K-Startup Grand Challenge
K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) is a South Korean government program for foreign-led startups that want to enter the Korean market. It is funded by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, managed by KISED and operated by the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation. It narrows 80 teams to 40 and then 20 across phases, with free workspace in Pangyo/Gangnam, travel support, entity-setup help, prize money and commercialization grants for top teams. The founder must be a non-Korean citizen.
At a glance
K-Startup Grand Challenge key facts
- Equity
- No equity
- Deal terms
- Non-dilutive support: travel stipend (up to KRW 8M), prize money and grants for top teams
- Duration
- About 9-11 months (phased, July 2026-June 2027)
- Format
- Hybrid
- Headquarters
- Seongnam (Pangyo), South Korea
- Cohort locations
- Pangyo, South Korea; Seoul, South Korea
- Stage
- pre-seed, seed, series a
- Sectors
- general
- Application cycle
- 1 cycle a year
Verified November 3, 2026 against the sources below. Terms change; confirm on the official site before applying.
Timing
2026 main-track applications closed June 17, 2026; international student track closed Aug 14, 2026. No 2027 call published yet.
FAQ
Applying to K-Startup Grand Challenge
- How much does K-Startup Grand Challenge invest?
- K-Startup Grand Challenge's standard deal: Non-dilutive support: travel stipend (up to KRW 8M), prize money and grants for top teams.
- How much equity does K-Startup Grand Challenge take?
- K-Startup Grand Challenge takes no equity.
- When is the K-Startup Grand Challenge application deadline?
- Application cycle: 1 cycle a year. 2026 main-track applications closed June 17, 2026; international student track closed Aug 14, 2026. No 2027 call published yet.
- Where is K-Startup Grand Challenge based?
- K-Startup Grand Challenge is headquartered in Seongnam (Pangyo), South Korea. The program runs hybrid. Cohorts run in Pangyo, South Korea, Seoul, South Korea.
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