Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport's 6th NEXT Challenge Program

Tailored education (common and stage-specific), mentoring/consulting, investor relations support, networking opportunities, and potential direct investment for outstanding startups.

Incorporated businesses or sole proprietors with less than 7 years since establishment, including pre-founders. Excludes those under financial or tax delinquency, suspended operations, or restricted from national R&D projects.

• Application form and business plan (Annex 1)
• Personal/business registration proof (for pre-founders: proof of no business registration)
• Tax payment certificates (for existing businesses)
• Financial statements (2023-2025, for existing businesses)
• Insurance documents (for existing businesses)
• Proof of excellence (awards, patents, etc., if applicable)

1. 1Check eligibility criteria (incorporated businesses or sole proprietors with less than 7 years since establishment, including pre-founders).
2. 2Prepare required documents: Application form, business plan, personal/business registration proof, tax payment certificates, financial statements, insurance documents, and any additional proof of excellence (e.g., awards, patents).
3. 3Submit the application online via the KAIA Enterprise Support Hub (hub.kaia.re.kr) by the deadline (July 10, 2026, 18:00).
4. 4Participate in the selection process, including document review, written evaluation (if applicable), and face-to-face presentation (if shortlisted).
5. 5If selected, attend the program from July to December 2026, including education, mentoring, networking, and investor relations activities.