Settle andScale in Korea,with KSGC
KSGC — Korea's flagship government-backed startup program designed to help global startups enter, incorporate, and scale in Korea
Application Open April 29, 2026
One of the most
selective global
startup programs in Korea
One of the most
selective global startup
programs in Korea
What is KSGC?
The K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) is Korea's flagship government-backed startup program by the Ministry of SMEs & Startups, designed to help global startups enter, establish, and scale in the Korean market.
Why KSGC Works
Open Innovation Access
Direct connections with Korean enterprises and top business ecosystems.
Investor Connection
Access to local investors and funding opportunities to support growth.
Market Entry → Settlement
From PoC to subsidiaries, legal consulting, and Korea startup visa support (D-8).
Powered by GCCEI Network
Leverage one of Korea's strongest startup innovation networks.
We don't simulate
the market.
We plug you into it.
We don't simulate the market.
We plug you into it.
What You Receive
Business Setup
Market Access
Growth & Funding
Prize Money & Commercialization Grant
Before KSGC
After KSGC
Before KSGC
After KSGC
Priority Sectors 2026
We're looking for innovative startups in these high-impact fields.
AI·Big Data
AI Models & Infrastructure · Semiconductors Mobility · Quantum · Security · Networks • Robotics
Bio·Healthcare
Biomedical & Drug Development · Healthcare
Content & Culture
Media Tech XR & Spatial Computing Creator Infrastructure · Digital IP & Distribution Tech
Defense
Defense · Aerospace · Drones
Energy
Energy · Nuclear · Fusion Clean Energy & Sustainability
Factory
Advanced Manufacturing (Sensors, Processes, etc.)
Program Structure
Only the best market-ready startups move forward
July – September 2026 · Online
80 selected teams
September – December 2026 · On/Offline
40 selected teams
December 2026 – June 2027 · On/Offline
20 top teamsAnd we provide a dedicated program managers, a centralized help desk, and access to co-working spaces in Pangyo and Gangnam throughout all phases.
Beyond the Program
We don't stop when the program ends.
The 9-month program is just the beginning. KSGC provides up to 3 years of continued support to help startups navigate post-entry challenges and scale sustainably in Korea.
InvestorsInvestor connections
CorporateCorporate
opportunities
MentorshipMentorship &
advisory
ExpansionKorea market expansion
supportInvestorsInvestor connectionsCorporateCorporate
opportunitiesMentorshipMentorship &
advisoryExpansionKorea market expansion
supportMost startups fail after entering
a new market.
We stay with you when it
actually matters.
Most startups fail after entering a new market.
We stay with you when it actually matters.
Who Should Apply
We are looking for global startups that:
Program Details
Application Process
Application
Submit your team and business information for KSGC 2026
Evaluation
We assess your potential and program fit
Selection
Selected teams proceed to onboarding
Frequently AskedQuestions
During evaluation, preference may be given to startups that demonstrate:
- A working product, prototype, or MVP
- Existing users, customers, or revenue
- Market validation in another country
- A clear strategy for entering the Korean market
During evaluation, preference may be given to startups that demonstrate:
- A working product, prototype, or MVP
- Existing users, customers, or revenue
- Market validation in another country
- A clear strategy for entering the Korean market
Built Through KSGC
From early-stage to market leaders in Korea
— hear from the startups that made it.
“Korea gave us the ideal environment to build and scale a robotics company serving the global food service industry.”
“KSGC connected us to Korea's maritime industry and helped us secure critical partnerships and funding.”
“The Korean market became our launchpad for scaling a reward-based platform to over a million users across Asia.”
“KSGC helped us expand our K-beauty analytics platform to 14 countries with a strong Korean distribution network.”
“Korea's advanced materials industry was the perfect market for our AI-driven polymer discovery platform.”
“KSGC opened doors to Korean food-tech corporates that helped us scale our plant-based protein business rapidly.”
“Building a super app for foreigners in Korea, integrating travel, payments, and daily services into one platform.”
“Korea's education ecosystem embraced our language learning platform, giving us rapid traction and valuable partnerships.”
“KSGC gave us the network and credibility to raise significant funding and build a strong Korean presence.”
Ready?
Enter Korea
— and actually
build something here.
Apply to KSGC and turn market entry
into real growth.
Deadline: June 13, 2026 · 15:00 KST
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