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AGCC is an international market acceleration hub that acts as a technological bridge between South Korea and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The organisation accelerates AI and deep tech technologies through a global network that connects start-ups, strategic investors and government institutions, facilitating access to key markets and international growth opportunities.
Initially established to bring cutting-edge technologies from South Korea to the Gulf market, AGCC has developed two-way expertise over time, also supporting international companies wishing to enter the South Korean market.
The K-Scouter 2025 programme
Based on this experience, the K-Scouter 2025 programme, organised by the Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups together with KISED (Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development), took shape and substance, with AGCC being selected as one of the official accelerators to manage it. The aim is to support international startups that want to explore opportunities in the Korean market.
Three structured phases
Phase 1: Exploration of the Korean market (August–October 2025)
- Twenty startups selected through a process in which AGCC conducts the preliminary selection and the Korean Ministry conducts the final selection, favouring companies with high potential in the Korean market;
- mentoring on how to do business in Korea;
- consultancy on localisation and entry strategies;
- matching with potential local business partners
Phase 2: On-site programme in Korea (December 2025)
- From Phase 1, 10 startups are selected and invited to participate in the fully sponsored two-week programme.
- participate as exhibitors at Comeup 2025, Korea’s leading startup fair
- visit Korean innovation hubs
- receive comprehensive support for the incorporation of selected companies
- and match them with Korean VCs, companies, and distributors.
Phase 3: Linked Support (for the two most suitable startups among those selected) This is the phase that best characterises AGCC’s work: the two best startups also gain access to the AGCC Dubai programme, with entry to the largest tech/startup fair in the United Arab Emirates (Expand North Star and Gitex) and participation in all side events organised by AGCC during the exhibition week.
A pragmatic approach to expansion
“The Korean market represents one of the most attractive opportunities for entering Asia, thanks to its advanced technological ecosystem, strong adoption of innovation and strategic position as a gateway for expansion throughout the region,” explains Chiara de Caro, managing partner and co-founder of AGCC, to Startupbusiness. . “What makes K-Scouter 2025 particularly relevant is its pragmatic approach: you come into direct contact with investors and potential customers to lay the foundations for your first sales, which is essential for expansion into a new market.”
Requirements and applications
Interested start-ups must have:
- headquarters outside South Korea;
- no legal entity existing in Korea;
- less than seven years of existence from the date of incorporation;
- annual turnover of less than $28 million
Startups from around the world that wish to apply and meet the requirements set out in the call for applications can do so by 11 August 2025.
AGCC is the market acceleration hub that facilitates the global expansion of AI and deeptech technologies through strategic markets. Official AI accelerator of DMCC (Dubai multi commodity center), with an international presence including offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Seoul and Berlin has supported over 200 startups from around the world to date.
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