Government of Korea K-Startup Grand Challenge for Entrepreneurs 2017

Accelerate your startup in South Korea. Bring your creative ideas to Korea and get the full support of the world’s most tech-savvy country.

Application Deadline: 14th June 2017
Eligible Countries: All
To be taken at (country): Startup Campus in Pangyo Techno Valley, 14 minutes south of Gangnam, South Korea.
About the Award: The Korean government is working to transform the country’s economy for another century of success, ultimately raising employment, the GDP and Korea’s place in the world. In order to do this, the government is supporting talented entrepreneurs and promising startups to turn Korea and Pangyo Techno Valley into a global startup hub in Asia. The top ranked 50 teams selected by the accelerators will be invited to stay in Korea to participate a four-month accelerating program in Pangyo, located south of Seoul. At the end of the accelerating program, the government will host a Demo Day to select the top 25 startups from the program. They will get additional financial incentives, and if they establish their businesses in Korea, they will get additional support from the government.
Type: Entrepreneurship
Selection Criteria: The selection panel will give priority to startups working on disruption in the following criteria, but they will also consider startups with brilliant ideas in any sector:

Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of Program:

• Audition Prize: Each person will receive $833 (1,000,000 KRW), up to two persons per team (the prize will be given in Korean won).
• State-of-the-Art R&D Labs: Prototyping and testing facilities, expert support.
• Brand New Startup Campus: Global Startup Campus is purposely built 14 minutes from Gangnam and next to Korea’s tech giants.
• Expert Support: Experts from some of the world’s top tech companies with experience taking companies global.
• Corporate Partnerships: Meet Korea’s top tech companies with expertise ranging from smartphones to software to semiconductors.
• Break into Asia: Korea is safe, developed and two-hour flight away from over 1 billion potential customers.
• Living Expenses: All 50 startups in the program will receive about $12,000 (14,000,000 KRW) to cover living expenses in equal installments over four months.
• Grant for Top 25 Startups: The top 25 startups selected at the final Demo Day will be eligible for an additional $27,000 (32,000,000 KRW) grant in equal installments over six months if they establish a legal entity in Korea.
• Grants for Top 4 Startups:
  • Top Prize: $100,000 (120,000,000 KRW)
  • Second Prize: $40,000 (48,000,000 KRW)
  • Second Runner-up: $20,000 (24,000,000 KRW)
  • Third Runner-up: $6,000 (7,200,000 KRW)
• Additional Investments The five accelerators will make equity investments in the most promising startups. Startups will have access to other VC’s and investors who may choose to invest.

How to Apply: Apply here
Visit Program Webpage for details
Award Provider: Ministry of Science, Industry and Planning, National  IT Industry Promotion Agency