The Busan Center for Creative Economy and Innovation (CEO Yongwoo Kim) announced that it is recruiting 10 startups to participate in the "Busan Global Startup Gateway 2026," which will run for two weeks from March 3rd to 15th. Hosted by the Busan Metropolitan City and organized by Busan Changgyeong, the program is in partnership with the global accelerator Plug and Play. Plug and Play is a world-renowned accelerator that has nurtured promising startups and global companies such as Google and PayPal. The program also hosts the annual "Plug and Play Summit" in Silicon Valley.
Selected companies will participate in a four-week online global accelerator program starting in April. The program includes pre-screening, training on understanding the Silicon Valley market, market entry strategy development, and personalized one-on-one mentoring. Afterward, they will participate in the Plug and Play Summit, where they will operate a Busan startup booth and have networking opportunities with global companies, investors, and government officials. Top-performing companies will also be given the opportunity to participate in an official presentation session.
Additionally, local programs outside of the Summit offer visits to major Silicon Valley companies and business meetings. Each participating company will receive up to $10,000 in Summit participation fees and up to $2,000 in airfare and lodging.
Eligible applicants are startups headquartered or based in Busan and established within the past seven years. Startups in the five major deep tech sectors (AI/big data, robotics, bio/health, future mobility, and eco-friendly/energy) are eligible for support for up to 10 years. English pitching and participation as a decision-maker are required.
Busan Changgyeong PM Kim Da-eun stated, “This program is designed as an integrated support system that extends from pre-global capacity building to local networking and investment connection,” and added, “We will actively support Busan startups to connect directly with the Silicon Valley ecosystem and achieve tangible results.”
Applications can be made through the Busan Startup Portal, and detailed information can be found on the Busan Changgyeong website.
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