K-Startup Grand Challenge Sees 33% Surge in Global Applications as Entrepreneurs Flock to South Korea in the COVID-19 Era

SEOUL, South Korea, June 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The National IT Industry Promotion Agency recently launched its fifth K-Startup Grand Challenge, a global tech startup competition backed by the Government of South Korea, and has seen a 33 percent surge to date in entries from last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

With participating teams from 93 countries, this year's program has attracted entrepreneurs seeking outside opportunities as countries like the U.S. see an increase in COVID-19 cases and a turbulent economy. South Korea's economy is set to recover with the lowest expected GDP decline among developed countries and an ongoing maintenance of low COVID-related cases.

"The K-Startup Grand Challenge gives entrepreneurs the chance to develop, get the necessary resources to succeed, all while being a part of South Korea's bustling tech hub Pangyo Techno Valley," said Taeyeol Kim, vice president at the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA). "Since the start of this year's program, we have seen an increase in applicants all over the world and I believe that is a testament to how impactful our program is and our uniquely favored location during this pandemic."

The K-Startup Grand Challenge Program will host 60 competing teams in South Korea's Pangyo Techno Valley for a 3-month accelerator program. The program includes:

• Living expenses for each team
• A free office space
• Networking and information sessions on Korean and Asian business culture, as well as specific business topics (e.g. patents, accounting, regulations, tax laws, etc.)
• Visa support
• Exposure to major Korean companies

"We started VRGlass three years ago in Brazil, and participating in the K-Startup Grand Challenge Program has exposed us to VCs and allowed us to globalize our company by providing a direct connection and avenue to the South Korean market," said César Noda, CEO at VRGlass Korea and 2019 Grand Challenge alum. "Because of the program, I am now the CEO managing VRGlass's South Korea office, and while the pandemic has affected our business, we've seen firsthand the benefits of having a presence in such a stable country amid the turmoil these past few months."

As the final package in the program, the top five startups will receive grant prizes ranging from $10,000 to $120,000. Grants for the top 30 startups are available as well, totalling ~$15,500 each (for 2-person teams).

"The Grand Challenge Program was a great opportunity to bring our made-in-the-USA products to Korea, as well as develop specialized educational services to serve the Korean market," said Tim Marzullo, co-founder of Michigan-headquartered Backyard Brains and 2019 Grand Challenge alum. "Since the program, I stayed on to build our team and operations here. Because of the government's effective response to the pandemic, we've been highly productive even while our U.S. branch had to dramatically slow down operations for two months. I can understand why entrepreneurs have increased interest in applying and working on their businesses in South Korea."

The K-Startup Grand Challenge is accepting applications until Thursday, June 25, 2020 at midnight Samoa Standard Time or 7 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. For the application and more information about the program, visit: https://www.k-startupgc.org/.

About K-Startup Grand Challenge
The K-Startup Grand Challenge is a technology startup accelerator program for foreign startups backed by the South Korean government that hosts teams in Korea for a three-month program with multiple funding opportunities. This program is a part of the Government of South Korea's plan to support entrepreneurs and startups in the country to enhance and grow South Korea's Pangyo Techno Valley into a global tech hub for Asia. For more information, visit https://www.k-startupgc.org/.

SOURCE K-Startup Grand Challenge

Related Links

https://www.k-startupgc.org/