The Korea–ASEAN AI Development & Startup Competition 2025, branded as AI Youth Fiesta, is now officially open for applications. This landmark initiative aims to spotlight and accelerate 22 high-potential AI startups—two each from ASEAN member states and the Republic of Korea—through expert mentorship, regional exposure, and access to funding and markets.
Organized under the Korea–ASEAN Digital Innovation Flagship Project (KADIF), the competition is jointly delivered by the National IT Industry Promotion Agency of Korea (NIPA), the ASEAN Secretariat, and Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd under Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
A Launchpad for AI Startups Across ASEAN and Korea
The AI Youth Fiesta 2025 is more than a competition—it’s a strategic platform to:
- Accelerate digital innovation and entrepreneurship
- Strengthen Korea–ASEAN cooperation
- Support the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and Korea–ASEAN Solidarity Initiative
“This competition is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and inclusive growth,” said Hyungkyu Lim, Project Lead at NIPA.
“By connecting young entrepreneurs across ASEAN and Korea, we’re laying the foundation for a resilient, future-ready digital ecosystem.”
What Startups Can Expect
Selected startups will participate in an eight-week accelerator led by Korean experts, featuring:
- Tailored mentorship
- Regional networking
- Investor exposure
- Travel and accommodation support
Startups will tackle real-world challenges in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The competition will culminate in a Demo Day and winner announcement at the Startup ASEAN Summit, held from 3–5 November 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. The summit will feature:
- Live startup pitches
- Investor engagement sessions
- Global speakers
- Cultural showcases
- Business-matching opportunities
“This is a bold step toward ASEAN’s digital future,” said Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle.
“We invite visionary founders to lead the way.”
