Korea's Accelerator Program for Global Founders_K-Startup Grand Challenge 2025
Your challenge to venture into Korea
📍 ₩950M (US$633K) in Government Support
🗓️ Application Deadline: June 13, 2025 (Friday) 15:00 KST
🌏What is KSGC?
The K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) is a government-backed accelerator program that helps non-Korean startups expand into the Korean and Asian markets through business support, funding, and networking opportunities
💡Phase-by-Phase Support
Phase 1 – Market Exploration
July–August, 3 Weeks, 2025 | Online | 80 teams
: Focuses on mentoring, Korean market discovery, and localization strategies.Phase 2 – Market Entry
September–December, 3 Months, 2025 | Remote-enabled on-site | 40 teams
: Includes hands-on acceleration in Korea, business development, incorporation, and investor engagement.Phase 3 – Market Growth
January–April, 3 Months, 2026 | Remote-enabled on-site | 20 teams
: Provides tailored support for long-term growth and presence in Korea, including follow-on commercialization grants for the top 8 teams.
🤝 PoC and Partnerships with Korean Industry Giants
The program offers direct access to over 20 of Korea's leading conglomerates—including Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and KT—enabling high-impact PoC projects and strategic partnerships.
These opportunities are supported by the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (GCCEI), the organizing partner and a member of Korea's 19-center national CCEI network. Each center is aligned with a major corporate partner, providing localized support and open innovation channels to help startups engage with industry leaders more effectively.
🏆 Global Exposure Opportunities
KSGC 2025 offers unparalleled exposure to Korea's top institutions and global stakeholders:
APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting: During Phase 2, a select group of teams will have a unique opportunity to pitch at this high-level policy event bringing together SME ministers and innovation leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region.
COMEUP 2025: Participants will showcase their startups at the official KSGC Demo Day, which will take place during COMEUP 2025—South Korea's premier startup and tech conference, which attracts global investors, media, and ecosystem leaders.
📊 KSGC Alumni Success Story
Polymerize, a Singapore-based AI deep-tech startup and winner of the 2024 KSGC, has established a local R&D team in partnership with KAIST—Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea's top science and engineering university. The company is currently running PoC projects with more than 10 major Korean materials companies, has secured Series A bridge funding from SparkLabs Korea, and signed a commercialization deal with a leading Korean chemical manufacturer—demonstrating tangible impact and a strong long-term commitment to the Korean market.
✨ Practical Benefits for Startups
Equity-Free Financial Support
Equity-free prize money for top teams
Travel and living stipends for selected participants
Commercialization grants for best-performing startups
Up to ₩950 million (US$633K) in total support throughout the program
Visa and Incorporation Support
Visa sponsorship and application assistance
Full support for business incorporation
Free office space
Localized business development support
Business Expansion Opportunities
Direct connections to over 20 major Korean conglomerates including Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and KT
Dedicated support for B2B matchmaking and consulting
PoC project opportunities with leading Korean companies
Investment opportunities with top VCs and GCCEI
Follow-on scale-up grants of up to ₩50 million for top teams
👥Eligibility
Pre-startups & startups under 7 years old (10 for deep-tech)
International students in Korea are also welcome
📝 How to Apply
Application Deadline: June 13, 2025 (Friday) 15:00 KST
Visit www.k-startupgc.org
Complete and submit your application
👉 Apply Now and Seize Your Opportunity to Enter the Asian Market
📧 Contact: apply@ksgc.global