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“B-Startup Challenge (Startup Investment Competition)” – The Stage for Challenge Opens in September!

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The Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will host the 7th B-Startup Challenge (Startup Investment Competition) on September 23, at BEXCO, where 10 finalist teams will compete for prizes after passing through the preliminary rounds.

The competition, organized by the City of Busan, BNK Busan Bank, and Busan Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), is designed to discover and support promising startups by providing them with an opportunity to showcase their potential to potential investors.

Since its inception in 2019, this competition has become Busan's leading startup investment event, generating impressive outcomes:

• ●29 companies have been awarded

• ●26 billion KRW in follow-up investments have been secured

Key Features of the 2025 B-Startup Challenge

• ●Date: September 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

• ●Location: BEXCO, Exhibition Hall 1

• ●Investment Size: Total of 300 million KRW in equity investments

• ○Grand Prize: 130 million KRW

• ○Gold Prize: 80 million KRW

• ○Silver Prize: 50 million KRW

• ○Special Prize: 30 million KRW

• ○Investment Fund: Provided entirely by BNK Busan Bank

The Fly Asia Startup Expo, a major international event, will be held alongside the competition. This is an opportunity for startups to showcase their excellence and expand their networks with global venture capital firms and accelerators.

Competition Details

• ●Eligible Participants: Startups within 5 years of establishment, with no geographical restrictions

• ●Application Period: June 23 – July 18, 2025

• ●How to Apply: Interested startups can apply through the Busan Startup Portal (www.busanstartup.kr)

• ●Preliminary Evaluation: Teams will be evaluated on technology, growth potential, and business models.

• ●Final Round: The 10 finalist teams will present their business plans and pitch their ideas to judges, including investment professionals, on September 23 at BEXCO.

Additional Support for Participants

• ●Pre-IR Coaching Program: Finalists will receive guidance to enhance their investor presentations

• ●Post-Competition Support: Winning startups will gain access to the BNK Busan Bank SUM Incubator Program and other investment opportunities

• ●Networking Opportunities: Participants will have access to investor meetings and networking sessions to increase their chances of securing investment.

Last year’s winning companies, such as CIT Inc. (a 5G communications company) and ELECT (an electric excavation company), successfully raised substantial follow-up investments and gained recognition at international exhibitions like CES 2025.

Nam Dong-woo, Director of the Busan Finance and Startup Policy Bureau, stated:

“Through this competition, we aim to create a platform where innovative startups can secure the investment they need to grow. With BNK Busan Bank’s venture fund and the establishment of the Busan Future Growth Venture Fund, we plan to build a sustainable investment ecosystem and strengthen Busan’s position as a startup hub.”