Nationwide Startup Initiative Attracts 60,000 Participants, President Lee Optimistic

President Lee Jae-myung praised the success of the 'Everyone's Startup' initiative, the first project of the 'National Startup Era,' stating that it opens the path toward becoming a nation centered on practical entrepreneurship.

On May 16, President Lee shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) from Han Seung-sook, Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, which read, "Everyone's Startup begins with 60,000 passionate challenges." He expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Minister Han Seung-sook, for this significant achievement. I look forward to the second, third, and n-th rounds as well."

In her post, Minister Han noted, "The application period for 'Everyone's Startup' has closed. The results are truly remarkable. Over 60,000 individuals have taken on this challenge with their precious dreams over the past 50 days," adding, "The National Startup Era! The 60,000 challenges of Everyone's Startup prove it."

'Everyone's Startup' is a public startup audition promoted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Applications opened on March 26 and closed at 8 PM the previous day, with a total of 62,944 participants.

The ministry plans to select 5,000 individuals in the first round, including 4,000 from the general and technology track and 1,000 from the local track. Participants selected from the general and technology track will receive 2 million won in phased startup activity funding, mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs, AI solutions, regulatory screening, and follow-up commercialization funding of up to 100 million won.

The final winner will receive a grand prize of up to 500 million won and additional support totaling over 1 billion won, including follow-up investment connections. The local track winner will receive a prize of up to 100 million won and benefits related to follow-up investments.