The Global ImpactPreneur program, a collaborative initiative by the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre and the Chung Mong-Koo Foundation, is designed to support impact startups. The program aims to foster impact-driven entrepreneurship throughout the Asia-Pacific region by providing participants with access to a global network and specialized industry expertise.
Focus Area
• Solutions that contribute to at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• A preference is given to approaches based on AI or other innovative technologies.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must have a solution aligned with the SDGs that addresses social and/or environmental challenges in developing countries within the Asia-Pacific region.
• The venture must be beyond the ideation stage, possessing a functioning prototype, pilot, or a demonstrable proof of concept.
• The entity must be legally incorporated and currently operating in the Asia-Pacific region.
• The company must have been incorporated less than five (5) years prior to the application deadline.
Priority Considerations
• Priority will be given to startups with significant experience operating or applying their solution in developing countries within the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrated through pilots, partnerships, customer engagement, or local operations.
• Preference is also given to startups led by founders from developing countries and/or youth founders aged 39 or below.
Ineligible Applicants
• Startups previously selected for programmes directly hosted by the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre or the Chung Mong-Koo Foundation are not eligible.
• This includes startups that have previously participated in and received support through Youth Co: Lab programmes (UNDP).
• It also includes startups selected as Fellows of the H-OnDream Startup Ground Programme (Chung Mong-Koo Foundation).
Key Benefits
• Access to a network of regional and industrial experts.
• In-depth mentoring, investor relations (IR) coaching, and education on impact measurement.
• Opportunities for peer exchange with other impact startups from across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Eligibility for grant-based awards from a total prize pool exceeding US$50,000.
• A Demo Day and networking event with investors and ecosystem partners in Seoul.
Program Schedule
• Application Period Opens: 3 March 2026
• Application Deadline: 10:00 (GMT+9), 3 April 2026
• Top 20 Announcement: 13 April 2026 (via individual email)
• Mentoring & Workshops: Mid-April - June 2026
• Top 10 Selection (Online IR): Early June 2026
• Demo Day & Networking in Seoul: 6-7 July 2026
• Please note: All dates are subject to change. The default language for all program activities is English. Korean-English simultaneous interpretation will be available during the Demo Day.
Application Process
• Step 1: Carefully read the official program guidelines.
• Step 2: Prepare the required application documents, which include a mandatory IR Deck in English and an optional Financial Status document.
• Step 3: Submit the complete application online through the designated portal. Only the 20 successful applicants will be notified via email.
Impact-focused startups operating in the Asia-Pacific region are encouraged to review the detailed eligibility and application requirements. This program presents a significant opportunity for ventures aiming to scale their solutions and connect with a broader ecosystem of experts and investors.