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KSGC for Foreign Students

Build your startupin Korea — and scale with KSGC

A dedicated KSGC growth track for international student founders to strengthen execution, investor readiness, and market entry

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Overview

KSGC for International Students is a dedicated growth track within the K-Startup Grand Challenge for teams that include international students in Korea.

More than a short-term program, it supports startups in strengthening execution, improving market readiness, and preparing for investor engagement.

Participants go through diagnostics, milestone setting, mentoring, and pitch preparation — building the capabilities needed to move from early traction to real market entry and growth.

Program visual
Support

What You Receive

Grow beyond early traction

Strengthen execution, structure, and business direction

Build investor readiness

Refine your story, pitch, and communication for fundraising

Get hands-on support

Receive mentoring and practical guidance tailored to your stage

Expand your opportunities

Gain visibility, network access, and showcase opportunities through KSGC

Program Structure

Program Structure

Only the best market-ready startups move forward.

Diagnose & Align phase
1
Phase 1
Diagnose & Align
Understand your current status across product, market, and business readiness
Define clear KPIs and milestones
Build & Validate phase
2
Phase 2
Build & Validate
Build connections with Korean partners and investors in Korea's startup ecosystem
Prepare & Scale phase
3
Phase 3
Prepare & Scale
Refine your pitch, strengthen investor readiness, and prepare for growth
Key Activities

Key Activities

Team Diagnostics & Strategy Sessions

Assess your business status and define key priorities for growth

KPI & Milestone Setting

Set clear targets and track progress throughout the program

1:1 Mentoring & Expert Guidance

Receive tailored support on strategy, execution, and market readiness

IR Deck Clinic & Pitch Coaching

Improve your pitch structure, storytelling, and delivery

Mock IR & Presentation Evaluation

Practice investor-facing communication and receive structured feedback

COMEUP Mini Demo Day

Showcase your progress and connect with the broader startup ecosystem

— Who Should Apply

Who Should Apply

Who should apply

We are looking for startups that:

1
International students in Korea (enrolled, on leave, or recently graduated)
2
Early-stage startups with initial traction or MVP
3
Teams preparing to enter or grow in the Korean market
At a Glance

Program Details

Duration
Aug–DecAugust to December
Scale
20Up to 20 teams
Location
PangyoPangyo and nearby areas
Language
English
Cost
Cost
FreeFor selected teams
— How to Apply

Application Process

1
Step 1

Apply

Submit your team information and business materials

2
Step 2

We Review Your Application

We assess your team, business potential, and program fit

3
Step 3

Get Selected

Selected teams will receive next steps for onboarding and participation

Ready?

From early tractionto real growth

Join KSGC and scale your startup in Korea

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