The Korea Society has announced the Startup Scene: Emerging Design Competition, an initiative within the Startup Scene: Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow program, which is dedicated to empowering the startup communities across the U.S. and South Korean economic landscapes. Supported exclusively by Hanwha Life, this competition aims to foster innovative thinking, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit among Korean-American and Korean students enrolled in colleges, universities, and graduate schools throughout the United States. This year's challenge invites participants to develop and pitch an innovative startup concept that utilizes emerging technologies to solve pressing contemporary challenges and issues.
Program Timeline
• Application Period: Monday, December 15, 2025 to Monday, March 30, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
• Q&A Program: Friday, January 23, 2026
• Final 5 Teams Announcement: Friday, April 17, 2026
• Startup Scene Annual Forum: Thursday, May 21, 2026
• Final Pitch and Award Ceremony: Friday, June 12, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must be students from U.S. schools.
• Applications are accepted from individuals or teams with a maximum of three students per team.
• In line with the program's mission, each team must include at least one member of Korean heritage.
• Eligibility is restricted to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students taking classes in U.S. schools during the 2025-26 academic year.
• Applications will only be accepted from student email addresses; personal email addresses are not permitted.
• Teams may be composed of students from different schools.
Prizes and Benefits
• The top five finalist teams will receive a travel stipend to attend the 2026 Startup Scene Annual Forum in New York City on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Citi Headquarters (388 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013).
• Finalists will also receive coaching sessions with partner organizations to help develop their ideas into viable companies.
• The top three teams will be awarded special prizes and recognition:
• 1st Place: $5,000
• 2nd Place: $3,000
• 3rd Place: $1,000
Terms of Participation
• The submitted idea cannot have been previously pursued by another company.
• The idea must be independently developed by the participants and must not infringe upon the rights of any third parties.
• Team names and short descriptions may be published on The Korea Society's website and social media channels.
• Competitors must be available to attend the Startup Scene Annual Forum in NYC for their final pitch.
• There are no fees for application or participation in the competition.
• The jury's decision is final, and any legal action is precluded.
• Submitted summaries and video pitches will be reviewed by staff and judges preselected by The Korea Society.
• Finalists must participate in the Startup Scene Annual Forum, where activities and presentations are open to pre-registered attendees.
• Participants must acknowledge the public nature of the competition and assume all risks associated with any disclosure. The Korea Society cannot guarantee the confidentiality of proprietary information.
Contact and Information
• For any questions, please contact the program organizers at startupscene@koreasociety.org.
• Additional information can be found on the official competition webpage.
This competition presents a significant opportunity for students to gain visibility, receive mentorship, and secure funding for their innovative ideas. Interested individuals and teams are encouraged to review the eligibility and submission guidelines to participate in this initiative aimed at shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs.