AWARDS

Leap Forward Together with Asian Cities in Busan

FLY ASIA AWARDS 2026 for International Startups

A global startup awards programme designed to support investment attraction and international expansion opportunities for innovative startups worldwide.

Event Overview

DateOctober 7 (Wed) – October 8 (Thu), 2026 (Final Round)

VenueBEXCO Exhibition Center I (Hall 1 & Hall 2A), Busan, Republic of Korea

Hosted byBusan Metropolitan City

Organized byBusan Startup Investment Agency (BSIA)

Target Applicants

Innovative global startups with the capability and strategic plans for international expansion.

General TrackOpen applications submitted directly by promising global startups

Nomination TrackApplications submitted through nominations by Global Pavilions or International Partner Organizations

Eligibility Criteria

·Startups established on or after January 1, 2020 (within approximately 7 years of operation)
·Startups in New Industry / Deep-tech sectors established on or after January 1, 2017 (within approximately 10 years of operation)
·Startups with products or services possessing strong potential for international market expansion
·Companies capable of delivering an IR pitch in English
·Companies with a professionally prepared English IR presentation deck
·Excluded Criteria & Important Notes

Excluded Criteria	-Antisocial, Speculative, or Environmentally Harmful Businesses: This includes all business sectors excluded from startup support pursuant to Article 4 of the Enforcement Decree of the "Support for Small and Medium Enterprises Establishment Act" of the Republic of Korea. Intellectual Property (IP) Infringement Service Agencies & Pure Military Tech Speculative Crypto/Token Issuance: Simple cryptocurrency or token issuance projects (Web3, DeFi, or RWA are eligible to apply).
Important Notes	-Corporations & Legal Entities: The foundation date is based on the "Date of Incorporation" (the official date of legal formation stated on the Certificate of Incorporation / Corporate Registry). -Multiple Registrations: For applicants owning or managing multiple business licenses (individual or corporate), the company age will be calculated based on the establishment date of the very first business registered. -International Applicants (Overseas): For companies registered outside of South Korea, the foundation date will be determined by the official business commencement date as recognized by the relevant laws and government regulations of the respective country.

Excluded Criteria

-Antisocial, Speculative, or Environmentally Harmful Businesses:

*This includes all business sectors excluded from startup support pursuant to Article 4 of the Enforcement Decree of the "Support for Small and Medium Enterprises Establishment Act" of the Republic of Korea.

*Intellectual Property (IP) Infringement

*Service Agencies & Pure Military Tech

*Speculative Crypto/Token Issuance: Simple cryptocurrency or token issuance projects (Web3, DeFi, or RWA are eligible to apply).

Important Notes

-Corporations & Legal Entities: The foundation date is based on the "Date of Incorporation" (the official date of legal formation stated on the Certificate of Incorporation / Corporate Registry).

-Multiple Registrations: For applicants owning or managing multiple business licenses (individual or corporate), the company age will be calculated based on the establishment date of the very first business registered.

-International Applicants (Overseas): For companies registered outside of South Korea, the foundation date will be determined by the official business commencement date as recognized by the relevant laws and government regulations of the respective country.

Application Period

·Announcement Period: June 22 – July 31, 2026
·Application Period: July 1 – July 31, 2026 (18:00 KST)

How to Apply

·Submit your application online through the official FLY ASIA 2026 website.
·Application Process : AWARDS → Global AWARDS → Complete and Submit the Application Form

※ Applicants must upload an English IR presentation deck when submitting the application.

※ Supporting documents will be requested only from startups that pass the preliminary evaluation.

※ Any false information identified during the review process may result in disqualification.

Benefits

Preliminary Evaluation

·Opportunity to participate in online IR pitching sessions with global VCs and ACs

Finalists (Approx. 25 Startups)

·Round-trip economy-class airfare for one representative
·Accommodation support (2 nights, 3 days)
·Participation in networking parties
·Access to 1:1 meet-ups with global investors
·Certificate of Finalist

Award Winners

Total Prize Pool: KRW 100 Million
·1st Prize (1 Startup): KRW 50 Million
·2nd Prize (1 Startup): KRW 30 Million
·3rd Prize (1 Startup): KRW 20 Million

※ All prize money is subject to applicable withholding taxes under the laws and regulations of the Republic of Korea.

Key Schedule

Document EvaluationEarly August 2026

Preliminary Evaluation (Online)Late August 2026

Final Evaluation (On-site)October 7–8, 2026

Contact Information

FLY ASIA 2026 Global Awards Secretariat

· Haewon Lee

· Tel. +82-51-715-1764

· E-mail. hwl2@bsia.or.kr

· Hailey Song

· Tel. +82-70-4365-8542

· E-mail. flyasia26@gmail.com

Ready to take your startup global?
Join the FLY ASIA AWARDS 2026 and showcase your innovation to global investors, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners.

Apply Now

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