13 May 2026, Seoul – The global impact startup accelerator programme 'Global ImpactPreneur', co-hosted by the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (Director Anne Juepner) and the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation (Chairman Chung Moosung) and implemented by Impact Square (CEO Doh Hyun-myung), announced on 11 May that it has finalized the selection of 20 participating teams from 10 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

The selected start-ups are addressing diverse social challenges such as the climate crisis, the circular economy, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and social inclusion through AI and innovative tech-based solutions. Since late April, they have been actively participating in the global acceleration programme.

'Global ImpactPreneur', launched in March 2026, aims to identify and nurture innovative entrepreneurs who contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to strengthen the broader impact ecosystem across the Asia-Pacific region.

※ ImpactPreneur: A term began to be used in the impact ecosystem in the 2010s, including Harvard Business Review (HBR) and Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR), referring to entrepreneurs who create both social/environmental impact and financial value.

A total of 126 start-ups from the Asia-Pacific region applied for the programme, with the 20 teams selected following rigorous application review.

The selected teams are based in 10 countries, including the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, and Malaysia, and consist of early-stage start-ups developing solutions that contribute to resolving social and environmental challenges and advancing the SDGs.

The selected teams encompass companies across various sectors, including: △ AI-based agricultural data solutions △ Waste circular economy platforms △ Climate-responsive energy solutions △ Accessibility tech start-ups for marginalized groups.

Notably, the selection features numerous teams utilizing AI and innovative technologies to address structural challenges in local communities and create tangible social and environmental value.
Selected teams include the following:

• SUDrain Co., Ltd. (Cambodia): A decentralized wastewater treatment solution company addressing water pollution and health issues in Cambodia utilizing coconut fiber-based biofilm filtration technology.
• iGENTECH (Republic of Korea): A global health-tech company innovating diagnostic accessibility in medically underserved areas through high-performance molecular diagnostic devices and platforms.
• Indera Agri (Indonesia): An agri-tech start-up enabling Indonesian farmers to respond to climate change and maximize productivity through AI-based precision agriculture management solutions.

The selected companies are currently participating in the online global acceleration programme.

The programme focuses on ▲ business model advancement ▲ impact measurement system establishment ▲ fundraising strategy development, and ▲ global network linkages, offering customized mentoring tailored to the growth stage and specific needs of each company.

During the 1:1 diagnostic mentoring conducted as the first step of the acceleration, each start-up's current status was assessed across areas such as customer understanding, solution readiness, social value creation structure, and financial readiness. Based on these diagnostics, start-ups are being matched with customized mentoring from field experts, including investors, senior entrepreneurs, and representatives from start-up support organizations.

On 7 May, an online workshop was held with all participating teams. The event featured sessions on impact measurement by Devahuti Choudhury from the UNDP Sustainable Finance Hub and on investment attraction strategies alongside a networking programme for the teams.

Participants explored possibilities for global collaboration by sharing market experiences from their respective countries and discussing challenges encountered in business operations.

One participant remarked, "It was an opportunity to learn how to review our business model from an investor's perspective and structure our IR story, moving beyond the intention to create positive impact. There were many times when I felt our team was struggling alone, but communicating directly with entrepreneurs from various regions who share similar concerns provided great insights."

The Demo Day and networking event, the highlight of the programme, is scheduled to take place on 6 and 7 July at the ONDREAM SOCIETY in Seoul.

The top 10 teams, selected through an interim evaluation, will pitch their businesses to investors and start-up ecosystem stakeholders, including UNDP, the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation, and CVC Capital Partners. Outstanding teams will receive award grants and opportunities for follow-on programmes and investment opportunities.

"This workshop served as a practical venue for exchange, allowing impact entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific region to share their concerns and experiences," said Julie Lee, Programme Analyst at the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre. "The Global ImpactPreneur programme is garnering significant interest and participation from start-ups by enhancing their understanding of impact business and matching them with expert matching tailored to each company’s specific needs and challenges. The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre will continue to support the growth of impact entrepreneurs to ensure that innovative solutions lead to resolving social challenges in developing countries."

A representative from Impact Square added, "This programme is meaningful in that it supports innovative entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific region to simultaneously pursue social problem-solving and global growth. We will contribute to expanding a sustainable impact ecosystem based on cross-border cooperation and networks."

About UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (https://www.undp.org/ko/policy-centre/seoul)

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC) is a facilitator of innovative development cooperation to catalyse the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

About Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation (https://www.hyundai-cmkfoundation.org/)

The Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation is a social innovation foundation that contributes to nurturing creative future talent and building a sustainable social innovation ecosystem, grounded in the entrepreneurship and philanthropic philosophy of its founder and Honorary Chairman, Chung Mong-Koo . Since its establishment in 2007, the Foundation has worked to address social challenges through innovation and bold initiatives in the fields of culture, welfare, healthcare, and education, and continues to implement diverse programmes to enhance the sustainability and advancement of the broader ecosystem.

About Impact Square (https://www.impactsquare.com)

Impact Square (CEO Doh Hyun-myung) is an impact business–focused accelerator and impact investment firm established in 2010. Guided by its mission to “enable more people to engage with impact businesses,” the company supports a virtuous cycle between social value and business competitiveness through impact acceleration, corporate ESG consulting, and impact investment.