Applications open through Oct. 6 for startup ideas in generative AI, robotics, cybersecurity and other emerging technologies
Seven teams to be selected nationwide from aspiring and early-stage founders aged 19–39, with cash prizes and one-on-one mentoring
Mapo-gu is accepting applications through Oct. 6 for the "2026 MAPO Youth Startup Idea Competition MAPO NEXT STAGE," a contest aimed at discovering young entrepreneurs in emerging technology fields and helping turn innovative ideas into real businesses.
Hosted by Mapo-gu and organized by the Mapo Youth Startup and Employment Support Center Naru, the competition carries the subtitle "A Stage for AI and Future Innovation Youth Entrepreneurs."
Applicants are asked to identify a problem they want to solve using future technologies — such as generative AI, robotics or cybersecurity — and submit a business plan outlining their startup idea, its points of differentiation and its potential for market entry.
The competition is open to aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders nationwide between the ages of 19 and 39. Early-stage founders must have launched their business within three years of the announcement date. Individuals or teams of up to five members, including the representative, may apply, with no restrictions on place of residence.
Selected teams will share a total prize pool of 6.6 million won ($4,850) and receive the Mapo District Mayor Award. The top prize of 3 million won goes to one grand-prize winner, while two excellence-award teams each receive 1 million won, two merit-award teams each receive 500,000 won, and two encouragement-award teams each receive 300,000 won. An awards ceremony will be held Nov. 3 at the "Youth Startup Day" event.
The competition goes beyond a simple idea contest: winning teams will receive practical support to help them develop and advance their startup preparations and commercialization plans.
Winners will receive customized one-on-one mentoring sessions with field experts from Nov. 23 to Nov. 27, along with consulting on business viability assessments, investor relations pitching and networking — all geared toward real-world startup readiness.
Interested applicants can download the application form, business plan and other required documents from the notice board on the Mapo Youth Startup and Employment Support Center Naru website, then submit them by email to the designated contact. All documents must be converted to PDF format before submission.
Judging will proceed in two rounds: a document screening and a final presentation evaluation. Up to 15 teams will advance from the document round, which assesses creativity, AI innovation, market potential and scalability, feasibility, and social value.
The final seven teams will be selected at the in-person finals on Oct. 28 at the Mapo Youth Startup and Employment Support Center Naru, following presentations and a question-and-answer session.
"We created this competition so that young people's innovative ideas can lead to real startups," Mapo-gu District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said. "We will do our best to support young entrepreneurs who are creating new possibilities through future technology so they can grow with confidence."
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