Global ImpactPreneur selects 20 impact start-ups from Asia-Pacific
A total of 126 start-ups from the Asia-Pacific region applied for the program, with the 20 teams selected following rigorous application review.
13 May 2026, Seoul – The global impact startup accelerator programme 'Global ImpactPreneur', co-hosted by the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (Director Anne Juepner) and the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation (Chairman Chung Moosung) and implemented by Impact Square (CEO Doh Hyun-myung), announced on 11 May that it has finalized the selection of 20 participating teams from 10 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
The selected start-ups are addressing diverse social challenges such as the climate crisis, the circular economy, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and social inclusion through AI and innovative tech-based solutions. Since late April, they have been actively participating in the global acceleration programme.
'Global ImpactPreneur', launched in March 2026, aims to identify and nurture innovative entrepreneurs who contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to strengthen the broader impact ecosystem across the Asia-Pacific region.
A total of 126 start-ups from the Asia-Pacific region applied for the programme, with the 20 teams selected following rigorous application review.
The selected teams are based in 10 countries, including the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, and Malaysia, and consist of early-stage start-ups developing solutions that contribute to resolving social and environmental challenges and advancing the SDGs.
The Demo Day and networking event, the highlight of the programme, is scheduled to take place on 6 and 7 July at the ONDREAM SOCIETY in Seoul.
The top 10 teams, selected through an interim evaluation, will pitch their businesses to investors and start-up ecosystem stakeholders, including UNDP, the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation, and CVC Capital Partners. Outstanding teams will receive award grants and opportunities for follow-on programmes and investment opportunities.
"This workshop served as a practical venue for exchange, allowing impact entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific region to share their concerns and experiences," said Julie Lee, Programme Analyst at the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre. "The Global ImpactPreneur programme is garnering significant interest and participation from start-ups by enhancing their understanding of impact business and matching them with expert matching tailored to each company’s specific needs and challenges. The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre will continue to support the growth of impact entrepreneurs to ensure that innovative solutions lead to resolving social challenges in developing countries."