Korean startups are expanding their global reach beyond the U.S. and Japan, setting their sights on Singapore and India. This shift represents a strategic pivot from focusing solely on large, developed markets to leveraging Singapore as a gateway to Southeast Asia and India as a burgeoning digital marketplace. These emerging hubs are becoming crucial for validating business models and attracting international investment.
621 Companies Apply; Selection Expanded to 30 Companies
On Thursday, industry sources reported that the Korea Startup Forum (KSF), organizer of the global startup festival COMEUP, held an orientation for the 30 finalists of COMEUP STARS 2026 at Tipstown S6 in Seoul’s Gangnam district.
COMEUP STARS is designed to help Korean startups assess market viability in target regions and connect with local experts, investors, and potential partners to develop robust international expansion strategies. This year’s program has expanded to include Singapore and India alongside the existing U.S., Japan, China, and European tracks, totaling six regions. Each region will select five companies, bringing the total to 30 participants.
This year’s application pool of 621 startups marks an all-time high, representing an 11% increase from last year’s 559 applicants. The final selection ratio stands at a competitive 20.7 to 1. Responding to the growing demand for international expansion, KSF increased the number of selected companies from 20 to 30 this year.
The United States remains the most sought-after destination, with 271 companies—44% of all applicants—vying for the U.S. track. Japan attracted 163 companies (26%), while the newly introduced Singapore track drew 96 companies (15%).
Singapore is gaining traction as a strategic hub for Southeast Asian expansion and investment attraction. Its English-speaking business environment and comprehensive financial infrastructure make it an ideal testbed for startups looking to gauge market response before venturing into neighboring countries.
India is emerging as a prime market for Korean startups across various sectors, including SaaS, fintech, e-commerce, education, and healthcare. This surge of interest is fueled by India’s vast population and rapid digital transformation.
Tailored Acceleration with Regional Partners
The orientation provided an overview of the program and upcoming events, featuring alumni discussions, panel talks, and networking opportunities. Veteran participants like Locally and Kalman shared insights on leveraging local networks and maximizing program benefits based on their COMEUP STARS experiences.
Regional partners, including COMEUP House representatives, presented market insights, localization strategies, and case studies. Wilt Venture Builder from Singapore and Unicorn Incubator from India outlined collaboration plans and essential preparations for market entry.
Selected startups will engage in region-specific acceleration programs, including specialized lectures on market entry and investment strategies, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and business meetups.
The main COMEUP 2026 event, scheduled for December 9-11 at COEX in Seoul, will feature pitch sessions and networking opportunities with global investors.
KSF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Choi Ji-young emphasized that COMEUP STARS and the regional COMEUP Houses are forging crucial first connections for global expansion. It’s committed to providing tailored support and fostering community engagement to help startups seize concrete opportunities in international markets.