South Korea Launches K-Founders Network in India
- Korea launches Global K-Founders Network in India
- Connects startups, investors for global expansion
- MoU with IIT Delhi to boost startup collaboration
South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups has launched the Global K-Founders Network in New Delhi, marking its first international expansion to strengthen collaboration with overseas startup ecosystems.
The initiative is designed as a global platform connecting Korean entrepreneurs and investors, with India chosen as the first hub due to its large market size and strong technology talent base. The move reflects a strategic push to integrate Korean startups more deeply into high-growth innovation ecosystems.
At the launch event, Vice Minister No Yong-seok engaged with Korean companies operating in India, gathering feedback on challenges such as regulatory approvals and market access. The ministry indicated that these inputs will be incorporated into future policies to better support overseas expansion.
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The delegation also visited Indian Institute of Technology Delhi to explore collaboration in university-led startup ecosystems. Discussions focused on increasing exchanges between Indian and Korean startups and fostering cooperation in technology-driven ventures.
To formalize this collaboration, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development and the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi. This partnership aims to create structured pathways for joint innovation, startup incubation, and technology commercialisation.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to expand the Global K-Founders Network to other major regions, including the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia, building a global support infrastructure for Korean entrepreneurs.
From a strategic perspective, the initiative highlights growing India-South Korea collaboration in the startup and innovation space, leveraging India’s ecosystem strengths while enabling Korean startups to scale internationally.
