The National IT Industry Promotion Agency of Korea (NIPA), together with the ASEAN Secretariat and Cradle Fund (under Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation), is launching the first Korea-ASEAN AI Development & Startup Competition in 2025.
Cradle said in a statement last Thursday that the Korea-ASEAN AI Development & Startup Competition 2025, titled AI Youth Festa, is now officially open for applications.
This competition is part of the Korea-ASEAN Digital Innovation Flagship Project (KADIF). Its goal is to find and support 22 promising AI startups—two from each ASEAN country and two from Korea. These startups will get expert guidance, chances to connect with others in the region, and support to find funding and grow their businesses.
As one of the main KADIF programs, the competition aims to boost digital innovation, support new entrepreneurs, and strengthen cooperation among Southeast Asian countries. It also supports the goals of the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI) and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
“The competition is more than an event — it’s a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and inclusive growth,
“By connecting young entrepreneurs across ASEAN and Korea, we are nurturing talent, forging lasting partnerships and laying the foundation for a resilient and future-ready digital ecosystem that will shape the future of our region,” said Hyungkyu Lim Project Lead of NIPA.
Meanwhile, Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle, said this competition is a bold step toward ASEAN’s digital future.
“It offers startups access to mentorship, investors and a global stage for AI innovation,
“As a key milestone under ASEAN Startup Initiative, we’re proud to launch this journey in Malaysia and invite visionary founders to lead the way,” he added.
The selected startups will join a special 8-week accelerator program run by a leading Korean accelerator. The program includes expert mentoring, networking with others in the region, and chances to meet potential investors.
A total of 22 AI startup teams from ASEAN countries and Korea will work together to solve regional problems in areas like healthcare, farming, and education.
Participants will get helpful advice from AI experts, connect with other startups in the region and receive support for travel and accommodation.
Participants will also have the chance to win cash prizes:
1st Place: KRW 28 million (around $20,000)
2nd Place: KRW 14 million (around $10,000)
3rd Place: KRW 7 million (around $5,000)
The competition will end with an exciting Demo Day and Winners Announcement during the Startup ASEAN Summit, happening from November 3–5 in Kuala Lumpur.
The event will include live startup pitch sessions, meetings with investors, talks by international speakers, cultural performances, and chances for business networking.
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