The Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) Silicon Valley Office is recruiting startups for its 2026 Silicon Valley GTM (Go-To-Market) Program. This program helps companies develop and execute market strategies for Silicon Valley. It is specifically open to ‘overseas startups’ and ‘flip companies’, making it highly relevant for founders from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, and international students in Korea aiming for global expansion. The application deadline is October 9, 2026, at 18:00 KST.
Status as of 2026-10-09: Open, closing today at 18:00 KST
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Program | 2026 Silicon Valley GTM (Go-To-Market) Program |
| Organizer | Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) Silicon Valley Office Director (창업진흥원 실리콘밸리사무소장) |
| Who can apply | Startups less than 7 years old (or less than 10 years for new industry startups) that are already in or planning to enter Silicon Valley. Includes overseas startups and flip companies. |
| Foreigners eligible? | Yes, explicitly open to ‘overseas startups’ and ‘flip companies’. |
| Deadline | 2026-10-09 (closing today at 18:00 KST) |
| Support / benefits | GTM market strategy, sales access strategy, partnership strategy, GTM strategy playbook (roadmap). |
| Official link | K-Startup Official Announcement |
Who can apply
This program targets startups that have a product or service with proven market potential in Korea or overseas, and are either already operating in Silicon Valley or planning to enter.
Specific eligibility criteria are:
- Startups less than 7 years old as of the announcement date.
- For startups in new industry sectors, the age limit is less than 10 years.
- The program explicitly welcomes:
- Overseas startups (국외창업기업): These are US corporations established by a Korean individual or a Korean domestic entity. The Korean individual or entity must hold a certain percentage of the total shares or equity and exercise substantial control. These companies must also be less than 7 years old (or less than 10 years for new industry sectors).
- Flip companies (플립기업): These are companies that have established a holding company or headquarters overseas (specifically in the USA) and converted their domestic Korean company into a subsidiary.
- There are no age restrictions for founders or team members.
For detailed exclusion criteria, please refer to the official program announcement.
What you get
The 2026 Silicon Valley GTM Program provides comprehensive support to help selected startups succeed in the US market. The support includes:
- Market Entry Strategy: Assistance in concretizing your market entry strategy.
- Sales Access Strategy: Help in designing effective sales access strategies.
- Partnership Strategy: Support for establishing strategic partnerships.
- GTM Strategy Playbook: Development of a GTM strategy playbook or roadmap tailored to your company’s needs.
How to apply (step by step)
The application period is from September 18, 2026, to October 9, 2026, at 18:00 KST.
- Prepare the required documents:
- Korean application form (국문 참가신청서)
- English application form (영문 참가신청서)
- Company introduction material (회사 소개자료)
- (For domestic companies) Business registration certificate or corporate registration certificate (발급분 3개월 이내), 1 copy
- Credit information provision consent form (신용정보제공동의서), 1 copy
- Submit all required documents via email to kisedus@kised.or.kr.
The selection process involves three stages: a qualification review, a document evaluation, and a presentation evaluation.
Tips for founders from abroad
This program is highly relevant for founders from abroad due to its explicit inclusion of ‘overseas startups’ and ‘flip companies’.
- Understand ‘Overseas Startup’ Definition: If you are a Korean national or a Korean domestic entity that has established a US corporation, ensure you meet the criteria of holding a certain percentage of shares/equity and exercising substantial control. This is key for eligibility as an ‘overseas startup’.
- Prepare Both Korean and English Forms: The application requires both a Korean application form (국문 참가신청서) and an English application form (영문 참가신청서). Make sure both are accurately completed and consistent.
FAQ
Can I apply if my company is based outside of Korea?
Yes, the program explicitly supports ‘overseas startups’ (Korean or Korean-entity-owned US corporations) and ‘flip companies’ (companies with overseas headquarters and a Korean subsidiary). You can apply if your company fits these definitions.
What is the contact information for inquiries?
For inquiries, you can email kisedus@kised.or.kr or call +1-408-598-7710.
Are there any fees to apply for this program?
The notice does not state any application fees; ask the organizer at kisedus@kised.or.kr.
What is the selection process for the program?
The selection process involves three stages: a qualification review, a document evaluation, and a presentation evaluation.
What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include a Korean application form, an English application form, company introduction material, a business registration certificate (for domestic companies), and a credit information provision consent form.
Start here: our core guides
- Korea Startup Visa (D-8-4) and the OASIS Program: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Founders
- K-Startup Grand Challenge: What It Offers and How to Apply
- Free or Low-Cost Office Space for Foreign Founders in Korea
- Korean Government Support Programs Open to Foreign Founders
- Starting a Business in Korea as an International Student: From D-2 Visa to Your Own Company