A poster for Korea Financial Innovation Program 2026 / Courtesy of Seoul Fintech Lab
Seoul Fintech Lab has launched a three-month program aimed at helping turn digital asset ideas into businesses, offering funding opportunities and hands-on support through the XRP Ledger (XRPL) ecosystem.
According to the city-backed fintech incubator on Tuesday, participants in the Korea Financial Innovation Program 2026 will receive support on business consulting, legal advisory and networking opportunities with industry partners.
The program will also offer potential investment reviews and incubation opportunities at the lab.
The program is backed by San Francisco-based fintech company Ripple as the main sponsor, with participation from partners including Industrial Bank of Korea, Hana Bank, Toss, DB Insurance and the Korea Fintech Industry Association.
Applications, which opened on April 1, will be accepted through May 6. The program is open to individuals and teams with business ideas based on XRPL-powered digital asset services.
Following a document screening process through May 13, a dozen teams will advance to the final round at a pitch event scheduled for June 25.
During the process, participants will gain access to a platform providing XRPL onboarding materials, market insights and regulatory updates, along with one-on-one consulting.
A total of 32 million won ($21,000) in prize money will be awarded, including 5 million won for the grand prize winner, 3 million won for second place and 2 million won for third. Additional special awards of 1 million won each will be presented by Toss and the Korea Fintech Industry Association.
“This program aims to identify digital asset business ideas linked to the global blockchain ecosystem and support participants in developing them into actual services,” said an official at Seoul Fintech Lab.
Christina Chan, senior ecosystem growth director at Ripple, expressed hopes for continued partnership with Korea, which remains a key market for the company.
“We are excited to support the next generation of innovators building on XRPL through this program. The initiative reflects Ripple’s long-term commitment to fostering an ecosystem where developers and startups can grow,” Chan said.
Established in 2018 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Seoul Fintech Lab serves as a startup support hub for fintech companies.
