Seedstars World, a global network of start-up investors, is holding a local pitch-off for a chance to compete in Switzerland for $500,000 in funding.

Up to 12 start-ups can compete in the third annual pitch-off in Seoul on Oct. 6 for a ticket to the Seedstars World final in Geneva, giving the winner a chance to meet investors and go head to head with over 50 other start-ups at the global event for the funding prize.

With the aim of bringing investor awareness to start-ups from emerging markets, Seedstars World is slated to be held in over 50 cities this year, including 16 in Asia. Its focus is on start-ups that solve regional issues or develop globally profitable products, and has invested up to $1.5 million in such young companies around the world.

The previous Seoul winners were Flitto, a crowdsourcing translation platform developer, and KPOP UNITED, a crowdfunding platform for K-pop concerts.

“I was able to meet many well-known venture capitalists from around the world, especially from Europe,” Flitto CEO Simon Lee, winner of the inaugural 2013 pitch-off, said about the Geneva event in a press statement. “Also, the chance to get honest feedback on my business from experienced mentors in SeedStars’ global network was really valuable. It’s not a chance you can get in Korea.”

The public is welcome to attend the pitch-off on Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Maru 180 start-up hub in Gangnam, southern Seoul.

Applications for competing start-ups close Sept. 23. For more information, visit bit.ly/ssw-seoul.

By Elaine Ramirez (elaine@heraldcorp.com)