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Now in its 10th year, KSGC is hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), organized by the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), and operated by the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (GCCEI). The 2025 edition offers a combined pool of up to \u20a9950 million (US$633K) in total government support. This includes equity-free prize money for top teams, travel and living stipends for selected participants, and commercialization grants for the best-performing startups.<\/p>\n The program has been redesigned as a more flexible, founder-first platform – offering support for incorporation, corporate partnerships, PoC (Proof of Concept) pilots, and investment access – to help promising global startups successfully enter Korea and achieve sustainable growth.<\/p>\n Founder-First Support: A Flexible, Phased Gateway to Korea<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n In 2025, KSGC introduces a hybrid format that allows participants to start the program remotely while continuing operations in their home countries. The program runs from July 2025 to April 2026 across three phases: Market Exploration (3 weeks online), Market Entry (3 months remote-enabled on-site), and Market Growth (3 months remote-enabled on-site), with the number of teams narrowing from 80 to 40 and finally to 20 through each phase.<\/p>\n Global Exposure: From APEC Policymakers to the COMEUP 2025 Stage<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n KSGC 2025 offers unparalleled exposure to Korea’s top institutions and global stakeholders. During Phase 2, a select group of teams will have a unique opportunity to pitch at the 2025 APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting, a high-level policy event bringing together SME ministers and innovation leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region.<\/p>\n Participants will also showcase their startups at the official KSGC Demo Day, held during COMEUP 2025 – South Korea’s premier startup and tech conference. They will compete for a \u20a9380 million (US$253K) prize pool, with awards presented to the top 20 teams.<\/p>\n PoC and Strategic Partnerships With Korea’s Industry Leaders<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n The program offers direct access to over 20 of Korea’s leading conglomerates, enabling high-impact PoC projects and strategic partnerships. These opportunities are supported by GCCEI, a key organizer and part 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.<\/p>\n To help selected teams fully capitalize on these connections, KSGC offers full support – including visa sponsorship, assistance with business incorporation, free office space, curated business matchmaking, and follow-on scale-up grants of up to \u20a950 million (US$33K) for top-performing teams.<\/p>\n In addition, top startups will gain access to investment opportunities with industry-leading VCs and the GCCEI, facilitated through exclusive KSGC private IR sessions designed to connect founders with Korea’s most active investors.<\/p>\n Applications Now Open: Apply by June 13, 2025, to Shape the Future in Korea<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n KSGC is open to startups founded and currently led by non-Korean nationals. International students residing in Korea are also welcome to apply.<\/p>\n “KSGC 2025 reflects Korea’s commitment to being more than a launchpad – it’s a true partner in global growth,” said Jonghwi Lee, Global Division Director at GCCEI. “This program is designed to provide what global founders need most: strategic flexibility, substantial non-dilutive funding, and direct access to Korea’s key industries.”<\/p>\n Applications are open until June 13, 2025 (15:00 KST). Your challenge to venture into Korea – Scale fast, start in Korea, start with KSGC. Contact Information<\/strong><\/p>\n KSGC Admin <\/p>\n Source: K-Startup Grand Challenge<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n SEOUL, South Korea, May 20, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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\n <\/strong>The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) has officially opened applications to international startups for the K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) 2025, Korea’s Flagship Global Inbound Program designed to help international startups expand into Korea and scale across Asia.<\/p>\n
For details and to apply, visit www.k-startupgc.org<\/u><\/a> or contact apply@ksgc.global<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n
apply@ksgc.global<\/a><\/p>\n