Science ministry opens applications for 2026 GovTech startup competition

The science ministry said it will open applications Thursday for the 2026 GovTech Startup Competition, inviting prospective entrepreneurs and early-stage companies to take part in a competition focused on public-service innovation.

GovTech refers to bringing advanced private-sector technologies, including AI and data, into the public sector to improve public services. Applications will be accepted from Aug. 20 through Monday, Sept. 21.

"The GovTech Startup Competition is a starting point for public innovation that can uncover outstanding ideas and technological capabilities from the private sector," Choi Dong-won, director general for AI infrastructure policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said. "We hope prospective entrepreneurs and early-stage companies in GovTech will show strong interest and participate actively, and that this competition will provide participants with a foundation for entrepreneurship and growth," he added.

The 2026 competition is the third edition and will operate two tracks: idea planning and product-and-service development.

Entrants must choose an open topic in one of three areas: public services for the general public, local and social problem-solving, or public-infrastructure innovation.

Winning teams will receive a 70 million won ($49,610) prize pool. They will also receive preferential consideration when applying next year for the GovTech startup AI demonstration and commercialization support program.