2026 K Startup Grand Challenge

Open

Application closes: 17 Jun 2026

Program period: 01 Jul 2026 - 31 May 2027

Program Description

Join one of the world's leading government-backed startup
acceleration programs and explore business opportunities in Korea.

The program will accept 80 teams and will funnel them into finalists through demo days.

The program aims at discovering excellent overseas start-up companies and supports their settlement and growth in Korea. The program has been held every year since 2016.

In 2026 this program has two tracks of which, one is for international students who are in Korea. This application page is for the general non-Korean founders.

Program Activities and Benefits

Company establishment.
Visa acquisition.
Growth stage startups will receive growth subsidies.
Business expansion stage startups will be supported through collaboration with large and medium-sized companies.
Introduction to investment opportunities through the program.
First finalist prize is up to 100,000,000 Korean won.

Program Documents

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Organizer

Global Seoul Startup Society GSSS

The Global Seoul Startup Society is an international startup community based in Seoul, South Korea. The community consists if global founders building their startups in Korea or expanding their international startup to Korea. The community is a support ecosystem of likeminded people and professionals. The community provides Incubation, mentoring, and acceleration support for founders who are in the network. Our community consists of more than 4000 members across multiple platforms and we organize regular and occasional networking and pitching events that empower founders in Korea. Our society is the bridge between Korea and the world.

Organizing Team

No organizing team to show

Application Period

Apply between the dates below.

06-May-2026 ~ 17-Jun-2026

Prerequisites

You need the below before you apply.

Non-Korean national

Startups within 7 years of age

Related Events

Click the link to view events related to this program.

Program Instructions

Before You Apply 🫸🏻

☑️ Prepare the following items:

Basic startup information
You must answer questions regarding your current status, motivation for applying, representative information, and various other questions.
2 min founder video
Please prepare an elevator pitch of under 2 minutes from the prospective program participant in the form of an MP4 or YouTube link.
Optional pitch deck
If you have a pitch deck, please submit it.

☑️ How to Receive Extra Points during the evaluation process?

Get recommended by embassies or partner KISED organizations.

☑️ This program is hybrid, with some activities taking place in Korea.

Program Capacity

The number of individuals or teams this program accepts.

80 Team(s)

Month: ALL

No Schedules Found

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