1. Program Overview

Context:
- The Korea Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) is a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s global network jointly established by Gyeonggi Province and the Forum — globally renowned for hosting the Annual Meeting in Davos. In collaboration with the World Economic Forum, it has launched Korea’s first WEF-affiliated startup innovation community, the “Korea Frontiers Program.”
Objective:
- The Korea Frontiers Program aims to discover high-potential, technology-driven startups and provide them with opportunities to participate in the WEF’s Innovator Communities, a global network of selected startups and scale-ups. The program also aims to facilitate information exchange with global leading companies to support startups in expanding internationally.
Expected Number of Selected Companies : 20–30
Eligibility:
- Companies with high innovation technology, a positive impact on world, and leadership in their industry
- Founders or C-level executives with strong English communication skills
- Companies with aggregate investment funding of at least KRW 5 billion(approx. USD 4M) are recommended
Application Period: August 26(Tue) ~ September 26(Fri)
Program Duration: Selected companies will have the opportunity to engage for 2 years
Program Benefits:
- Networking and Event Participation
· Participation in domestic networking events, including co-branded events with the WEF Innovator Communities
· Participation in the Center-initiated Innovators' communities and collaborative networking events
- Opportunities for Participation in WEF Global Activities
· Annual Meeting of the New Champions in China (June)
· Annual Meeting of the Innovator Communities in the United States (December)
- Connectivity and Exchange across the Global C4IR Network
· Opportunities to participate in various events and collaborative activities hosted by regional Centres — including but not limited to virtual exchange sessions and in-person events.
* Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IRs) are multi-stakeholder collaboration platforms established by the WEF in partnership with countries around the world, with 20 centres currently operating globally.
- Knowledge and Insights Provision :
· Provision of curated insights via the WEF’s Strategic Intelligence platform(www.intelligence.weforum.org), developed in collaboration with over 250 global topic experts and leading institutions.
· Information on cutting-edge technology industries
· Other support programs by relevant institutions etc.
Proposed timeline(* Timeline is subject to change due to internal reasons)
Application Open(Aug 26~Sep 26) ⇨ Company Selection(~Oct 17) ⇨ On-Boarding(~Oct 31)

2. Application & Selection Process

How to Apply
1. Visit www.c4irkorea.org or C4IR Korea Intelligence Hub (koreago.net)
2. Click the "Korea Frontier 신청" Menu
3. Click the blue button "Apply" (Top or bottom of the page)
4. Fill out and submit the Google Form(https://forms.gle/Nd1N5PHoN6vpW4EY8)
Required Documents:
- Mandatory Submission: Application Form, Consent to Collection and Use of Personal Information, Financial Statements(Hometax)
- Optional: IR Deck(KR/EN) * Submit if available
※ Please note that documents not submitted within the deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances, regardless of actual possession, and all submitted documents will not be returned.
※ Additional documentation may be requested from companies selected for the program.
Evaluation Method: expert review based on the submitted application form according to evaluation criteria
Evaluation Criteria
- Innovation: Originality of technology/product/service, feasibility of market linkage, and differentiation and execution of a viable business model
- Impact
· Technology/product/service contributes to solving social problems, promoting public value, or securing sustainability
· Creating positive impacts in various areas such as business, industry, environment, etc.
- Leadership
· Demonstrated expertise or willingness to contribute to global issues, collaborations, etc.
- English Language Proficiency
· Representative's history and capabilities, international experience, ability to communicate in English, understanding of global markets, etc.
* English proficiency required as international exchange activities are mandatory
* CEO participation in international exchange activities is preferable, but if not possible, C-level or Co-Founder representation is required
- Company size and stage of growth: Companies with cumulative investment of KRW 5 billion or more are recommended
Contact Information: Overseas Cooperation Team, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Korea Tel. +82-31-776-4511, ~4513 / Email: c4irkorea@gbsa.or.kr

Call for Applicants