[StartupRecipe] Korea Launches AroundX 2026 with 17 Global Partners

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Korea Launches AroundX 2026 with 17 Global Partners

The government is advancing AroundX, a program connecting Korean startups with 17 global corporate partners. Led by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), applications are open until 16 March, with over 400 startups expected to be selected.

AroundX connects Korean startups with multinational corporations to support technology development, global market expansion and industry collaboration. Launched in 2019 with Google Play, the program has grown steadily — by 2025, 13 global corporations were participating, including NVIDIA, Microsoft, AWS, Siemens, IBM, Intel, L’Oréal and others.

The 2026 edition marks the program’s largest expansion, with four new partners — OpenAI, Mercedes-Benz Korea, Astellas and HP — bringing the total to 17 participating companies.

Accelerating (AC) Track — Focuses on startup growth through mentoring, technical resources and tailored programs. Twelve partnerships are included, covering areas such as AI, cloud solutions, quantum computing, generative AI and more.

Open Innovation (OI) Track — Focuses on direct industry collaboration, including proof-of-concept development and product validation. Six programs are offered across AI, deep-tech, clean energy, pharma and mobility sectors.

Selected startups will receive commercialization funding of up to KRW 200 million from MSS, along with mentoring, technical consulting and international market access opportunities Applications can be submitted via the K-Startup website (www.k-startup.go.kr) until 16 March at 16:00 (KST).

Accelerating (AC) Track

• Google Play : mobile services
• NVIDIA : artificial intelligence
• Microsoft : cloud-based B2B solutions
• Dassault Systèmes : pharmaceutical, biotech and healthcare technologies
• Ansys : smart mobility, high-tech industries and industrial equipment
• Siemens : electronics, machinery and medical devices
• Amazon Web Services : artificial intelligence
• Oracle : AI and machine-learning cloud solutions
• IBM Quantum : quantum computing technologies
• Ansys Space : aerospace and space technologies
• OpenAI : generative AI innovation
• HP Garage 2.0 : PC and AI technologies

Open Innovation (OI) Track

• Intel : artificial intelligence technologies
• Thales : deep-tech innovation
• L’Oréal Korea : research and digital innovation
• Air Liquide : clean energy technologies
• Astellas : pharmaceutical and biotechnology innovation
• Mercedes-Benz Korea : mobility technologies

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