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South Korea to pick K-Startup of the Year 2026, raises prize to 500 million won

South Korea launched its largest multi-ministry startup competition, K-Startup of the Year 2026, with an integrated announcement on March 27. Nine ministries will jointly run the contest, which was revamped from Challenge! K-Startup and refocused on early-stage firms alongside a new startup project for aspiring founders. The top prize rises to 500 million won, and follow-up support expands to the top 20 teams. An AI league is newly added among 12 leagues.