MIT Global Startup Workshop (MIT GSW) is a global workshop dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and strengthening startup ecosystems worldwide.
Founded in 1998, MIT GSW is an annual, student-run, not-for-profit initiative hosted in a new region each year. As the startup landscape becomes increasingly global, MIT GSW serves as a platform to bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders, academics, investors, and government stakeholders to exchange ideas, experiment with new approaches, and explore how entrepreneurship thrives across cultural and regional contexts.
Over two intensive days, MIT GSW engages local founders and ecosystem leaders in discussions and programming focused on translating innovation into the business solutions of tomorrow.
Kyungpook National University (KNU), established under the Ministry of Education of Korea in 1946, is one of Korea’s oldest and most prestigious national universities. Serving over 35,000 students across science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, humanities, and the arts, KNU is recognized for its academic excellence, public service, and global research engagement. Guided by its mission to foster future-leading talent, globally impactful knowledge, and service to the public good, KNU plays a central role in entrepreneurship education, research commercialization, and industry–academia collaboration in Korea and beyond.
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MIT, founded in 1861 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a global leader in science, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Its innovation ecosystem—anchored by the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, the MIT Sandbox Innovation Fund, and the annual delta v accelerator—supports students and researchers from idea to impact. The MIT Global Startup Workshop (GSW) is a student-run initiative born out of this culture. For more than 25 years, it has partnered with host cities worldwide to share MIT’s hands-on approach to venture building, strengthen local ecosystems, and connect founders, investors, and mentors across borders.
Daegu is a leading center for entrepreneurship and innovation in South Korea, with deep roots in the country's modern business leadership. The city is closely associated with the early foundations of Samsung under Lee Byung-chul, whose talent-first management philosophy helped shape Korea's entrepreneurial culture, alongside leaders such as Yoon Dong-han of Korea Kolmar and Byun Dae-gyu of HUMAX, known for emphasizing people-centered leadership and innovation. Today, this legacy is reinforced by Kyungpook National University (KNU), one of Korea's leading national universities, which anchors Daegu's academic and entrepreneurial ecosystem and plays a central role in developing talent, advancing research, and supporting technology commercialization. This momentum, driven by close collaboration between universities, industry, and government, positions Daegu as a strong and credible host for MIT GSW 2026.
Relive the moments from previous workshops across the globe...
For corporate leaders and decision-makers, MIT GSW 2026 offers a focused opportunity to understand the trends and technologies reshaping industries globally. Connect with innovators, explore collaboration with startups, and gain practical insight into building entrepreneurial cultures within your organization. Strengthen your innovation strategy and position your company for long-term leadership in the future economy.
Whether you are launching your first startup or scaling a growing business, MIT GSW 2026 offers the insight, connections, and opportunities to move your vision forward. Learn from experienced founders, take part in hands-on workshops, and connect with investors and industry leaders who can help turn ideas into lasting ventures. Engage with cutting-edge innovation, share your journey, and gain perspective on the real challenges of entrepreneurship.
Discover high-potential startups and connect with visionary entrepreneurs at MIT GSW 2026. Through a global lineup of pitches, curated networking, and the startup competition, you can identify emerging opportunities, engage with fellow investors, and support ideas shaping the future. Be part of the global momentum driving innovation forward.
MIT GSW 2026 brings together scientists, academics, and researchers to connect with peers and leaders from around the world. The program focuses on Deep Tech and Industrial Transformation, Sustainability and Inclusion, and Glocal Entrepreneurship, with discussions on translating research into real-world impact across AI, biotech, clean energy, and related fields. Build relationships that can evolve into long-term collaborations well beyond the conference. Students are more than welcome to join!