Ministry of SMEs and Startups Opens Applications for 2025 Venture Startup Promotion Awards

Encouraging Contributions to the Vitalization of the Venture Ecosystem

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on the 21st that it is accepting applications for the '2025 Venture Startup Promotion Merit Awards' to recognize individuals who have contributed to the activation of ventures and startups.

The Venture Startup Promotion Merit Awards have been held annually since 1997 to encourage the innovative spirit of excellent venture and startup companies, which are the main drivers of South Korea's innovation growth. The awards are composed of 10 categories across four fields: venture activation, investment activation, startup activation, and support organizations.

This year, new categories for 'Overseas Korean Venture Companies' and 'Overseas Korean VCs (Venture Capital)' have been established to honor contributors who have elevated South Korea's status in the overseas venture and investment sectors.

The total number of awards is 182, including 39 government awards such as orders and medals, presidential and prime minister commendations, and 143 awards from the Minister of SMEs and Startups.

Those wishing to apply can do so through the K-Startup website from today until 6 p.m. on the 21st of next month. Detailed information on eligibility and application procedures for each category can also be found on the Ministry of SMEs and Startups website and the Awards Portal.

Kim Bong-deok, Director of Venture Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, "We will actively encourage entrepreneurs and investors who have contributed to the activation of the private-led venture investment ecosystem, as well as staff of support organizations who have contributed to the establishment of sustainable venture support policies."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.