K-Startup Grand Challenge 2026
By Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Korea)
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Quick Answer
Korea's government accelerator for overseas startups: prizes up to KRW 100 million (about ₹64 lakh) and growth grants. The 2026 call closed on 17 June 2026; no next call announced.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 17 June 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Korea). Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) 2026 call is closed. Applications for the main track closed on 17 June 2026 at 15:00 KST (11:30 AM IST). The official page does not say when the next call opens, so watch ksgc.global.
KSGC is a government-backed accelerator run by Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups for overseas startups that want to enter, settle and grow in the Korean market. It is open to foreign founders, and Indian founders have taken part in past editions. It takes no equity according to the programme summary.
What the program offers
The 2026 programme ran from July 2026 to April 2027 in three phases:
- Phase 1, market exploration (80 teams, online): sessions on the Korean startup ecosystem and consulting on each team's Korea entry plan.
- Phase 2, market entry (40 teams, online and in Korea): business matching, investor pitching, visa and incorporation support, office space, and participation grants of KRW 4 million per team for each of two visits (KRW 8 million in total) towards airfare and accommodation.
- Phase 3, market growth (top 20 teams): intensive acceleration and links to Korean government support.
Prize money goes to the top 20 teams at the KSGC Demo Day in December 2026: KRW 100 million for first place (about ₹64 lakh), KRW 70 million for second, KRW 50 million for third, KRW 40 million for fourth, KRW 30 million for fifth, KRW 10 million for sixth to eighth and KRW 5 million for ninth to twentieth. After Phase 3, the top eight teams also receive growth grants of KRW 50 million, 30 million or 20 million each. Rupee figures are approximate conversions from Korean won.
Who can apply
Overseas pre-startups, and startups incorporated on or after 7 May 2019 (or on or after 7 May 2016 in new-industry sectors), that want to enter Korea. The CEO must not be a Korean national, and if there are several representatives, all must hold non-Korean nationality. Teams that reached the KSGC Top 40 between 2016 and 2025 cannot apply, but past applicants who were not selected can. Companies that took part in the Global Startup Commercialization Support Program between 2024 and 2026 cannot apply, and industries such as gambling, casinos or adult entertainment venues are excluded. Applicants who cannot enter Korea because of visa issues or other restrictions are not eligible. This is for founders serious about Korea; it is a poor fit if you cannot spend real time there.
How to apply
Fill in the online application on ksgc.global in English: startup details, motivation and representative information. Upload a founder pitch video of under two minutes (MP4 or YouTube link) and optionally a pitch deck. The business plan and video must be in English. Selected teams later provide the CEO's passport and a business registration certificate. The online form takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes according to the official page.
How applications are judged and what happens next
After an eligibility review, applications are scored on problem recognition, feasibility and differentiation (including revenue and funds raised over the past three years), the Korea market entry plan, and team competency, including the ability to stay in Korea. About 80 teams join Phase 1; 40 move to Phase 2 after a presentation evaluation; 20 are selected at Demo Day. Eight teams get growth grants after a commercialisation evaluation at the end of Phase 3.
About the programme
KSGC is run by Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups. The official page describes participation as hybrid, with some activities in Korea.
Things to check before you apply
- Moving to Korea is not strictly required, but some key events need you there in person, grouped into Core Weeks. Teams with concrete plans to open a Korean entity or move headquarters to Korea get preference.
- Prizes are in Korean won, and Indian recipients should check FEMA and tax treatment with an adviser.
- A practical tip: have a concrete Korea entry plan and a clear view of your last three years of revenue and funding ready.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
Phase 2 teams receive participation grants of KRW 4 million per team for each of two visits to Korea (KRW 8 million in total) for airfare and accommodation. The top 20 teams at Demo Day win prize money from KRW 5 million up to KRW 100 million (about ₹64 lakh) for first place. After Phase 3, the top eight teams receive growth grants of KRW 50 million (two teams), KRW 30 million (three teams) or KRW 20 million (three teams). Teams also get a dedicated manager, business and investor matching, visa recommendation letters (D-10-2, then D-8-4), help incorporating in Korea and office space.
- Cohort size
- 80 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
After an eligibility review, applications are scored on problem recognition, feasibility and differentiation, the Korea market entry plan, and team competency including the ability to stay in Korea. About 80 teams join Phase 1, 40 move to Phase 2 after a presentation evaluation, and 20 are selected at Demo Day. Eight teams receive growth grants after a commercialisation evaluation.
Application Process
- 1
Apply online
Submit the English application and a two-minute founder video.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the K-Startup Grand Challenge 2026 still open?
No. The 2026 main track closed on 17 June 2026 at 15:00 KST. The next call has not been announced.
Can Indian startups apply to K-Startup Grand Challenge?
Yes. The programme is for overseas startups whose CEO is not a Korean national, and Indian founders have taken part in past editions.
Do we have to move to Korea?
Not strictly, but some key events need in-person attendance, grouped into Core Weeks. Teams with plans to set up a Korean entity or move headquarters there are scored favourably.
How much money can we win?
Top 20 teams at Demo Day win KRW 5 million to KRW 100 million (about ₹64 lakh at the top). Phase 2 teams get KRW 8 million in travel grants, and the top eight get growth grants of KRW 20-50 million.
How old can our startup be?
Incorporated on or after 7 May 2019, or on or after 7 May 2016 for new-industry sectors. Pre-startups can also apply.
Does the programme take equity?
The programme summary says no equity is taken. The prize and grant terms in the guidelines should be read for conditions.
What do I need to submit?
An online application in English and a founder pitch video under two minutes. A pitch deck is optional, and selected teams later provide the CEO's passport and a business registration certificate.
Is it free to enter?
The pages reviewed state no application fee. Confirm in the guidelines when the next call opens.
When are winners announced?
The top 20 are picked at the KSGC Demo Day in December 2026 for this edition, and growth grants follow Phase 3 in 2027.
Can teams that were not selected before apply again?
Yes. Past applicants who were not selected can apply. Teams that reached the Top 40 between 2016 and 2025 cannot.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
