SEOUL -- South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) has opened applications for the K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC), the country’s premier government-backed acceleration program for international startups targeting Korea and Asia. Since 2016, KSGC has attracted 21,537 applicants from more than 100 countries, among the world's most recognized inbound programs.

A Full-Cycle Acceleration Journey

Unlike conventional programs that focus on a single moment of market entry, KSGC 2026 guides startups from market entry to scale up in Korea - offered in a hybrid format - online or in person - with Demo Day held in Korea. The program runs July 2026 to April 2027 across three phases:

· Phase 1 — Market Analysis & Preparation (Jul-Aug, top 80 teams): online program covering Korean market dynamics, localization strategy, and mentoring.
· Phase 2 — Market Entry & Settlement (Sep-Dec, top 40 teams): Hybrid participation including business acceleration, expert mentoring, visa support and prize money (Total ₩380M) for top 20 teams.
· Phase 3 — Business Growth & Scale-up (Jan-Apr, 2027, top 20 teams): Deep-dive support and scale-up grant (Total ₩250M) for the top 8 teams.

Korea: Your Gateway to Asia

KSGC connects startups with Proof-of-Concept (PoC) projects and partnership opportunities across 20+ leading Korean conglomerates. Participants also receive investor & funding access, a Demo Day stage at COMEUP 2026, Korea’s flagship startup festival.

Who Should Apply

Open to non-Korean-founded startups under seven years old (ten for deep-tech) in sectors including AI, biotech, fintech, smart manufacturing, mobility, and energy.

What the program includes:

· Incorporation & visa support, complimentary work space in Korea
· PoC opportunity with major Korean companies
· Pitching opportunity at COMEUP 2026
· Investor & funding access, and IR opportunities
· Up to ₩950 million in equity-free financial support, including winning prizes and commercialization grants.

How to Apply

Applications close June 17, 2026, 15:00 KST

Apply at https://ksgc.global or contact apply@ksgc.global