Top Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Seoul, South Korea
Seoul has emerged as one of Asia's most dynamic startup ecosystems, combining technological innovation with strong government support and corporate engagement. The city's startup landscape benefits from South Korea's advanced digital infrastructure and innovative culture, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs across Asia and beyond.
This guide explores the leading accelerators and incubators shaping Seoul's vibrant startup ecosystem. These programs provide crucial support to startups at various stages, from initial concept to international expansion.
Top 20 Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Seoul
1. SparkLabs Seoul
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Technology and digital solutions.
One of Korea's premier accelerator programs, SparkLabs, provides funding, mentorship, and global networking opportunities. Their three-month program includes up to $40,000 in funding and access to a network of over 150 international mentors. The program has an impressive track record of helping startups secure follow-on funding.
2. Born2Global Centre
Target Audience: Early to growth-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Technology.
Born2Global Centre is a government-backed initiative focused on helping Korean startups expand globally. The program offers comprehensive support, including legal consultation, marketing expertise, and international networking opportunities. Born2Global has been instrumental in assisting numerous Korean startups to establish a presence in global markets.
3. D.CAMP
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Digital innovation and fintech.
D.CAMP, established by the Banks Foundation for Young Entrepreneurs, provides extensive support to early-stage startups. The program offers workspace, mentorship, and connections to Korea's financial sector. Its strong ties to banking institutions make it particularly valuable for fintech innovations.
4. Samsung C-Lab
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Technology.
Samsung's C-Lab (Creative Lab) is a comprehensive startup incubation program that supports innovative technology startups. The program provides funding of up to $100,000, access to Samsung's vast resources, and potential partnership opportunities. Their deep connection to Samsung's global network makes them particularly valuable for hardware and software startups looking to scale.
5. Seoul Startup Hub
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with or without a team.
Niche: Industry agnostic.
Seoul Startup Hub is a government-initiated platform that provides comprehensive support to startups at various stages. The hub offers workspace, funding opportunities, and connections to both public and private sector partners. Its extensive facilities include prototyping labs and event spaces.
6. Naver D2 Startup Factory
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: AI, big data, cloud computing, e-commerce, fintech.
The Naver D2 Startup Factory support program focuses on technology innovations. It provides office space, technical mentorship, and potential investment opportunities. Startups benefit from access to Naver's extensive technical resources and market reach.
7. TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startup)
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Technology innovation.
TIPS is a government-backed program that provides comprehensive support to technology startups. It offers up to $500,000 in funding and connections to successful entrepreneurs and investors. The program has a strong track record of fostering successful technology companies.
8. K-ICT Born2Global Centre
Target Audience: Growth-stage startup with a team.
Niche: ICT and global expansion.
K-ICT Born2Global Centre focuses on helping ICT startups expand internationally. The program provides market research, legal support, and connections to global partners. Their expertise in international expansion makes them valuable for startups ready to scale globally.
9. Seoul FinTech Lab
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Financial technology, fintech.
Seoul FinTech Lab specializes in supporting fintech innovations. The program offers regulatory guidance, technical resources, and connections to financial institutions. Their strong relationship with regulatory bodies makes them particularly valuable for fintech startups.
10. WECOOK
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with or without a team seeking a co-founder.
Niche: Food.
WECOOK is Korea's first shared kitchen facility and food startup incubator, offering two programs: Wecook Restart and Next Foodicon 2. The Wecook Restart program helps food manufacturers innovate or expand their businesses, turning original ideas or recipes into marketable products with the support of product planning professionals. Next, Foodicon 2, a collaboration between GS Retail, Wecook, and Open the Table, aims to commercialize dishes from local restaurants and small businesses. This 16-week program enables startups to partner with GS distribution channels.
11. ActnerLab
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Hardware.
Actner Lab is a startup accelerator focused on the hardware market in Korea. Their industry-specific program, developed in collaboration with Silicon Valley's Lab IX, aims to support Korea's top startups from their early stages through successful internationalization. Through Actner Lab, these startups receive a comprehensive education curriculum, quick prototyping services, mentoring, development tools, and access to test beds provided by industry-leading companies and universities. Additionally, they offer seed funding ranging from USD 20,000 to USD 100,000 in exchange for 5-10% equity.
12. Google for Startups Campus Seoul
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Technology and digital innovation.
Google for Startups Campus Seoul provides access to Google's resources, mentorship, and global network. The program offers workshops, technical support, and networking opportunities. Startups benefit from Google's extensive technology expertise and international connections.
13. WeWork Labs Seoul
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Industry agnostic.
WeWork Labs offers workspace and comprehensive startup support. The program provides mentorship, educational programs, and networking opportunities. Their global network provides valuable connections for international expansion.
14. KISED (Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development)
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with or without a team.
Niche: General entrepreneurship––Industry agnostic.
KISED is a government-backed institution that supports entrepreneurship development. It provides training, funding support, and business development resources. Its comprehensive programs support entrepreneurs at various stages.
15. Seoul Bio Hub
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Biotechnology and healthcare.
Seoul Bio Hub specializes in biotechnology and healthcare innovations. It provides lab space, technical resources, and industry connections. Its specialized facilities make it valuable for biotech startups.
16. Hanwha Dream Plus
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Technology and innovation.
Hanwha Group's startup support program focuses on technology innovations. It offers funding, mentorship, and potential corporate partnerships. Its strong corporate backing provides valuable industry connections.
17. Seoul Food Startup Center
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team
Niche: Food technology and services
Seoul Food Startup Center focuses on food-related innovations and businesses. It provides kitchen facilities, food safety guidance, and market access. Its specialized resources support food industry entrepreneurs.
18. Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KOTEC)
Target Audience: Early to growth-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Technology.
KOTEC provides technology assessment and financial support. It offers credit guarantees and technical evaluation services. Its support helps startups access additional funding sources.
19. Seoul Innovation Center
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Social innovation.
Seoul Innovation Center supports startups focused on social impact and innovation. It provides workspace, funding, and community engagement opportunities. The center's focus on social impact creates unique partnership opportunities.
20. KORIL (Korea-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation)
Target Audience: Growth-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Technology.
KORIL facilitates collaboration between Korean and Israeli technology companies, funds joint R&D projects, and provides market access. Its international focus creates unique opportunities for global expansion.
AcceleratorApp's Closing Thoughts on Startup Accelerators and Incubators in Seoul, South Korea
Seoul's startup ecosystem combines strong government support, corporate engagement, and technological innovation to create a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs. The city's accelerators and incubators play a crucial role in nurturing startups from concept to global expansion, leveraging South Korea's advanced infrastructure and innovative culture.
The diversity of these programs, from corporate-backed accelerators to specialized industry hubs, demonstrates Seoul's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across multiple sectors. This comprehensive support system has been instrumental in establishing Seoul as a leading startup hub in Asia.
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