Applications
are closed.
A clear problem.
An idea you are ready to develop.
Final submissions are under review. The Seoul program starts October 10, 2026. Participants develop their ideas through three weeks of workshops, with elimination reviews at each checkpoint.
The deadline has passed. New submissions and edits are locked.
Application review
Closed · submissions under review
Seoul workshop program
Oct 10–30 · checkpoint eliminations
Final pitch
Oct 28 · advancing finalists only
01 / ONLINE REVIEW
The idea.
Your readiness to build.
10 criteria · 100% total weight
Assessment based on the evidence in your application.
We assess the problem, customer insight and execution plan alongside global perspective, accountability and the ability to learn from feedback. Show what you have observed, what you have done and what you still need to test.
The U.S. program office sets the review framework. Applications receive independent assessments, with additional review where scores differ substantially or sit near the selection threshold.
Overseas experience and language-test scores are not required. We look at your own role, actions and decisions rather than the prestige of previous activities.
ResultsOctober 8, 2026 · 18:00 KST. Selected participants begin in Seoul on October 10.
02 / APPLICATION ARCHIVE
The submission
window has closed.
New applications, edits and uploads are no longer available. Only applications finalized before the deadline enter Round 1 review.
03 / SEOUL WORKSHOP PROGRAM
Build.
Earn your next stage.
October 10–30, 2026 · individual participation
Seven sessions · five elimination checkpoints.
COMPETITIVE PROGRESSION
Every checkpoint counts.
Advancement is earned at each review.
Some participants are eliminated at each checkpoint. Only those who advance can attend the next judged workshop. The number of eliminations, places in each stage and final cohort size are not disclosed.
Submission: 15:00 · decision: 18:00 KSTThree reviewers assess the current checkpoint materials independently using its published percentage weights. Scores reset at each checkpoint; previous advancement does not guarantee a place in the next stage. Ties use the highest-weight criterion, then the next criterion, followed by a documented panel review.
Feedback for every participantParticipants who do not advance receive review feedback and retain their work. Everyone attending a checkpoint day may use the studio until 22:00 that evening, regardless of the decision. Time spent after 15:00 does not affect judging.
BETWEEN THE SESSIONS
Keep the work moving.
October 10–30, 2026. On-site sessions: Oct 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25 and 28. Days 04, 07, 10, 13 and 16 include elimination checkpoints. Independent assignments after a checkpoint apply to advancing participants; all original participants may submit a final portfolio. All listed times are Korea Standard Time, KST (UTC+9).
04 / FINAL PITCH
Make the case
for your idea.
October 28, 2026 · advancing finalists only
3-minute pitch + 3-minute Q&A
Explain the problem you found, what you learned from customers and how you developed the solution. A three-person panel assesses every pitch against the same criteria.
Each participant may receive one award. Participants retain ownership of their ideas and work.
Final judging criteria
100% total weight05 / PARTICIPANT GUIDE
Work independently.
Learn through feedback.
Individual participation · any field or background
Round 1 closed · results Oct 8, 18:00 KST
Participants cover their meals and travel
Seoul concept venue · starts Oct 10, 2026
U.S. PROGRAM OFFICE / KOREA CHAPTER
One program.
Local delivery in Seoul.
Orbit Makers develops the program in the United States. Its Korea chapter runs the Seoul experience, connecting the shared review framework with local workshops and mentoring.
U.S. PROGRAM OFFICE · BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Sets the program structure and review standards, oversees selection and defines the final pitch framework.
SEOUL CHAPTER · SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
Coordinates local workshops, mentors, participant guidance and studio operations at Buildground Studio.
06 / FAQ
After the deadline.
Your questions.
Can I apply after the deadline?
No new applications or additional materials are accepted after the submission window closes. A future application period will be announced if scheduled.
Can I edit my submitted application?
Round 1 review uses the final version submitted before the deadline. Editing is locked after the deadline.
What do you assess beyond the idea?
We also assess global perspective, initiative, accountability, learning, adaptability and communication. Give concrete examples of your own actions and decisions.
Do I need overseas experience?
You can show global perspective through research into another culture or market and explain how your idea may need to adapt. Overseas experience and language-test scores are not required.
When will Round 1 results be announced?
Round 1 results are scheduled for October 8, 2026 at 18:00 KST. The Seoul program begins October 10.
Do I need a finished product?
Round 1 asks for the problem, idea and execution plan. Selected participants develop prototypes during the workshops. Paper models, screen mockups and service flows are accepted.
Can I be eliminated during the program?
Yes. Checkpoints take place on October 13, 16, 19, 22 and 25. Some participants do not advance after each review. Stage capacities, elimination numbers and the final cohort size are not disclosed. Only advancing finalists present on October 28.
What happens if I do not advance?
You receive review feedback and retain ownership of your work. You may use the studio until 22:00 KST on the day you attended, and submit an independent portfolio by October 30. Access to later judged workshops requires advancement.
Is this an individual or team program?
You develop and present your own idea. Participants give each other feedback during workshops, while responsibility for each project remains individual.
Who runs the U.S. and Seoul parts?
Orbit Makers' U.S. program office develops the program and shared review standards. Orbit Makers Korea coordinates the seven Seoul workshops, mentoring and local space access.
What time zone do the workshop hours use?
All workshop and submission times shown here use Korea Standard Time, KST (UTC+9). The seven workshops are held in Seoul.
Do I have to stay until 22:00?
The scheduled program runs from 09:00 to 15:00 KST. Later studio use is optional and does not affect judging. The space opens only on the seven workshop days.
What should I bring and submit for Round 2?
Bring a laptop, charger and writing materials. Advancing finalists submit the six-slide deck PDF and prototype materials by October 27 at 18:00 KST. The portfolio deadline for all original Seoul participants is October 30 at 18:00 KST.
THE NEXT STAGE / SEOUL