We are pleased to announce the Call for Applications for the FLY ASIA AWARDS 2026 at the Asian Startup Expo (FLY ASIA 2026). We look forward to the active participation of innovative global startups.
Hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and organized by the Busan Startup Investment Agency (BSIA) and the FLY ASIA 2026 Organizing Committee—with the generous sponsorship of BNK Busan Bank—this event is designed to discover promising startups with global expansion potential. Through dedicated support and acceleration, our mission is to foster the next generation of global success stories. Please refer to the details below for application guidelines and requirements.
- Purpose
- Supporting Investment & Global Expansion: To facilitate investment attraction and cross-border expansion for promising global startups through the Asian Startup Expo, while expanding networks with both domestic and international startup ecosystems.
- Promoting Busan as a Global Startup Hub: To showcase the Busan region's startup ecosystem as a global startup hub and to accelerate the expansion and integration of the global startup network.
- Fostering Innovation & Strategic Matching: To discover and award outstanding global startups, providing them with business promotion opportunities, connecting them to strategic cooperative networks, and ultimately driving their innovative growth.
Innovative global startups with the capability and strategic plans for international expansion. Applications will be managed through two tracks:
- (General Track) Open applications submitted directly by promising global startups.
- (Nomination Track) Applications submitted through nominations by Global Pavilions or International Partner Organizations.
- Provision of online IR Pitching opportunities targeting global VCs/ACs
- Transportation (airfare or rail fare) and accommodation support (limited to one representative per selected startup)
- Round-trip economy-class airfare,
- Accommodation at a business hotel (2 nights, 3 days)
- Participation in Networking Parties
- Participation in 1:1 Matchmaking Meet-ups with global investors
- Issuance of Certificates for startups advancing to the finals
- Awarding of prize money to the final 3 selected companies
- Eligibility Criteria (Company Age)
- General Sectors: Startups established on or after January 1, 2020 (Within approximately 7 years of operation).
- New Industry / Deep-tech Sectors: Startups established on or after January 1, 2017 (Within approximately 10 years of operation).
- New Industry Sectors(As defined by Public Notice No. 2024-2 of the Ministry of Startups and SMEs, South Korea dated January 30, 2024)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Next-Generation Communications (5G+), Blockchain, Service Platforms, Immersive Content, Intelligent Robotics, Smart Manufacturing System, Semiconductors, Autonomous Vehicles, Electric & Hydrogen Vehicles, Biotechnology, Medical Devices, Functional Foods, Drones & Personal Mobility, Next-Generation Marine Vessels, Disaster & Safety, Smart Cities, Smart Homes, Renewable Energy, Secondary Batteries, CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage), Resource Circulation & Energy Recycling, Aerospace & Space, Next-Generation Nuclear Energy, Quantum Technology, Cybersecurity
- Global Market Readiness: Startups with products or services possessing high potential and strategic plans for international market expansion.
- English Proficiency: Companies capable of delivering a smooth, fluent IR pitch in English.*Note: Evaluation rounds are scheduled to include both online and offline IR pitch presentations.
- IR Pitch Deck: Companies with a complete, professionally prepared English IR presentation deck.