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Deadline: March 8, 2026

South Korea Market Access

Scale and expand your business in one of Asia’s most dynamic innovation hubs.

Remote | South Korea

Grow in one of the world’s top innovation ecosystems — combining strong funding momentum, R&D-driven industries, dense talent clusters, and active government support to reduce market entry risks and avoid costly expansion mistakes.

Turn local access and partnerships into real market traction

South Korea offers exceptional opportunities for German startups — from global corporates and advanced industries to fast-moving consumer and digital markets. But without local insight and trusted access, companies risk mispositioning, slow traction, and missed partnerships.

This program helps you enter the market with clarity and confidence. Through expert guidance, strong local partners, and curated market access, the program enables you to validate demand, connect with the right stakeholders, and move faster toward commercial traction — without wasting months on trial-and-error.

What You Get with South Korea Market Access

Localized Go-to-Market Strategy

Develop and refine a Korea-specific positioning and entry strategy aligned with local customer behavior and decision-making dynamics.

Investor Exposure in Korea & Asia

Connect with relevant Korean and regional investors aligned with your sector, growth stage, and expansion ambitions.

Direct Access to Key Ecosystem Players

Gain introductions to corporates, customers, and key ecosystem organizations — including KITIA, Wadiz, and KITA.

Commercial Pipeline & Next-Step Execution

Turn meetings into momentum with follow-ups, pilot discussions, and a clear action plan to continue building traction after the program.

Walk Away With Clear Outcomes

A validated Korea-specific go-to-market strategy

A prioritized target customer and partner landscape

Initial commercial and partnership pipelines

First-hand insights into competition and market dynamics

A clear post-program roadmap for continued expansion

Is This Program Right for You?

German-incorporated startup (UG, AG, GmbH, GmbH & Co. KG; others case-by-case)

Established MVP and early commercial traction

Strong team committed to international expansion

POWERING YOUR EXPANSION

Our Strategic Ecosystem Partners

KITIA

Korea Core Industrial Technology Investment Association is our strategic partner for B2B matchmaking and investment facilitation, especially within industrial technologies, parts & materials sectors, and R&D-driven commercialization.

Wadiz

Korean leader in B2C launch and consumer channels, enabling validated market tests, crowdfunding, and brand-to-consumer exposure.

KITA

Korea International Trade Association supports export, trade insights, and market access programs bridging Korea with international business opportunities.

Why South Korea Matters for German Startups

Semiconductors & Supply Chain
Global hub for semiconductors with direct access to Tier-1 manufacturers, suppliers,and R&D-driven industrial partners.
Consumer Tech & Digital Platforms
Highly connected, trend-setting consumer market with fast adoption cycles and stronginfluence across Asia.
B2C & German Consumer Products
Strong consumer interest in high-quality German products across lifestyle, health, mobility, home, and sustainability.
Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
3D printing, composites, coatings
AI, Software & Deep Tech
Rapidly growing AI ecosystem with strong demand for B2B SaaS, automation, and enterprise software solutions.
Smart Mobility & Future Transportation
Leading ecosystem for electric vehicles, batteries, robotics, and smart mobility solutions.
Manufacturing Innovation
Advanced manufacturing base actively adopting automation, smart factories, and industrial digitalization.

Program Snapshot

Phase 1

Preparation & Orientation

Kickoff session, market briefings, and goal alignment to prepare your Korea market entry.

Phase 2

Strategic Engagement & Mentoring

Mentoring and expert sessions, combined with tailored introductions.

Phase 3

Immersion Week in Korea

Optional immersion week, including corporate visits, investor meetings, pitch sessions, and participation in relevant industry events.

Phase 4

Post-Program Follow-Up

Continued support with debriefs, partner referrals, and structured follow-up beyond the program.

Upcoming Cohort

Location:

Remote & South Korea (optional)

Program Dates:

March 23 – June 26, 2026

Immersion Week in South Korea

Customized per startup needs and specialization

Application Deadline:

March 8, 2026

Format:

Workshops, 1-1 Mentoring, Immersion Week

Cost:

Free*

Test

Meet all Startup Stories

"I would say one of the things that really impressed me was the high profile of the experts that they German Accelerator introduced us to."

Read Story
Trinh Le-Fiedler
CEO & Co-Founder

"When it comes to choosing a startup accelerator for international expansion, Kellermann is clear: “In my opinion, I highly recommend German Accelerator,” he said."

Read Story
Julian Kellermann
Managing Director

"A ten-minute in-person meeting saved a lot of paperwork. Being physically present in Asia made all the difference."

Read Story
Otto Klemke
Co-Founder and CEO

"With our market plans to expand into the U.S., the mentors immensely helped us by giving deep insights on how to improve our pitch, our market focus and segmentation, our approach, and our communication and branding."

Read Story
Dr. Arne Kruse
Co-Founder

"It’s all about meeting the right people, so the German Accelerator network was most relevant to our success,” said Pentenrieder. “I’m excited to continue collaborating with that network."

Read Story
Martin Pentenrieder
Co-Founder
01

Submit Your Application

Submit your pitch deck along with answers to key questions about your business, including your vision, market-fit, and current growth stage. This information will help assess your company’s potential for success and eligibility for the German Accelerator program.

02

Selection Process

Our team will carefully evaluate your application, reviewing all provided materials including your pitch deck and company details. If your startup is selected and meets the eligibility criteria, you will be notified of the next steps.

03

Time to Roll Up Your Sleeves

Participate in the program and start working on validating your product-market fit through 1:1 mentor sessions, workshops, and immersion week.

04

The Journey Continues

With new knowledge and experiences, as well as clear steps  and feedback on how to proceed, pursue the market further or explore other regions. Whichever it may be, German Accelerator will remain your internationalization partner. Check out other Market Discovery destinations, or commit and participate in the Market Access program.

Testimonials

What Previous Program Participants Say

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