South Korea launches social‑venture startup program with up to 150 million won support

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (중기부) announced the “All People’s Startup – Social Venture League,” running from March 30 to April 19. The contest seeks early‑stage entrepreneurs and social‑impact startups addressing five priority challenges: community care gaps, job and social participation, energy costs for SMEs and vulnerable groups, AI‑driven productivity for small firms, and resource‑recycling waste solutions. About 100 applicants will receive 2 million won for impact activities, and 40 will be chosen for intensive mentoring worth roughly 5 million won. The final round at the 2026 Venture Week will award commercialization funding of 150 million won to the top team, 100 million won to four runners‑up, and 80 million won to five finalists.

Separately, the Daejeon Creative Economy Innovation Center opened applications for the “2026 Re‑Challenge Idea Contest,” targeting re‑entrepreneurs and firms under three years old. Roughly 12 teams will be selected for a final on September 2 at Daejeon Startup Park, where five investment experts will allocate 1 billion won each in a mock‑investment format (60 % of the score) combined with audience voting (40 %). Participants will gain practical IR experience and may receive follow‑up support.

Both initiatives aim to turn failure experience into new growth assets, offering funding, mentoring, and market‑validation opportunities for social‑impact and re‑startups in South Korea.