Next Step in South Korea

With the doubling of startup support facilities by 2022, Seoul is poised to become a regional hub for both local and foreign startups and innovators looking to explore new business opportunities.

Unlock new opportunities in South Korea’s high-growth sectors

HealthTech

South Korea is the world’s 9th and Asia’s 3rd largest medical devices market. Take advantage of the country’s high demand for innovative solutions that will address its shrinking & aging population

Smart City

With a high urbanization rate of 82% and most connected online markets, South Korea is also the 1st country to launch 5G network.

Smart Factory

Find out how to benefit from government incentives for companies developing Smart Factory technology as South Korea aims to build 30,000 smart factories by 2022.

What can you expect?

Understand the local ecosystem of South Korea

Meet potential clients, advisors, industry experts, and VCs

Learn from local and international startups as they share their market entry success stories

Insights into how to do/not do business in South Korea (including legal requirements, how to approach corporates etc.), and cultural familiarization

Startups will also get an overview of Singapore’s startup ecosystem and legal insights during the program

See our virtual schedule

Key info

Who can apply?

Must be a Germany-registered startup* from any sector or industry, with:
– Traction in the German market
– Or a product (at least MVP) that is destined for the Asian market
– Or interest in the Asian market

*The program is also open to German VCs and incubators.

How much does it cost?

As the program is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), participation fees are subsidised and kept low to cover operational expenses.

The program costs 750EUR per individual (covers both virtual program and the local immersion). It does not include travel and accommodation costs, which have to be covered by participating companies.

How can I apply?

Please apply here. You will be notified via email on the rest of the process.

Other program FAQs

Click here to read the full FAQs

Apply Now for Our Virtual Program

Program Edition

In lead up to South Korea immersion program taking place later part of 2020, we will be running our program content virtually for you to access market insights, 1:1 business matching and strategy workshops. Sign up now for our virtual programs!

DATE

WHERE

7- 25 September

TBC

South Korea Virtual

Immersion dates

Apply Now

Country Partners

Next Step is powered by German Accelerator, which is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi).

There’s no better way to learn how to expand into Asia than being here. Contact us to find out how.

Program FAQ

Q: Can I apply if our company or founders are not from Germany?

A: As long as your company is incorporated* in Germany, you are welcome to apply. Founder nationality does not affect participation in the modules of the programme.

*To qualify for our program, your company must be incorporated in Germany (supported legal forms: UG; AG; GmbH; GmbH & Co. KG).

Q: Do I have to attend all days of the market immersion program?

A:Once your application and payment has been processed and confirmed before the trip, there won’t be any payment refund as we would have prepared all the necessary setup required. Given that the travel and accommodation costs are being covered by the participant, if there are any last minute dropouts, the company is free to propose another team member to join the program.

Q: Which team member should attend?

A: We recommend at least one of the founders or C-level executives attending together with a member with the relevant business background and expertise. Participants should have an interest in learning about the Asia markets and industries.

Q: Do you help with visa/immigration issues?

A: if you intend to stay longer than the validity of your tourist visa, you should first obtain a visa from the relevant embassies before proceeding. As visa/immigration issues can vary according to your personal situation, we recommend that you obtain expert advice and/or contact the Embassy for further clarification on visa requirements.

Q: Where will I live during the program?

A: That’s up to you. We don’t provide accommodations but we can provide preferred rates in the program locations, and for convenience and to get discounted rates, we would require you to stay in the same hotel with the other participants.

Q: How much does it cost to participate in the program?

A: As the program is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), participation fees are subsidised and kept low to cover operational expenses. The program costs 750EUR per individual. It does not include travel and accommodation costs, which have to be covered by participating companies.

Q: How do we make payment for the program?

A: We accept payment via bank transfer. More information will be provided upon confirmation of your registration.

Applications/Registrations

Q: How do I register for the program?

A: Please go to the Apply Now section to register your details. Confirmation of your participation will be sent via email before the trip.