Korea-ASEAN AI Youth Festa 2025: Empowering Startups and Driving Digital Innovation Across Southeast Asia

Korea-ASEAN AI Development & Startup Competition 2025 Now Open for Applications

The National IT Industry Promotion Agency of Korea (NIPA), in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat and Malaysia’s Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle) under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), has announced the launch of the Korea-ASEAN AI Development & Startup Competition 2025. The event, also known as AI Youth Festa, invites AI startups across ASEAN member states and Korea to apply.

This competition is a key initiative of the Korea-ASEAN Digital Innovation Flagship Project (KADIF). It will select 22 promising AI startups—two from each ASEAN country and Korea—to receive expert mentorship, regional networking opportunities, and access to funding and markets. The program supports digital innovation and entrepreneurship while fostering cooperation throughout Southeast Asia.

Supporting Innovation and Regional Collaboration

Hyungkyu Lim, Project Lead at NIPA, emphasized the competition's role in connecting young entrepreneurs across the region. By nurturing talent and building partnerships, the event aims to establish a strong and future-ready digital ecosystem in Southeast Asia.

Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, CEO of Cradle, described the competition as a significant step for ASEAN’s digital future. It provides startups with mentorship, investor access, and a platform to showcase their AI innovations globally.

Competition Structure and Benefits

Selected startups will join an 8-week accelerator program led by a leading Korean accelerator. The program includes expert mentoring, regional networking, and investor engagement. Participating teams will tackle challenges in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education, gaining valuable insights and connections.

Support for travel and accommodation is provided, making it easier for startups to participate. The competition also offers cash prizes:

• 1st Place: KRW 28 million (approx. $20,000)
• 2nd Place: KRW 14 million (approx. $10,000)
• 3rd Place: KRW 7 million (approx. $5,000)

Finale and Networking Opportunities

The competition will conclude with a Demo Day and Winners Announcement during the Startup ASEAN Summit from 3-5 November in Kuala Lumpur. The event will feature live startup pitches, investor sessions, global speakers, cultural showcases, and business matching opportunities.

For startups and IT professionals interested in AI development and acceleration programs, this competition offers a clear path to growth, funding, and collaboration within the ASEAN-Korea tech ecosystem.

To learn more about AI skills and training that can complement participation in such programs, explore Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses.