Fast-tracking Singapore start-ups
NUS Enterprise has teamed up with automaker Daimler to launch the Startup Autobahn accelerator programme in Singapore. Part of the automotive giant’s initiative which kicked off in Germany four months ago, the programme seeks to help local start-ups develop their idea towards an actual market fit within the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Startup Autobahn Singapore looks for up-and-coming firms in areas such as Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, gamification, personalisation, virtual and augmented reality, internal training and predictive analytics. Vertical markets are focused on automotive retail, after-market, corporation and customers of Mercedes-Benz. The accelerator programme will offer mentorship, access to investors and the company’s network, tools and training.
Selected start-ups will be able to directly access more than 13 countries in the Asia Pacific region, and tap the US$2 trillion automobile industry.
Qualified start-ups will work out of Blk71, an incubation space managed by NUS Enterprise. Mercedes-Benz and NUS will provide mentorship with a suite of activities that helps refine and validate the entrepreneurs’ solutions and business propositions. At the end of the accelerator programme next June, participants will keep their intellectual property and can continue to develop their ideas within Mercedes-Benz.