-up grants of up to ₩50 million for top teams

Eligibility Criteria

• Startups founded and led by non-Korean nationals
• International students residing in Korea are eligible
• Operating for less than seven years, or up to ten years for deep-tech sectors
• Priority for companies in AI, biotech, fintech, smart manufacturing, energy, mobility, and other innovation-driven industries