#COMEUP2026--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 in...
Autore: Business Wire
SEOUL, South Korea: #COMEUP2026--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:
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:
How to Apply
Applications close June 17, 2026, 15:00 KST
Apply at https://ksgc.global or contact apply@ksgc.global
About KSGC
The K-Startup Grand Challenge is funded by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), managed by the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), and operated by the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (GCCEI). Since 2016, it has helped global startups enter and scale across Korea and Asia.
Fonte: Business Wire