Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Agri-Food Startup Contest is aimed at supporting innovative entrepreneurs in the agriculture and food sectors.
- Applicants must be within 7 years of entrepreneurship, with special recognition for young innovators under 39.
- Total prizes amount to KRW 125 million, along with extensive follow-up support from major domestic companies.
Contest Overview
The 2026 Agri-Food Startup Contest, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Institute of Agricultural Technology Promotion, has begun. This initiative seeks to discover and support founders with innovative ideas and advanced technologies in agriculture and food. The program will help selected entrepreneurs develop their capabilities and connect with potential investors to promote their growth.
To be eligible, applicants must be entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs with no more than seven years of experience, showcasing exceptional technology and ideas across the agriculture value chain. Notably, to boost participation among younger innovators, a specific award will be given to a team led by individuals aged 39 and under, known as the “Agri-Food Young Frontier Award.”
Applications are open from May 6 until June 3 at 6:00 p.m. Teams competing for the awards will have opportunities to win various prizes, including a total of KRW 125 million in monetary rewards. The grand prize includes a Presidential Award and a cash award of KRW 50 million, while the runner-up will receive a Prime Minister’s Award and KRW 20 million. Two additional excellence awards will be given, each accompanied by a Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs Award and KRW 10 million.
In addition to financial prizes, winning teams will benefit from robust follow-up support aimed at growing their businesses. Key domestic enterprises like the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, Lotte Central Research Institute, and CJ CheilJedang will serve as sponsors, providing customized assistance that includes investment connections, technology validation reviews, expert mentoring, and access to shared office spaces.
The competition will begin with document reviews and presentation evaluations, leading to the selection of 22 teams for the main round. After a rigorous selection process, 11 teams will advance to the finals, where finalists will receive a comprehensive acceleration program at no cost. This includes pitch consulting to enhance their chances of attracting investors, personalized expert mentoring, and support for promotional exhibition booths.
According to a representative from the Korea Institute of Agricultural Technology Promotion, the contest is anticipated to be a pivotal opportunity for forward-thinking founders who aspire to shape the future of the agri-food industry. Entrepreneurs with unique technologies and innovative services are encouraged to participate actively.
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