ACE Startup Academy 2026 – Founder Training & Startup Pitch Competition ($15,000 in Prizes + Up to $20,000 Matching Grants)

Reach us on

Applications are open for ACE Startup Academy 2026. The ACE Startup Academy 2026 offers a structured end-to-end startup journey designed to help entrepreneurs build, validate, grow, and prepare their businesses for investment. SMEDAN, in partnership with KOICA, invites early-stage and ready-to-scale startups to a complete journey — from building your business model to pitching for real investment.

The programme is organized in partnership with KOICA, SMEDAN, ACE Center, and the Soongsil University Consortium, offering participants hands-on training, mentorship, incubation, and funding opportunities.

What the Programme Covers

Problem Definition (Business Model) – Identify real market problems and develop a strong business model
MVP Build (AI) – Build a minimum viable product using modern tools and AI-driven approaches.
Validation (Competition) – Test your solution, receive expert feedback, and compete in the startup pitch competition.
Incubation (Mentoring) – Get mentorship, business support, and guidance from experienced founders and industry experts.
Fundraising (Investor Readiness) – Prepare your startup for investment and connect with funding opportunities.

ACE Startup Academy Benefits

Successful participants will receive:

Intensive founder training on business models, AI, and startup development
Expert mentorship and hands-on support
Opportunity to compete for $15,000 in total prize funding
Six-month incubation programme
Investor readiness and investment matching support
Opportunity to receive an investment matching grant of up to $20,000
Demo Day participation
Opportunity for a Korea Innovation & Research (IR) Trip
Daily allowance during training
Lunch provided
Access to devices and internet
AI tools and credits
Certificate of completion

Programme Journey

Founder Training: Aug 24 – Sep 18
- 120 participants · 4 cohorts · 10 days, 60 hrs
- BM 5 days + AI 5 days · PBL hands-on
Pitch Competition: Oct 7 – Oct 12
- ~50 teams → 10 finalists
- $15,000 total prize (all rewarded)
Business Incubation: Oct 19 – Mar 30 ’27
- 10 finalists move in · 6 months
- Open mentoring · BM·MVP scale-up
Overseas IR (Korea): Dec 7 – Dec 12
- 1 member/team visits Korea (10 total)
- COMEUP startup events · networking
IR Mentoring: Dec 14 – Dec 16
- IR pitch-deck refinement · rehearsal
- Investor-perspective coaching
IR Demo Day: Dec 17
- Final IR to investors
- Deal matching · matching fund support