UNDP Seoul Policy Centre and Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation launch partnership to scale impact startups across Asia-Pacific

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Apr. 15, 2026 11:30

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SEOUL--(Korea Newswire)--UNDP Seoul Policy Centre and Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation joined hands on April 14 to host ‘Global ImpactPreneur.’ This impact startup accelerator program supports the growth of impact-driven startups from the Republic of Korea and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Through a joint Statement of Intent signed on the day, the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre and Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo (CMK) Foundation will collaborate to support startups that develop innovative solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on strengthening their capacity for growth and regional expansion. The program aims to contribute to the scaling of sustainable business models and the broader diffusion of social and environmental impact across diverse markets.

Since 2017, the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre has been advancing impact entrepreneurship as a strategic approach to accelerating progress on the SDGs. With more than USD 275,000 awarded in grants since its inception, nearly 300 impact startups from the Asia-Pacific region have received support in strengthening their business models, enhancing investment readiness, and expanding their networks by leveraging UNDP’s regional and global presence. In 2025, 25 startups from 11 Asia-Pacific countries participated in an 8-week acceleration program, receiving business diagnostics, expert mentoring, and seed funding support.

The Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation has a strong record of supporting talent development, social innovation, and impact-oriented initiatives in Korea, including through its ‘H-OnDream Startup Ground’ program, which has supported over 350 teams since 2012 and helped generate over 7,000 jobs across the startup ecosystem. The Foundation has also expressed growing interest in expanding its support for impact-driven entrepreneurship at the regional and global levels. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting impact startups and fostering sustainable development through entrepreneurship.

Anne Juepner, Director of UNDP Seoul Policy Centre, said, “At UNDP, we share a common vision with the Chung Mong-Koo Foundation that empowering entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to drive sustainable development. Through the Global ImpactPreneur program, we look forward to expanding this effort beyond Korea, supporting the next generation of impact-driven entrepreneurs across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.”

Moo-sung Chung Chairperson of the Foundation, said, “Since 2012, our Foundation has nurtured innovative entrepreneurs for a sustainable future through the CMK ImpactPreneur program, Korea‘s leading impact startup development initiative, (formerly ‘H-Ondream Startup Ground’).” He added, “Together with UNDP Seoul Policy Centre, we will carry on our founder’s entrepreneurial spirit to develop global impact entrepreneurs who drive social change through creative innovation.”

About the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation

The Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation is a philanthropic foundation established in 2007 by Honorary Chairman Chung Mong-Koo of Hyundai Motor Group. The Foundation supports initiatives in talent development, social innovation, arts and culture, and social welfare, with a focus on fostering a sustainable future alongside the next generation.

About the United Nations Development Programme

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. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.

About UNDP Seoul Policy Centre

The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre is a facilitator of innovative development cooperation to catalyze the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Through its SDG Partnerships programme and other South-South and Triangular Cooperation initiatives, the Centre supports countries by sharing innovative, tested-and-proven practices and policy tools on strategic development issues globally. Learn more at undp.org/policy-centre/seoul or follow at @UNDPSPC.

Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation: https://www.hyundai-cmkfoundation.org
UNDP: https://www.undp.org/

Website: https://www.undp.org/ko/policy-centre/se...