Short answer: Foreign founders could apply to the K-Startup Grand Challenge in South Korea, including pre-startup teams, provided all CEOs hold non-Korean citizenship. The program offers free workspace, business setup assistance, market access and financial support for selected teams. The 2026 application deadline was June 17, 2026 at 15:00 KST, so applications for this round are closed.
Status as of October 31, 2026: Applications for the 2026 round are closed.
Key facts
| Program | K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) 2026 |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Ministry of SMEs and Startups |
| Who can apply | Global startups and pre-startup teams ready to explore or expand into the Korean market; all CEOs must be foreign nationals. |
| Foreigners eligible? | Yes. The CEO or representative founder must hold non-Korean citizenship. |
| Deadline (exact date) | June 17, 2026 at 15:00 KST — applications closed |
| Support / benefits | Free workspace, incorporation assistance, mentoring, corporate partnerships, investor connections and financial support for selected teams. |
| Official link | KSGC official program page |
Who can apply
Early-stage startups and pre-startup teams are welcome. Applicants did not need a formally incorporated company or a Korean legal entity at the time of application.
The CEO or representative founder must have non-Korean citizenship. Korean co-founders and team members may participate, but all CEOs must be foreign nationals.
KSGC is aimed at teams ready to enter the Korean market. Its applicant profile includes teams with a minimum viable product (MVP), traction or validated technology, and the ability to execute quickly in a new environment.
Relocation is not strictly required. However, some key events require attendance in Korea. Major activities are grouped into “Core Weeks,” typically about two weeks per month. In Phase 3, legal entity incorporation and local hiring are required.
What you get
Support changes by phase. The program starts with 80 selected teams in Phase 1, continues with 40 selected teams in Phase 2 and reaches 20 top teams in Phase 3.
- Phase 1 — Discover: Online support to test product-market fit in Korea, receive expert diagnostics and market insight, and understand Korean business culture.
- Phase 2 — Accelerate: Access to legal, tax, accounting, human resources and recruitment services, plus incorporation consulting and an opportunity to pitch at COMEUP.
- Phase 3 — Scale: Corporate collaboration opportunities, investor connections, local hiring support and talent matching.
The program offers free workspace. Dedicated program managers, a centralized help desk and access to co-working spaces in Pangyo and Gangnam are available throughout all phases.
Phase 2 teams may receive up to KRW 8 million per team: up to KRW 4 million per visit for two visits. This helps offset travel and stay-related costs for designated KSGC activities in Korea. Selected teams receive detailed guidelines in advance.
The top 20 teams receive prize money. The top 8 teams receive additional commercialization grants. Establishing a Korean entity may be necessary to receive financial awards or other program incentives.
How to apply (step by step)
The 2026 application window has closed. The official page describes submission, evaluation and selection. To review that process:
- Review the official application materials. Use “Download Guidelines” on the KSGC website and check the official application materials for required documents and any fees.
- Submit team and business information. This was the submission step in the published application overview.
- Undergo evaluation. The program assesses the team’s potential and fit with KSGC.
- Proceed to onboarding if selected. Selected teams move into the program’s onboarding process.
Tips for founders from abroad
- Arrange attendance around the program’s Core Weeks. The hybrid format still includes key events that require in-person participation.
- If selected for Phase 2, use the travel-support guidelines provided in advance to identify approved activities and eligible visits.
FAQ
What language does the program use?
The program is conducted primarily in English. Interpretation may be provided when needed, particularly for meetings with Korean companies, partners or other stakeholders.
Which startup visas does KSGC help with?
Phase 2 includes startup preparation visa support for D-10-2. Phase 3 includes startup visa support for D-8-4. Supporting documents and guidance depend on eligibility and program stage.
Does support continue after the program?
KSGC offers up to 3 years of continued support. This includes investor connections, corporate opportunities, mentorship and advisory services, and Korea market expansion support.
Can teams participate in other programs at the same time?
Yes, provided there are no conflicts with KSGC schedules or commitments. Teams must remain actively engaged in KSGC activities throughout the program.