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Founders Bridge

Turn Your Idea Into a Startup— and Get Ready for KSGC

A hands-on startup program that helps international students turn ideas into real ventures

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Overview

Founders Bridge is a hands-on startup program that helps international students turn ideas into real ventures. Participants will define a real problem, identify their target customer, build and test an MVP, and learn by doing what it takes to launch.

By the end of the program, they will walk away with more than an idea — they will have a validated direction, a foundation for execution, and a pathway to the KSGC Foreign Student Track.

Support

What You Receive

Turn your idea into something real

Build and test an MVP with structured support and hands-on guidance

Know what works — and what doesn't

Validate your problem, target customer, and business model early

Get support when it matters

Receive 1:1 mentoring tailored to your stage and key challenges

Move to the next stage

Top teams will have the opportunity to advance to the KSGC Foreign Student Track

Program Structure

Program Structure

Define phase
1
Step 1
Define
Understand your business idea, target customer, and key challenges with expert guidance
Refine your business model based on feedback
Build & Validate phase
2
Step 2
Build & Validate
Develop an MVP and validate your assumptions in the market
Prepare & Present phase
3
Step 3
Prepare & Present
Strengthen your business plan and pitch, and prepare for the next stage
What You'll Do

Key Activities

Founder Mindset Bootcamp

Develop the mindset and discipline of a founder — setting weekly goals, executing effectively, and building habits for continuous learning and improvement.

Business Model Refinement

Work with mentors to review and refine key elements of your business, including target customer, market fit, go-to-market strategy, and potential partnerships.

MVP Discovery & Validation

Define your MVP, explore testing approaches, and validate your assumptions through user research and feedback.

Startup Operations Training

Learn how to set up and run a company in practice, including incorporation, contracts, taxation, labor basics, and intellectual property.

Business Plan Development

Build your business plan step by step — structuring your idea, supporting it with evidence, and defining key metrics clearly.

Pitch Deck & IR Coaching

Strengthen your pitch through structured feedback on slides, storytelling, delivery, and Q&A preparation.

Requirements

Who Should Apply

Who should apply

We are looking for startups that:

1
International students in Korea (enrolled, on leave, or recent graduates)
2
Individuals preparing to start a business
3
Early-stage teams exploring an idea or MVP
At a Glance

Program Details

Duration
May–Julywith prototype support available from August to November
Location
Partner universities and program venues
Language
Englishwith bilingual support available depending on program activities
Cost
Cost
FreeFor selected participants
How to Apply

Application Process

1
Step 1

Apply

Submit your idea, motivation, and team information

2
Step 2

We Review Your Application

We review your idea, motivation, and potential

3
Step 3

Get Selected

Selected applicants will receive next steps to join the program

Ready?

Start with an idea.Build your startup.

Join Founders Bridge and take the next step with KSGC.

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