Asan Doers program opens applications for aspiring entrepreneurs targeting global markets

Startups that participated in the Chung Ju-yung Startup Competition Demo Day pose for a group photo on Oct. 29, 2025. [ASAN NANUM FOUNDATION]

 
The Asan Nanum Foundation is recruiting members for its business incubation program, the “Asan Doers,” which supports aspiring entrepreneurs who are keen to launch their own businesses targeting the global market. Applications are open until April 20.
 
The Asan Doers initiative aims to help aspiring entrepreneurs carry out the key early-stage processes of starting a business, such as product development, customer research and team building, according to the foundation.
 
The program will accept 60 individuals or teams aged between 19 and 29, regardless of nationality. Applicants must be able to participate in the program, which will be conducted in Korean and English. The program will run for seven months and will offer mentoring sessions as well as funding for overseas projects.
 
 
During the mentoring sessions, selected participants will receive guidance from experienced business owners to strengthen their preparation and enhance their pitching skills, business strategies and further plans.
 
Each selected participant will also receive 1 million won ($671) in funding to support their overseas expansion, along with tailored mentoring from industry experts.
 
Among the participants, four individuals or teams will be eligible to compete in the Chung Ju-yung Startup Competition, an eight-month acceleration program that includes education, networking, mentoring and funding. During the competition, participants will also have the opportunity to present their businesses to investors and partners. 
 
A total of 70 million won in prize money will be awarded to the winners of the grand prize, the excellence prize and the merit prize at the competition.
 
Participants selected for the Asan Doers initiative will also gain access to MARU, the Asan Nanum Foundation’s startup support platform. Through MARU, participants can use shared office spaces and receive various benefits, including mentoring and access to the founder community.
 
They will also be able to use services related to cloud computing, AI, development, recruitment, marketing and employee welfare at discounted rates or free of charge.
 
Applications will be accepted until 3 p.m. on April 20, and the results will be announced on May 15, following document screening and interviews.
 
More details are available on the Asan Doers’ official website and social media channels. An online information session for prospective applicants will take place on April 2.

BY YOON SEUNG-JIN [[email protected]]