30
September
2016
|
20:46
Asia/Singapore

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.

Start-ups interested to join the programme, which commences end of this year, have until beginning of November to submit their applications. Selected firms will get to engage with Mercedes-Benz and venture capitalists in Singapore to strengthen their ideas for pitching in March 2017. This is followed by an overseas panel in May which will provide successful teams the opportunity to share and discuss their product or service ideas with Mercedes-Benz business professionals from Asia Pacific.
 

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.