Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups will bring together entrepreneurs and investors from across the Asia-Pacific region for Global Startup Day in Jeju, running September 3-4, 2025, at the Jeju International Convention Center. The event coincides with the APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting.

Minister HAN Seongsook announced that the two-day program will showcase Korea’s growing startup ecosystem while connecting domestic entrepreneurs with international markets and capital. The event combines three major programs: the K-Startup Challenge Kick-off, K-Startup Grand Challenge, and Global Venture Investment Summit.

Opening Day Features AI and International Perspectives

September 3 begins with an integrated opening ceremony highlighting the theme “Connecting the Global Startup and Venture Ecosystem.” The program kicks off with an AI hologram presentation, followed by an introduction to Korea’s startup landscape and a keynote from Nidhi Agrawal, an Indian entrepreneur and co-founder of Hangul Snack, who will share her experience building a business in Korea.

The day’s main attraction is the K-Startup Challenge Kick-off, where 225 teams will compete after advancing from an initial pool of 7,377 participants. Ten government ministries organized twelve preliminary rounds, creating what has become Korea’s largest startup competition. The 33-to-1 selection rate demonstrates the program’s competitive edge and its role as a launching pad for innovative companies.

Participants can attend the Senior Startup Notes session, where previous winners share their journeys, and hear from LEE Seyoung, CEO of Wrtn Technologies, a leader in generative AI. The program also includes networking between finalist teams and alumni companies, plus an exhibition showcasing products from five successful graduate firms.

The K-Startup Grand Challenge Showcase brings 40 international startups together with Korean investors at Samda Hall. Featured companies include Veritas Vietnam, NIIO Inc., and Groundup.AI, while alumni success stories come from Polymerize, Tasted Better, and KFTV. A unique “Reverse IR Session” allows Korean investment firms to present their strategies directly to overseas startups looking to enter the Korean market.

Global Investment Focus on Day Two

September 4’s Global Venture Investment Summit attracts more than 70 international institutions for discussions on global economic trends, investment opportunities, and strategies for expanding venture networks across borders. The summit provides a platform for exploring partnerships between Korean and international venture capital firms.

Strengthening Korea’s Position as a Startup Hub

The APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting has addressed regional business challenges since 1994, making it a natural partner for Korea’s startup diplomacy efforts. Through Global Startup Day, Korea aims to provide domestic startups with global exposure while offering international companies a pathway into one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.

“This event represents a starting point where startups and investors connect, expanding the global startup and venture ecosystem,” said Minister HAN Seongsook. “Working with APEC member economies, we’re actively supporting Korea’s development as a global startup hub.”

The initiative reflects Korea’s strategic positioning at the intersection of technology innovation and international cooperation, leveraging the APEC platform to attract global attention to its thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.