The Korean government is pushing forward with its “Startup for All” initiative — a nationwide project to identify 5,000 entrepreneurs and award top-performing founders with funding packages exceeding KRW 1 billion. At least 70% of selected founders will come from outside the Seoul Metropolitan area, reflecting a deliberate push to anchor innovation beyond established hubs and address the country’s K-shaped growth divide between the capital region and the rest of the country.
The program opens to the full spectrum of entrepreneurial experience — from first-time founders to those attempting to build again after previous ventures. Participants will be equipped with AI solutions developed by domestic startups to support the commercialization of ideas, with the government acting as an early-stage customer — creating a feedback loop between new founders and new technologies. Tailored consulting will also address potential regulatory hurdles before they stall progress. A nationwide startup audition, structured from regional to national stages, will award top-performing teams with funding packages exceeding KRW 1 billion and support for international expansion. A dedicated KRW 50 billion fund will provide concentrated financing to a final cohort of 100 founders.
More than 100 incubators will participate, taking direct responsibility for the founders they select with incentives tied to startup outcomes. Around 500 experienced entrepreneurs — including the founders of Toss, Wrtn Technologies and Rebellions — will serve as dedicated mentors. A new digital platform will connect founders, mentors and support organizations as a live, integrated startup ecosystem.
The initiative treats failure as part of an entrepreneur’s accumulated experience. Participants will receive a formal “Challenge Certificate” recognizing their efforts as career development, with preferential consideration given to those returning with new ventures. The rollout began March 25 with simultaneous launch events across all 17 regions. Sector-focused challenges spanning AI transformation, defense and climate technology are planned to follow.
