⚠ Summarised by AI based on an external source. Last updated: 15 May 2026. Starthubs is not liable for any inaccuracies. Always consult the official challenge information.
The K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) is Korea's flagship government-backed startup programme, run by the Ministry of SMEs & Startups and KISED. KSGC 2026 selects around 80 international startups to settle and scale in Korea through an 11-month hybrid programme delivered fully in English. Selected teams receive free workspace, PoC opportunities with Korean corporates, investor connections, prize money for the top 20 and commercialization grants for the top 8 — plus three years of follow-up support. The 2025 edition drew 2,626 applications from 97 countries.
What is KSGC looking for?
KSGC 2026 targets foreign startups across seven priority sectors: Mechanical & Materials, Electrical & Electronics, Information & Communication (software, networks, AI, cybersecurity, data), Chemical & Textile, Bio & Medical & Life Science, Energy & Resources, and Craft & Design. The programme runs in three phases: a Discover phase (July–September 2026, online) with 80 teams validating product-market fit, an Accelerate phase (September–December 2026) where 40 teams build partnerships and may pitch at COMEUP, and a Scale phase (December 2026–June 2027) where the top 20 incorporate locally, hire Korean talent and access investor connections. Selected startups can apply for the D-8-4 startup visa. More details and recruitment guidelines on the official KSGC website.
Who is this for?
- Global startups at any stage with a working MVP, traction or validated technology
- The representative founder (CEO) must hold non-Korean citizenship
- Open to early-stage and pre-startup teams — incorporation in Korea not required at application
- Hybrid format: relocation is not strictly required, but key Core Weeks require in-person presence in Korea
- Preference for startups with a clear strategy for entering the Korean market
What's in it for you?
- Free workspace in Pangyo and Gangnam, plus dedicated programme managers and a centralized help desk
- Local entity setup, legal, tax, accounting and HR support
- Open innovation access: direct connections with Korean corporates and PoC opportunities
- Investor connections and mentoring on business strategy
- Prize money for the top 20 teams and additional commercialization grants for the top 8 (specific amounts in the official recruitment guidelines)
- Korea startup visa support (D-10-2 in Phase 2 and D-8-4 in Phase 3), with recommendation letters for up to three team members per startup
- Up to three years of continued post-programme support: investor connections, corporate opportunities, mentorship and Korea market expansion support