BUSAN — A global acceleration program supporting Busan-based startups' entry into Silicon Valley is launching in full scale. The initiative goes beyond simple exhibition participation to offer comprehensive support spanning pre-departure capability building, local networking, and investment connections.
Busan Creative Economy Innovation Center announced it will recruit 10 startups from March 3 to 15 for the "Busan Global Startup Gateway 2026" program, organized in partnership with Plug and Play, the world's largest accelerator.
Plug and Play is a global accelerator that has nurtured numerous promising startups and major tech companies including Google and PayPal. The firm hosts the annual "Plug and Play Summit" in Silicon Valley each May, drawing approximately 4,000 participants from global corporations, venture capital firms, and government agencies.
Selected companies will participate in an online global acceleration program for approximately four weeks starting in April. The program includes preliminary company assessments, Silicon Valley market education, U.S. market entry strategy development, and one-on-one customized mentoring to help participants refine their expansion strategies.
Participants will then attend the Plug and Play Summit, operating a joint Busan startup booth and conducting meetups and networking sessions with representatives from global companies, VCs, accelerators, and government agencies. Top-performing companies will receive opportunities to participate in official presentation sessions, giving them a platform to pitch directly to global investors.
Beyond summit participation, the program provides separate local activities including visits to major Silicon Valley companies and meetings with industry executives.
Participating companies will receive financial support for summit registration fees and travel expenses. Registration fees are covered up to $10,000 per company for a maximum of two participants (approximately $5,000 per person), while airfare and accommodation are reimbursed up to $2,000 per company based on actual expenses.
Eligible applicants are incorporated startups headquartered or with branch offices in Busan, established within the past seven years. Participation by decision-makers capable of English pitching and business meetings is mandatory. Companies in five deep-tech sectors—artificial intelligence and big data, robotics, bio-health, future mobility, and green energy—may apply if established within 10 years.
Busan Creative Economy Innovation Center previously signed a business agreement with Plug and Play for global acceleration cooperation and has been strengthening joint program planning and global network connections.
"This program is designed as a comprehensive system extending from pre-departure global capability building to local networking and investment connections, going beyond simple exhibition participation," a Busan Creative Economy Innovation Center official said. "We will actively support Busan startups to directly connect with the Silicon Valley ecosystem and achieve tangible investment and collaboration results."
Companies interested in participating can apply through the Busan Startup Portal. Details are available on the Busan Creative Economy Innovation Center website.