The Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) said on the 29th that, together with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, it will sponsor the 2026 KAIST Climate Tech national audition.
Now in its third year, the competition is hosted by KAIST and was prepared to discover promising (preliminary) startups with innovative ideas and technologies to solve climate issues.
The audition is open to everyone nationwide and selects participants with creative technologies and business models that can contribute to carbon neutrality and responding to the climate crisis. In particular, as growth prospects in Climate Tech rise, it is drawing expectations as a venue to discover startups that will lead new future industries.
Teams that pass the first-round evaluation will be offered opportunities to refine their ideas through expert advice and mentoring. After a presentation contest, 10 final teams will be selected and awarded certificates along with a total of 1.5 billion won in prize money.
The Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) plans to go beyond a simple contest and strengthen follow-up support. It will support local expert exchange programs and investment attraction activities for overseas expansion, and, in connection with next year's startup package support program, establish a support system so that startups can grow step by step.
Yu Jong-pil, head of the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), said, "The climate technology field is a core sector that must be fostered to achieve carbon neutrality and secure future growth engines," adding, "Through this sponsorship, we will work to vitalize the climate technology startup ecosystem and actively support startups so they can contribute to solving the climate crisis by strengthening cooperation with related institutions."
Startups wishing to participate can apply online through the KAIST website by June 22.