The South Korean government has introduced a new national startup platform as part of its ‘Everyone’s Startup Project,’ following the January 30 policy direction for a startup-driven economy. The initiative was announced on March 25, 2026, during the National Startup Era Strategy Meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol. The policy aims to address the K-shaped growth structure between large and small businesses and between regions by placing entrepreneurship at the center of economic transformation. This project is the first major implementation under the new strategy, focusing on fostering innovation and balanced regional development.
The program will identify and support 5,000 innovative entrepreneurs, with at least 70% selected from outside the Seoul metropolitan area to promote regional growth. Participation is open to aspiring founders, repeat entrepreneurs, and those seeking to commercialize ideas. The government will provide AI solutions developed by domestic startups, regulatory consulting, and access to a national audition process, where top winners can receive over 1 billion won and global expansion packages. Additionally, a 500 billion won ‘Startup Boom Fund’ will be established to intensively support the final 100 selected entrepreneurs.
Implementation involves over 100 startup incubators, including organizations like Primer, FuturePlay, Sopoong Connect, and KAIST, which will nurture selected entrepreneurs throughout the process and receive incentives based on outcomes. More than 500 experienced founders from companies such as Toss, Rytton, and Rebellion will serve as mentors, offering tailored guidance. The integrated ‘Everyone’s Startup Platform’ will facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration among entrepreneurs, incubators, and mentors. The platform officially opens on March 26, 2026, with simultaneous launch events in all 17 provinces and cities, and will be followed by sector-specific challenges and regional startup city projects.
The government will recognize entrepreneurial experience, including failures, as valuable career assets by issuing ‘Challenge Career Certificates’ to participants, which will provide advantages in future support programs. Entrepreneurs who rejoin subsequent rounds of the project will receive preferential consideration, encouraging repeated attempts. The initiative will also connect with other government talent discovery programs, such as the ‘Everyone’s Idea’ (KIPO) and ‘AI Competition’ (Ministry of Science and ICT), to build a cross-ministerial startup ecosystem. Frequently asked questions include: Who can apply? Any citizen interested in entrepreneurship, including those with prior startup experience, is eligible. What support is available? Participants receive AI tools, regulatory consulting, mentoring, funding opportunities, and recognition of entrepreneurial experience.
Metaqsol opinion: South Korea’s national startup platform and fund initiative demonstrate a comprehensive approach to fostering entrepreneurship and regional innovation. By selecting a majority of entrepreneurs from outside the capital region and providing AI-driven support, the policy directly addresses regional disparities and technological advancement. The recognition of entrepreneurial experience, including failures, as a valuable asset is a forward-thinking measure. The government’s collaboration with multiple agencies and the creation of a large-scale fund highlight a strong commitment to building a sustainable startup ecosystem.