Everyone’s Startup Project sees 92,838 applicants in second phase

The second recruitment phase of the ‘2026 Everyone’s Startup Project’ saw a significant surge in interest, with 92,838 applicants nationwide. Despite a shorter recruitment period of 29 days compared to the 51-day first phase, total applications increased by approximately 47.5% over the initial round.

Key demographic shifts indicate a broadening of the startup ecosystem. Applicants from non-metropolitan areas accounted for 63.3% of the total, up from 53.4% in the first phase. Additionally, the youth demographic remains highly active, with those aged 39 or younger making up 71.8% of applicants. Notably, 20.6% of participants were re-applicants who had previously failed in the first round.

In the Gyeonggi region, the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation reported 12,166 applicants in the technology and general tracks, representing 15.1% of the national total for those categories. The program, driven by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Startup Promotion Agency, utilizes a network of mentor institutions, including various universities and regional support centers, to facilitate the transition from innovative ideas to actual business establishment.