At the heart of the programme was the opportunity for participants to apply entrepreneurial thinking to real-world challenges. Through corporate-led problem statements, they leveraged AI-driven approaches to develop innovative, impact-driven solutions.

The 2026 edition also marked the launch of the NUS-ASEAN SPARK Fellowship, a new initiative designed to support the region's most promising young entrepreneurial talents and inspire the next generation of leaders.

A new lens on entrepreneurship

After a long journey and multiple layovers, Dina Kalibekova, a Year 4 Mathematics student from Nazarbayev University, touched down in Singapore with quiet excitement. Beyond just a programme, she found an experience that fundamentally shifted her perspective on entrepreneurship and her own path forward.

With a math background and product management experience, she previously viewed product development through a purely technical lens. However, NUSSP taught her that success is not about creating the “perfect product”, but one that solves real user needs. By combining an entrepreneurial mindset with her technical skills, she learned to build not just what works, but what matters.

Meanwhile, serving as a student ambassador for the programme reshaped how Anson Ng, a Year 1 NUS Computer Science student, viewed entrepreneurship. No matter how grand a breakthrough idea was, it eventually took a backseat to a deeper appreciation for everyday businesses that quietly solve real problems.

A particular remark from Mr Dennis Chua of Timah Partners stuck with him: “Unsexy businesses are great businesses”. That insight reframed his view of opportunity, proving that overlooked industries often create the most value.

Learning from the architects of innovation and impact

NUSSP connected participants with visionary leaders and unicorn founders, including Mr Jeffrey Tiong, Founder and CEO of PatSnap, and Mr. Philip Yeo, former Chairman of Singapore’s Economic Development Board. Through curated fireside chats, attendees gained firsthand insights into the realities of building enduring ventures, navigating uncertainty and growing innovation ecosystems.

Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey, Jeffrey shared a simple yet powerful Chinese proverb: “Reading ten thousand books is not as valuable as travelling ten thousand miles”. The wisdom captured the value of experiential learning — that meaningful innovation comes not only from knowledge, but from exposure, exploration and real-world encounters.

Integrating AI into the entrepreneurial journey

Throughout NUSSP, AI was viewed as more than a tool — it became a mindset that shaped how participants identified opportunities, solved problems and created impact. This approach came to life through interactive learning journeys, AI-focused workshops and panel discussions on future tech.

At ShopBack, Anson reflected on the opportunity to engage with NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) alumnus and ShopBack co-founder Mr Joel Leong, “What struck me most was how confidently and openly they embraced AI, treating it as a tool that everyone in the company could use to prototype and iterate, rather than something to be feared. I left that session with a clear and energised sense of how I hope to build in the future.”

This was echoed by Dina, who was inspired by how AI had become part of ShopBack’s everyday culture. “What stayed with me most was their habit of meeting biweekly just to share AI use cases — open to everyone, no tech background needed. I have already brought this practice to my own team.”

At Alibaba Cloud, Joshua Jovano Sibarani, a final-year Industrial Engineering student from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), explored AI technologies like Qwen, learning how intelligent systems can drive entrepreneurship.

During his visit to AI tech services company NCS, he saw this vision in action through Sunshine.coder, an internal tool designed for human-AI collaboration. “I was particularly inspired by how AI agents handle repetitive tasks, while NCS professionals provide direction and apply business judgement,” he said.

Innovation with purpose

Beyond technology and venture creation, participants explored another — arguably more important — dimension of innovation: its ability to create meaningful societal impact.

On top of a panel discussion on purpose-driven leadership, participants visited social enterprises such as Dignity Kitchen and Social Collider, where they saw how startups addressed real-world challenges, including projects that advanced corporate sustainability and empowered people with disabilities.

Meeting founders and witnessing the impact of their work reinforced a powerful lesson: innovation is not just about new ideas, but also creating solutions that truly matter.

Global voices, one shared vision

Collaboration came alive during the innovation challenge as participants used their varied backgrounds to solve real-world problems. Partnering with teammates from Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam, Joshua saw firsthand how diversity elevates ideation.

“We all had different ways of communicating and approaching problems. But as we developed CashBuddy, an AI-powered financial accountability app, those differences became our greatest advantage. Every discussion challenged our assumptions, and every perspective made our solution stronger,” he said.

Similarly, Anson and his project team, Team SMEily, discovered that diversity was their greatest strength. For Anson, the highlight of the journey was not the final idea, but the bonds forged through late-night rehearsals and honest discussions. These shared efforts transformed a group of strangers into a close-knit team.

At Demo Day, their hard work paid off when they won the Best Pitch Team award for both their track and the corporate problem statement challenge, underscoring the power of collaboration.

One rhythm, one goal

The bottom line: behind every impactful innovation are people who come together with a shared purpose.

The focus on collaboration extended beyond the classroom, as participants discovered during a dragon boating activity on the Kallang River. Working together across cultures and backgrounds, they experienced firsthand that success relies on trust, coordination and a collective vision, rather than simply individual strength.

By NUS Enterprise

These were the winning ideas at Singapore’s first Boeing University Innovation Leadership Development (BUILD) Demo Day, where NUS students and start-ups pitched practical solutions to real-world aerospace challenges.

Behind the ideas were Maleo, COOLAH and Urbanflow — as the three winning teams selected from 10 finalists and nearly 100 applications for the inaugural Singapore edition of the BUILD programme.

Delivered in partnership with NUS, Boeing’s first university partner in Southeast Asia for the initiative, BUILD gave participants direct access to Boeing experts, NUS Enterprise mentors and industry partners, allowing them to test their ideas early and refine them for real-world adoption.

The programme culminated on 20 May 2026 at Catapult by CapitaLand, where the finalists pitched their ideas to a judging panel comprising Mr Alan Mui, Managing Director, APAC Commercial Sales, Boeing Global Services; Mr Fitzkhoon Liang, Associate Director, NUS Enterprise; Mr Zequan Wee, Sustainability Manager, Singapore Airlines; Ms Kelly Yang, Advisory Partner, Panther Capital; and Professor Rama Gheerawo, Director, INSTILL.

Each winning team received US$10,000 (S$12,770) in funding and three months of incubation support at BLOCK71, NUS Enterprise’s global ecosystem platform, to further validate and develop its solution.

Why BUILD, why now

The partnership comes at a pivotal time for aerospace in Asia. Over the next two decades, India, China and Southeast Asia are expected to account for eight of the world’s 10 fastest-growing air travel markets¹.

This growth brings opportunity, and intensifies the need for innovation. Aerospace systems must become more efficient, reliable, sustainable and resilient, while moving from concept to deployment faster than before. Through BUILD, Boeing and NUS Enterprise are giving young innovators early exposure to these industry realities, alongside the mentorship and support needed to develop solutions that can move beyond the pitch stage.

Inside the BUILD bootcamp

Designed to move teams from early ideas to sharper, industry-ready solutions, the BUILD bootcamp opened at Boeing’s Training Campus in Singapore. Over the course of one week, teams worked through practical questions that shape adoption in aviation and aerospace. These included identifying users of the solution, defining the operational requirements it must meet, assessing how it can integrate into existing systems, and what it would take to scale.

Participants gained direct exposure to Boeing’s aviation expertise through sessions with industry specialists and first-hand experience with Boeing’s flight simulation facilities. The bootcamp also covered business and leadership fundamentals needed to bring ideas to market, with mentors from Boeing and NUS Enterprise guiding teams as they refined their solutions and pitches.

For the winning teams, the experience shaped their next steps. Maleo described the bootcamp as a “crash course” in start-up and business development, giving the team a stronger runway to turn its material supply chain circularity idea into a “pilot-ready proof of concept”.

COOLAH said the programme reinforced that “a good engineering solution is only half the battle”, with market and customer understanding proving equally critical as the team works towards a more refined prototype and expanded pilot trials. Urbanflow said BUILD offered “a rare look inside Boeing’s aerospace facilities” and sustainability efforts, as they explore pilot solutions that can deliver measurable energy reductions.

Helping innovators go further, faster

Congratulating the winning teams of Singapore's first BUILD programme, Dr Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise), said, “Their ideas reflect what we set out to achieve, helping students and start-ups test boldly, iterate faster, and to turn innovations into aerospace and defense solutions. Together with Boeing, we are proud to support these teams as they stress-test their ideas and scale them into solutions that can transform industries and change lives."

That support will continue over the coming months as the three winning teams work alongside Boeing and NUS Enterprise to further validate, pilot, and develop their solutions.

“This milestone highlights the exceptional talent from Singapore and demonstrates the power of industry-academic partnerships to accelerate aviation solutions from concept to impact,” said Ms Penny Burtt, President, Boeing Southeast Asia. “Through our collaboration with NUS Enterprise, we’re committed to supporting these innovators as they scale their ideas.”

For Singapore’s first BUILD cohort, Demo Day was not the finish line. It was the start of the next test: taking promising ideas further, faster, and closer to industry impact.

By NUS Enterprise

• The Straits Times, 7 April 2026, Opinion, pB3

Logice, Sembuh AI and StratifiCare emerged as the top winners at the inaugural Deep Tech Seed to A Growth Expansion Programme (Deep SAGE) Demo Day. Deep SAGE is a collaboration between NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial heart of NUS, and TIS Inc., one of Japan’s leading IT companies. Each start-up received S$500,000 in funding from TIS Inc., along with continued strategic and execution support through the programme.

Logice is building a more efficient cold chain ecosystem with integrated, technology-enabled storage, transport and warehousing solutions for perishable goods. Sembuh AI is streamlining health insurance claims through an AI-powered platform that automates processing while detecting fraud and overbilling. StratifiCare is advancing precision medicine through diagnostic assays, including tools to guide liver cancer treatment decisions and support more personalised care. All three start-ups were recognised for their technological strength, clear market potential and readiness to expand.

Where bold ideas take the first step

Over the afternoon, all 10 start-ups in the programme’s first cohort presented their solutions to a closed-door audience comprising management teams from NUS Enterprise and TIS Inc. Each team delivered a 10-minute pitch followed by a 10-minute Question & Answer session where they addressed questions on technology validation, business models, and strategies for regional and global expansion.

The judging panel, comprising Mr Heng Wui Liang, Head of BLOCK71 Singapore; Mr Yew Hock Meng, Managing Director, Wonwey Pte Ltd; Mr Furusho Kensaku, Managing Executive Officer of Global Business Division, TIS Inc.; Ms Sayaka Kinoshita, Director, TIS Ventures; and Mr Senthil Kumaran, Director, TIS Ventures, evaluated the start-ups on both technological innovation and commercial readiness. The winners were announced during a networking dinner that evening.

Building the bridge from innovation to scale

Deep SAGE is a tailored accelerator programme that supports seed-stage start-ups from around the world in scaling towards pre-Series A and Series A funding. It addresses the “valley of death”, the critical phase between accelerator graduation and Series A funding, where technology may be validated but commercial traction often remains elusive.

The collaboration brings together complementary strengths from NUS Enterprise and TIS Inc. to support start-up growth through an execution-driven approach. TIS Inc. contributes capital and its expertise working with large enterprises to help start-ups build execution capabilities and accelerate growth. It has committed S$7.6 million over three years, investing a minimum of S$500,000 in selected high-potential start-ups across cohorts.

NUS Enterprise delivers the programme through BLOCK71, its global network of physical accelerators across 11 cities, including Singapore, Tokyo, Silicon Valley, Saigon, and Suzhou. Participating start-ups receive mentorship and structured workshops, followed by a six-month incubation at BLOCK71 Singapore. During this period, they gain access to a global ecosystem that supports international market entry, pilot deployments and commercial partnerships.

“Deep SAGE was only launched last year, but its early success shows the strong demand within the deep tech ecosystem for deeper execution support beyond mentorship and capital,” shared Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise), NUS Enterprise. “By embedding seasoned executives directly with founders through our fractional C-suite model, we work side by side to drive execution. This hands-on approach builds commercial rigour, accelerates operational maturity, and better prepares start-ups to scale successfully towards pre-Series A and Series A funding.”

Mr Furusho Kensaku, Managing Executive Officer, TIS Inc., said, “At TIS, we work closely with enterprises across industries, and we consistently see that the gap in deep tech is not innovation, but execution. Deep SAGE reflects our commitment to helping bridge that gap, not just through capital, but by supporting start-ups with strategic direction and real-world perspectives. We bring our industry experience to guide start-ups and, where relevant, connect them with enterprise partners to support their growth.”

Fractional C-suites supporting global start-up growth

Unlike traditional accelerators that focus primarily on mentorship and funding, Deep SAGE is designed to close the execution gap. Over six months, seasoned mentors work closely with founders to refine strategy, develop go-to-market approaches, define Key Performance Indicators, and engage investors. Complementing this, the programme embeds experienced Fractional Executives (CXOs) within start-up teams for 12 weeks to execute these initiatives and translate pipeline into revenue.

While mentors and CXOs provide executive-level guidance, final decisions remain with founders, preserving their autonomy while accelerating the start-ups' operational and commercial maturity.

“My experience as a fractional C-suite for Logice is that the team is very diligent and ambitious in growing the business. For example, they took my advice to hire and operate a partner’s cold storage facility, which became a key enabler for securing more business. They also invested in reefer trucks to complete their distribution capabilities, laying the foundation to become a true cold chain logistics player. They deserve the S$500,000 funding as they have the potential, skills, knowledge, network and team chemistry to succeed in this industry,” said Mr Daru Kanugroho, Fractional Chief Product Officer, Logice.

Reflecting on the experience, the start-ups highlighted the Deep SAGE’s impact on accelerating their growth, from unlocking new partnerships to fast-tracking commercial deployment.

Logice shared that “the support from the embedded fractional C-suite has been very impactful… accelerating our pipeline expansion”. Similarly, Sembuh AI noted that it “joined Deep SAGE with an idea and left with a product companies are already buying”, adding that it “went from concept to enterprise deployment” within months. StratifiCare likewise highlighted how its fractional C-suite “helped us open doors… that would have taken years to achieve”.

By NUS Enterprise

Led by BLOCK71 Vietnam in collaboration with Temasek Foundation, UniVentures is a regional accelerator programme that supports Vietnamese university start-ups with mentorship, funding and incubation. The Gala Dinner marked the announcement of its top 10 teams, reflecting a growing Singapore-Vietnam collaboration under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and a shared commitment to nurturing university-driven innovation.

Empowering founders to address real-world challenges

From classroom ideas to market-ready ventures, UniVentures helps founders move fast. Built on BLOCK71’s global network of physical accelerators across 11 cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, the programme connects participants to mentorship, funding and regional market access across Vietnam and Singapore. Its goal is to develop practical, scalable solutions in healthcare, environmental sustainability, productivity and skills development, and financial literacy.

Supported by partners including the Singapore Global Network, Vietnam’s National Innovation Center, Golden Gate Ventures (GGV), the Start-up and Innovation Hub of Ho Chi Minh City, the Youth Union of Ho Chi Minh City, Google Cloud, IBM, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and the Reactor School, UniVentures attracted more than 1,400 applications nationwide.

Through an intensive multi-stage selection process, 30 teams were shortlisted to pitch in a closed-door session for the GGV UniVentures Prize, which carries a total prize pool of around S$320,000 (US$250,000). From this group, the top 10 start-ups were each awarded S$32,000 (US$25,000) and selected to participate in a three-month incubation programme at BLOCK71 Vietnam, where they can gain hands-on support, mentorship, and exposure to the local market.

Following the incubation, the teams will return for a final pitching round. The top two start-ups demonstrating the strongest market traction will advance to a further three-month incubation at BLOCK71 Singapore, gaining access to regional markets and opportunities to scale up their ventures.

Thinking beyond Vietnam and building for the region

The UniVentures Gala Dinner brought together government leaders, industry partners and university innovators to celebrate the ten winning teams. While still at an early stage, these start-ups point to a broader shift in Vietnam’s innovation landscape. Founders are increasingly building their ventures with regional and global relevance in mind, not just domestic needs.

This momentum is fuelled by Vietnam’s fast-growing digital economy and a young, ambitious talent base, reinforcing its position as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic start-up ecosystems.

Here are three high-potential start-ups among the 10 recipients of the GGV UniVentures Prize:

• BioWraps: Develops biodegradable packaging from agricultural waste, offering a chemical-free alternative that reduces plastic use and emissions.

• Trazen: Uses AI to help manufacturers train and upskill technical workers at scale, addressing Vietnam’s growing talent gap.

• Welgun BMS: Focuses on battery safety, using predictive diagnostics to detect early degradation in energy storage systems and electric vehicles.

In his opening remarks, Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Innovation & Enterprise), NUS Enterprise, highlighted the importance of early support in shaping successful start-ups.

“All start-ups begin with a team of talented and passionate people. Great start-ups need great founders. UniVentures provides a platform for such Vietnamese founders to meet and transform their ideas into practical, scalable solutions to tackle major needs,” he said. “By anchoring this unique early-stage incubation programme in Vietnam and giving high-potential teams the chance to scale in Singapore and globally, we continue to enhance our Singapore-Vietnam partnership for bilateral innovations to flow between the two countries.”

Guest-of-Honour Mr Heng Swee Keat, Chairman of the National Research Foundation and former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, echoed these views in his keynote address. He noted that initiatives like UniVentures play a key role in developing regional talent and deepening cross-border collaboration: “This structure creates opportunities for founders to build, test, and learn. It also enables mutual exchange and learning between young innovators from Singapore and Vietnam. This is how robust innovation ecosystems are built in Vietnam and Singapore.”

Building on this, Mr Edward Lim, Country Director (Vietnam), BLOCK71 Vietnam, highlighted the programme’s tangible impact for the start-ups themselves. He added, “With the right mindset, capabilities and networks, they can build companies that create real economic value for Vietnam and the region.”

Catalysing sustainable innovation through collaboration

The Gala Dinner also featured a panel discussion titled “Catalysing Sustainable Innovation: The Next Frontier for Vietnam-Singapore Partnership”, moderated by Ms Chen Huifen, Editor of The Business Times. Panellists included Ms Lim Hwee Hua, Chairwoman of Tembusu Partners and former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore; Ms Omi Dang, Chairlady of TTC AgriS; and Mr Nguyen Dung Do, CEO and Co-founder of EnFarm.

The panel explored how cross-border collaboration can accelerate sustainable innovation across agriculture, technology, and social enterprise. Ms Chen observed that Singapore, as a hub for capital and logistics, and Vietnam, as a manufacturing and resource engine, can succeed together only if “the gears are properly meshed”.

Ms Lim emphasised the critical role governments play behind the scenes. She pointed to Singapore’s whole-of-government approach, including dedicated agencies, digital registration systems, English-language processes, and clearly defined grants and support programmes.

As Vietnam’s start-up ecosystem enters a new phase of growth, UniVentures places these 10 teams at the heart of a regional initiative, one that supports early-stage innovation locally, while opening pathways for cross-border expansion.

By NUS Enterprise

For gig economy workers, earning a stable income is just as challenging. Without the right tools, financing, or career support, many struggle to increase their earnings. MeMove aims to change that. Its mobility platform provides flexible e-bike financing and resources that empower food delivery riders to increase their income, unlock new opportunities, and move up the social and economic ladder.

MeMove and Universal Health are two social enterprises that are part of the second cohort of the Technology for Sustainable Social Impact (TS2) Accelerator Programme, a collaborative initiative by NUS Enterprise and Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE). Both start-ups showcased their latest tech-based innovations at the TS2 Demo Day on 25 November 2025 at the newly refreshed Temasek Shophouse, along with eight other promising social impact start-ups from Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines. Participating start-ups will receive a grant of up to S$100,000 from raiSE to support the development and scaling of their tech-enabled innovations.

With Singapore navigating demographic shifts and evolving social challenges, technology and social impact are essential partners. These start-ups prove that sustainable solutions can be both profitable and purposeful. With the right support through platforms such as the TS2 Accelerator Programme, today's innovations can become tomorrow's lifelines for communities in need.

In his welcome address at the TS2 Demo Day, Mr Brian Koh, Director (Field – Ecosystem) at NUS Enterprise, emphasised: “The double bottom line isn't built alone; it takes a village. We are calling on all who share this vision to work with us in creating start-ups that generate returns while impacting lives.” He highlighted the TS2 programme’s holistic support through mentorship, funding, and networks to help start-ups grow and scale their business.

The event was attended by over 150 attendees from the social services sector including industry partners, corporate representatives, invited guests and NUS alumni.

Turning technology into tangible impact

Launched in 2024, TS2 is a highly customised 10-week venture development programme for impact-driven technology start-ups addressing community needs across four themes: Health & Wellness, Education, Seniors, and Social Mobility. Founders gain access to mentors, investors and social impact professionals, as well as opportunities to explore overseas markets through NUS Enterprise’s BLOCK71, a global network of physical accelerators in 11 cities.

The tech-enabled innovations from the ten growth-stage, impact-driven tech start-ups in TS2 2025 are addressing diverse critical social needs in:

• Health & Wellness: Eyeviser (Singapore), Ovy Health (Indonesia), Universal Health (Singapore)

• Education: Assemblr (Indonesia), Pic-A-Talk (Philippines), Thinklery Group (Singapore)

• Seniors: Inheritage (Singapore), RetireGenie (Singapore)

• Social Mobility: KIMU STUDIO (South Korea), MeMove (Singapore)

An ecosystem that nurtures growth and success

The seven start-ups from the inaugural TS2 cohort in 2024 have shown how early support can drive meaningful progress. Beyond the programme, they continue to receive guidance from the BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub through additional workshops, mentoring, check-ins, and structured progress reporting. Many have expanded overseas, earned global recognition, and empowered hundreds of underserved individuals.

• FingerDance (Singapore): Supported by SBS Transit and the Deaf Association, it launched the Sign Language Virtual Assistant (SiLViA) at Chinatown MRT Station (B2, Exit E) on the Northeast Line, making public transport more inclusive for the hard-of-hearing.   

• GoTechUp (Singapore): Running pilot programmes in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) at four community centres, it reached 82 underserved students with limited access to quality learning opportunities, trained 17 volunteer educators and is on track to engage 340 students in Singapore. The team is currently working with a partner to develop localised content for pilot deployment in Indonesia.

• MADCash (Malaysia): Supported women micro-entrepreneurs through partnerships with YWCA, Mendaki, and Majurity Trust in Singapore, and delivered micro-business programmes in Indonesia in collaboration with Bettr Academy.

Mr Alfie Othman, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE) puts it across simply, “Our focus at raiSE is to embed impact into business models from day one, building ventures that are not just commercially viable, but also create lasting social change. We understand that visionary founders are the catalyst for this dual mission. Through the TS2 accelerator programme, we are proud to actively support these leaders in developing and harnessing innovations to reach underserved communities more efficiently and effectively.”

By NUS Enterprise

At a plenary session of the NUS Innovation Forum (NIF) Jakarta, panellists weighed in on a critical question facing higher education today: “What do you see as the most significant opportunities and challenges that AI presents to universities in Southeast Asia?”

Held on 24 October 2025 at the Pullman Jakarta Indonesia Thamrin CBD, NIF Jakarta was organised by the Office of Alumni Relations to bring alumni, thought leaders and industry experts together for in-depth discussions on emerging innovation trends. The event marked the seventh NIF since the series was launched in 2024 and the first held in Indonesia, underscoring the University’s deepening engagement with its global alumni.

“As AI transforms how knowledge is created, accessed and applied, universities will have to confront their own relevance and address questions about the form, value and purpose of university education.” 
— Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President

Universities in the Age of AI

The Rectors’ Panel — featuring Professor Hamdi Muluk from Universitas Indonesia, Dr Danang Sri Hadmoko of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Professor Lavi Rizki Zuhal of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85) — tackled the harder, underlying issue: what is the purpose of a university when machines can already perform so many tasks that academics once thought are exclusive to humans? Moderated by Professor Simon Chesterman, NUS Vice Provost (Educational Innovation) and Dean of NUS College, the discussion went beyond technological disruption to examine the future of learning itself.

Early in the discussion, Prof Tan spoke candidly about the “tremendous opportunities and risks” presented by AI. To illustrate the speed and scale of change, he pointed to DeepMind’s breakthrough in protein folding, which modelled more than 200 million proteins in a single sweep — a feat that would otherwise have required “more than a billion PhD-years”.

Such leaps, he noted, show just how dramatically AI can supercharge scientific discovery. They also reveal how quickly universities must adapt. At NUS alone, 134 faculty members were hired over the past two years; 27 are AI specialists, and another 53 incorporate AI into their research. “It shows how pervasive AI has become, transforming all disciplines” he said.

Yet he also warned of a quieter academic danger: students using AI to avoid thinking rather than deepening their cognitive skills. He highlighted four risks — cognitive offloading, never-skilling, mis-skilling and de-skilling — that universities must actively guard against. “Learning must remain effortful,” he said. “AI cannot replace the process of thinking.”

From the Indonesian institutions came a shared recognition that AI is not just a technological development but a philosophical shift. Prof Zuhal believes that current trends demand a rethink of curriculum design. ITB has already overhauled its programmes with the aim of preparing students to work alongside intelligent systems. “We cannot keep teaching the way we were taught,” he said. Many lecturers, he acknowledged, still resist AI because “they think their own brains still function”. But he added that that doesn’t take away a fundamental truth: that educators need to be skilled in AI, simply because students are.

Dr Hadmoko emphasised the need for applied, cross-disciplinary research—particularly at the intersection of human behaviour and technology. UGM is increasingly pairing computer scientists with experts from diverse domains such as psychology, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and the social sciences. This approach ensures that AI tools are not only technically robust, applicable across sectors, and responsive to real stakeholder needs, but also socially grounded. He also highlighted an important structural reality: AI research is inherently expensive. Cloud-computing costs alone can exceed the annual operating budgets of some faculties, and very few universities in the region can independently sustain large-scale modelling efforts. Consequently, multi-stakeholder collaboration is no longer optional but essential. Dr Hadmoko stressed that shared supercomputing infrastructure, joint research clusters, and industry-supported innovation centres are becoming critical pillars for advancing AI research and ensuring equitable access to computational power.

Prof Muluk reminded the room that AI will not only mirror humanity’s strengths, but also its vulnerabilities. He cited real cases of young people seeking emotional support from AI systems —sometimes with tragic consequences when models hallucinate, misjudge intent or offer unsafe advice. His message was clear: offline life still matters, as does physical interaction. Universities, he stressed, must invest as seriously in human resilience as they do in digital infrastructure. Community-building, peer-support systems, service learning and mental-health programmes are not peripheral — they are essential safeguards in an era where digital companionship can feel deceptively comforting. “We must equip students with wisdom,” he said. “And wisdom is not something AI can provide.”

The Business of Innovation

Later in the Forum, discussions widened beyond universities to the broader start-up and corporate ecosystem. A second session – themed ‘Ask Me Anything: Building Impactful Start-ups in an Uncertain World in the Age of AI’ – featured start-up founders in biotech, media tech and the industrial Internet of Things, offering a candid look at what it takes to build resilient companies in an age of rapid technological change.

Speakers Mr Adi Reza Nugroho of MYCL, Mr David Setiawan Suwarto (Business ’09) of SCTV and MOJI, Mr Pang Xue Kai (Engineering ’15) of ForU AI, and moderator Mr Danial Talib of PIER71™, shared practical insights on navigating uncertainty, earning user trust, and using AI to accelerate — not replace — human creativity and problem-solving.

NUS Enterprise also highlighted its expanding regional presence through its BLOCK71 network, now spanning 11 cities — including Jakarta, Bandung and Yogyakarta — and connecting founders to mentors, investors and international markets.

Taken together, the conversations at NIF Jakarta reflected a region that is not simply adapting to technological change but actively shaping it. It built on earlier stops in Manila, San Francisco, Suzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo, each shaped around the question of how innovation can drive economic and social progress across regions.

By NUS Office of Alumni Relations

Amid the chaos and complexity, real learning happens.

“Experiential learning gets students to confront real world issues and test responses that could solve sticky problems through trying, failing, adapting and scaling, which is even more needed today when expert opinions and table-top plans can be easily engineered by AI,” said Associate Professor Daniel Goh, Associate Provost (Undergraduate Education) and Vice Dean (Special Programmes) at NUS College (NUSC).

“It brings students face to face with communities on the ground, to interact and collaborate with fellow human beings, encouraging empathy and giving us the baseline humanity that would result in meaningful innovation and change.”

Assoc Prof Goh was speaking at “Beyond the Classroom: How NUS Students Turn Ideas Into Real-World Impact,” an event jointly organised by NUS Enterprise, NUSC and the Office of the Provost – NUSOne to discuss how student projects can be scaled up into real-world ventures that create lasting social impact.

The NUSOne initiative encourages students to make time for out-of-classroom learning on Wednesday afternoons, when they can take part in events like this one on October 22 and community engagement activities like designing and conducting workshops with underserved communities on topics such as diet, exercise, phone usage and environmental awareness. Experiential learning is also a cornerstone of the NUSC curriculum, which includes the Impact Experience (IEx) programme, where students spend two years working on societal challenges in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Attended by about 60 students from across NUS, the event was held at NUSC’s Saga Dining Hall and featured a workshop on developing strategies for impact and a panel discussion with three NUS entrepreneurs on how they developed their ideas into tangible solutions for social good. In addition, NUS Enterprise shared opportunities for students to deepen their entrepreneurial skills, including NUS Overseas Colleges and the NUS Enterprise Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship, and highlighted the funding available to support their ideas.

Intentional design for greater impact

To help students explore how social innovation and entrepreneurship intersect, Mr Calvin Chu, Partner at EY-Parthenon, Ernst & Young, conducted a workshop titled “Social Innovation – Developing Strategies for Impact.” He shared case studies from his years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies and social enterprises to demonstrate how strategic design, empathy and entrepreneurial thinking can drive scalable, meaningful solutions.

For example, when his consultancy company partnered with the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) on dementia inclusion, the exercise of creating personas proved crucial in understanding NVPC’s volunteers, donors and beneficiaries and designing solutions. Using these personas, they created immersive experiences to foster empathy and understanding for people living with dementia and their caregivers, developed tools such as user journey maps to identify the root causes of community challenges and co-created innovative solutions with healthcare providers, corporations and community groups.

He also introduced the Social Innovation Toolkit, a practical framework that helps changemakers and aspiring founders uncover core challenges faced by communities, map leverage points and design sustainable solutions.

For many students, it was their first glimpse into how a strategic and structured plan, like those used in business development, can lead to innovation for social impact.

“I knew nothing about consulting before this,” said Jaxon Moh, a second-year NUSC student majoring in computing. “The session opened my eyes to what happens behind the scenes and how consulting can drive real social change.”

Turning seeds of ideas into social enterprises

In a panel discussion titled “Beyond Projects: Navigating the Entrepreneurial Path” and moderated by Dr Erwin Chan, Lead for Startup Development at raiSE Singapore, three social entrepreneurs – two current NUS students and an alumnus – shared tips and advice for aspiring founders based on their personal experiences.

Mr Ibnur Rashad, founder and CEO of Ground-Up Innovation Labs for Development (GUILD) Asia, reassured students that creating impact doesn’t require a particularly impressive idea, only curiosity and persistence.

“I didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur. I just loved experimenting. Sometimes curiosity, not ambition, leads to the most meaningful ventures,” said the NUS College of Design and Engineering alumnus, who turned down a Google offer to focus on his social enterprise that empowers ground-up innovators to solve social and environmental challenges.

Commenhers cofounder and CEO Nuryanee Anisah, a Year 4 NUSC and NUS Business School student, highlighted that passion alone is not enough to sustain a business in the long term. Creativity, drive and strategy are crucial in running her sustainable fashion enterprise, which has upcycled over 9,000 kg of textile waste, employed 90 makers and set up four community sewing spaces over the past half-decade.

She added: “Strong partnerships, clear communication and reinvesting in the community are what make lasting change possible."

One essential step in the innovation process is taking the time to understand the problem at hand, said Wayne Tan, co-founder of CallBridge, an app that helps deaf users make and take phone calls. “Even the best ideas can fall flat if the problem isn’t meaningful to your users,” he said.

The second-year computer science student cited mentors and programmes like the NUS Enterprise Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship as valuable resources in helping entrepreneurs connect with potential co-founders, learn crucial business skills and build ventures that can truly make a difference.

Even as the entrepreneurs spoke candidly about developing grit in the face of rejections, late nights and self-doubt, they agreed that the challenges were outweighed by the satisfaction of seeing their ideas blossom into effective solutions that touch people’s lives.

Said Mr Ibnur: "Building a company isn’t easy. It’s a rollercoaster. But when it reflects who you are and empowers others, it’s profoundly worth it."

By NUS Enterprise

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, the event’s Guest-of-Honour, emphasised that Singapore’s long-term investments in education, research, and innovation are among the nation’s enduring strengths.

“NUS has been an important partner in Singapore’s development – nurturing generations of skilled graduates; anchoring world-class research; and helping to seed new industries that are critical to our economic competitiveness – and today, the opening of this building is yet another step forward in that journey,” said DPM Gan Kim Yong. 

Expanding capital and partnerships for deep tech ventures

To accelerate the growth of deep tech start-ups, NUS Enterprise launched a co-investment framework with SG Growth Capital, the strategic investment platform of the Singapore Economic Development Board and Enterprise Singapore. This framework channels greater capital into deep tech ventures and selected venture capital funds, with SG Growth Capital matching NUS Enterprise’s investments based on fund evaluation.

In parallel, NUS Enterprise signed a S$20 million co-investment agreement with Lotus One Investment Pte Ltd, part of the Lotus Singapore Group. This partnership will support both NUS spin-offs and venture capital funds, with profits significantly reinvested to strengthen NUS Enterprise’s innovation and entrepreneurship programmes.

Together with the S$150 million NUS Venture Capital Programme launched in July 2025, these initiatives significantly expand support for NUS-affiliated start-ups. “NUS is committed to creating stronger pathways for deep tech start-ups to succeed,” said Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President.

Dr Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise), added, “These partnerships strengthen our integrated ecosystem – uniting education, research, and venture creation – to attract outstanding talent and nurture start-ups that deliver innovation with lasting global impact.”

Under Dr Tan’s leadership, NUS Enterprise has developed an integrated ecosystem, or “flywheel”, that drives innovation and entrepreneurship. Each success nurtures talent, accelerates start-ups, attracts investment, creates jobs, and generates real-world solutions – momentum that powers the next wave of innovation. Guided by its “Three Ones” ambition, NUS seeks to achieve at least one venture generating over S$128 million (US$100 million) in annual revenue or creating 1,000 jobs; secure S$1.3 billion (US$1 billion) in financial returns from NUS ventures; and build enterprises that collectively improve the lives of one billion people worldwide.

Global learning opportunities with Stanford University

Building on this flywheel of innovation, NUS Enterprise has also catalysed a S$2 million pilot collaboration with Stanford University, made possible through a donation from the Khetan Foundation. The NUS-Stanford Khetan Foundation Launch Pad gives students from the College of Design and Engineering at NUS hands-on experience in international teams. They will collaborate with partners, including Meta and Venture Corporation, to co-create and prototype solutions to real-world industry challenges under the guidance of faculty from both universities.

Lessons from a global innovation leader

Against this backdrop of global partnerships, Professor Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli, Edgar L. and Harold H. Buttner Chair of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley, shared his perspective on what drives innovation during his keynote address. He noted that while collaboration and experimentation are essential to advancing technology, the next wave of breakthroughs will come from translating research into enterprise with bold, long-term vision.

“When you start a company, you need a long-term vision. It’s not enough to say, I can do 10 times better than what exists. Ten times is not enough. It should be 100 times. Even better, you should aim for something that doesn’t exist yet. That’s what is so exciting about doing enterprise from research. You have a vision, and you want that vision to be implemented.”

Powering the flywheel through local initiatives

While global partnerships expand international exposure, the flywheel is equally powered by initiatives rooted in Singapore. At the event, NUS Enterprise spotlighted the latest education and research programmes, including the National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (National GRIP), which empowers Singapore innovators to transform lab discoveries into globally competitive, market-ready ventures.

Inaugural National GRIP Showcase

The first cohort of 21 National GRIP teams from NUS and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) debuted their solutions at the NUS Innovation Showcase, held across three levels of the i³ building. With strong mentorship and market validation, these teams are developing ventures in AI, health technology, sustainability, and more.

The showcase also featured 40 other NUS-affiliated start-ups and student innovation teams, presenting solutions across three innovation tracks: Future Matter (Physical Sciences, Materials, and Semiconductors); Future Logic (AI and Software); and Future Pulse (Healthcare). These tracks reflect NUS Enterprise’s strategic priorities and align closely with Singapore’s national interests and areas of venture capital focus.

National GRIP Labs

Supporting National GRIP teams and other deep tech ventures, both local and international, are the newly launched National GRIP Labs (NGRIP Labs). Located at the CREATE Tower on NUS Kent Ridge campus, these labs offer specialised facilities for any deep tech field of interest and comprehensive prototyping services with technical guidance to help start-ups speed up the development of their solutions.

NUS Innovation and Venture Creation Awards

While facilities like the NGRIP Labs provide critical infrastructure, it is the ingenuity of NUS researchers and faculty that drives breakthroughs. To celebrate these achievements, NUS presented the NUS Innovation and Venture Creation Awards to eight winners, recognising faculty and researchers who are translating cutting-edge research into globally impactful solutions.

The future of innovation

Following a vibrant morning of celebrations, the afternoon sessions shifted the focus to charting the future of innovation. More than 20 distinguished international speakers shared their perspectives on breakthroughs in technology and discussed how the next generation of innovators can successfully navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Three parallel discussion tracks were moderated by Dr Tan and NUS Enterprise advisors, Ms Donna See, a member of the NUS Board of Trustees, and Dr Patrick Ennis, Venture Partner at Madrona Venture Group (pictured left in each photo), respectively. The sessions explored geopolitical and market shifts, as well as strategies for nurturing and scaling start-ups. Speakers emphasised that successful ventures depend on strong research, product development, customer focus, and, most importantly, the people driving the venture.

As Dr Ennis reflected, “I used to think science is the most important part, and then you get a little more experience and realise it’s actually the product, engineering, and customers. And with even more experience, you realise it’s really about the people.”

The day continued with the panel “Innovation Unplugged: Founders and Frontiers”, moderated by Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise), NUS Enterprise (first on left in the photo above). NUS professors-turned-founders shared candid insights on the challenges of turning research into ventures. They reinforced the importance of making technology distinctive and telling your story effectively. One of the panellists, Professor Abhik Roychoudhury, Provost's Chair Professor of Computer Science at NUS Computing, illustrated this with the rapid acquisition of his AI start-up AutoCodeRover in just 10 months, beginning from a single tweet.

Adding another dynamic layer, the “Reverse Pitching” session turned the tables, with investors presenting their cases to founders and researchers, highlighting the critical factors that attract funding and scale ventures.

The evening concluded with a keynote by Dr Edward Jung, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Intellectual Ventures, during a dinner networking session. He brought the day’s conversations full circle, urging innovators to look beyond trends and focus on applications that deliver real value,  emphasising that lasting impact comes from the synergy of vision, execution, and people.

i³ as a hub for entrepreneurship

More than a ceremony, the event was a celebration of curiosity, a spark for bold ideas, and a call to experiment together. “i³ is the nexus on which the NUS Enterprise flywheel spins. It brings together all the pieces in the ecosystem, fuelling the momentum to drive global impact and Singapore’s entrepreneurial success,” said Dr Tan.

By NUS Enterprise

Engineering innovation with entrepreneurial thinking

In the “Ideas to Innovation” lecture by Associate Professor Khoo Eng Tat, Assistant Dean (Research & Technology) at CDE, students were encouraged to view engineering (and learning) not just as calculations and prototypes, but as a platform for innovation and enterprise. His message: Entrepreneurial mindset is not innate – it is cultivated through questioning assumptions, embracing experimentation, and most importantly, learning from failure.

Luis Olguin Reyes, a Year 4 student at NUS Business School, aptly shared: “Failure is part of success, like in everything, but especially in entrepreneurship.” The sentiment captured the spirit of the lecture, reminding students that setbacks are not endpoints, but stepping stones for learning.

Founders’ fireside chat: Turning passion into purpose

A highlight of the afternoon was the panel discussion on “How Founders Bring Passion to Life”, moderated by Remi Choong, partner at deep-tech venture capital firm Elev8.vc. Three NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) alumni also shared their journeys:

·       Grace Chia, Co-Founder & CEO of BeeX Autonomous Systems

·       M. Ibnur Rashad, Founder & CEO of Ground-Up Innovation Labs for Development (GUILD)

·       Chang Qingyang, Co-founder & CEO of ConcreteAI

Their stories were not polished pitches but honest reflections on long nights, bold pivots, and repeated failures. Through these raw insights, students saw how resilience, curiosity and adaptability are the real engines behind innovation.

Students left inspired to take bold actions, embrace diverse perspectives, and approach challenges with creativity. For Leonard Goh, Year 2 student at NUS School of Computing, he found the session eye-opening and quoted M. Ibnur Rashad: “Failure is the norm in entrepreneurship, and it should be expected, not avoided.”

For Reiner Ong, Year 2 student at NUS CDE, this was an eye-opener. She reflected, “I’ve always been afraid to start my own entrepreneurial journey because I feared setbacks. But after today’s panel, I’ve learned that failure is just part of the journey, and we must embrace and learn from it.”

Building mindsets, block by block

The event closed with “Problem Solving Piece by Piece”, a hands-on challenge using the SOMA cube, a classic spatial puzzle made of interlocking pieces. The activity sparked laughter, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, teaching participants the value of persistence, teamwork, and breaking complex challenges into manageable steps, key habits for building an entrepreneurial mindset.

Neryss Ho, Year 2 student at CDE, shared, “We were tasked to build the tallest tower using just a few 3D blocks, and it was so much fun thinking of creative ways to solve the problem. It was definitely my favourite activity.”

The activity underscored a vital truth: complex problems can be tackled when broken into parts - mirroring the process of entrepreneurial problem-solving in the real world.

Key takeaways: Planting the seeds of an entrepreneurial future

By the end of the event, one thing was clear: Entrepreneurship isn’t just about launching start-ups – it is a mindset. It is about cultivating curiosity and courage to ask “What if?”, and about embracing failure as a learning opportunity. It is about turning problems into possibilities, and taking the first small step toward something bigger.

Many students walked away with concrete goals, from solving one real-world problem a month to forming project teams with peers from different faculties.

“Building an Innovation Mindset” was more than a typical classroom lesson. It offered students not only a window into how ventures are built, but also personal growth in building confidence, skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset to take their first steps toward launching their own innovations and turning ideas into tangible impact.

By NUS Enterprise

Purchasing the merchandise in bulk often meant that about 5 to 10 per cent of the clothing was unfit for sale due to being in poor condition or heavily damaged. Faced with unsold inventory and Singapore’s dismal textile recycling rate of just 2 per cent in 2023, the environmentally-conscious pair decided to act. Their solution? Repurposed – a bold initiative that transforms unsellable garments into stylish upcycled pieces, while empowering youths to explore their passion for design and fashion.

Repurposed – An idea borne at the FASS Social Entrepreneurship Incubator Pitch Competition

Repurposed, an initiative that was launched in April, offers young people passionate about sustainable fashion and entrepreneurship hands-on training in sewing, embroidery, and textile reworking. Participants have the opportunity to upcycle Woofie’s unsold merchandise into their own clothing lines, which are then sold in stores. Alongside practical skills, they receive mentorship on the ins and outs of running a thrift business, equipping them with the knowledge to turn their creativity into entrepreneurial ventures.

The idea emerged after Matthew and Desiree banded with like-minded entrepreneurial friends, NUS Faculty of Science students Avaneesh Reddy and Novin Sim, to participate in the FASS Social Entrepreneurship Incubator (SEI) Pitch Competition at the end of last year.

Matthew, a third-year History student, shared how the team initially approached the competition with a broader idea to address Singapore’s textile waste problem, but the judges offered valuable guidance to help refine their pitch.

He recounted, “They advised that given the scale of the textile waste problem in Singapore, it would be more practical to focus on addressing the issue within a specific social group and in the process, create meaningful impact.” Because of this, the team decided to tap into Woofie’s unsold inventory and target their efforts on youths passionate about sustainability but who may not have access to creative reworking opportunities, entrepreneurial exposure or confidence-building platforms.

In addition to teaching youths how to upcycle textiles, the team will aim to leverage Novin’s background in life sciences to explore sustainable dyeing techniques using natural ingredients like coffee grounds for Repurposed. This will add another layer of innovation and eco-consciousness to their initiative. “We’re not just empowering youths to rework clothes,” Novin explained, “We’re equipping them with the skills to think creatively and to innovate.”

The team’s vision eventually earned them first prize in the competition – S$10,000 in seed funding to invest in the training workshops and equipment needed, as well as a one-year mentorship experience with the SEI steering committee to carry out the business idea.

Repurposed’s challenges and early wins

Launching Repurposed came with its fair share of challenges. The team initially struggled to recruit youths in April, as many were hesitant to commit long-term due to concerns about balancing involvement in the programme with schoolwork and exams. Others – such as students from fashion design schools – were drawn more by enrichment opportunities than genuine need.

Undeterred, the team pressed on. Through numerous interviews and extensive outreach, they successfully recruited an inaugural batch of four youths in May. Alongside Desiree, the youths completed a foundational textile reworking workshop at the end of May and have since independently crafted their very first bags, pouches and water bottle-holders.

To further support their learning journey, the team purchased sewing and embroidery machines and set up a dedicated workstation at Woofie’s Eunos back office. There, the youths continued to hone their skills learnt from the foundation workshop to develop more polished pieces, with guidance from the team. This August, they will sell their handcrafted items at a flea market held by social enterprise City Sprouts in Pasir Ris. They will also attend a second advanced workshop at the end of the month to further refine their sewing and embroidery techniques and explore more distinctive patterns and designs with the goal of eventually progressing to developing their own clothing line such as buttoned-up shirts and ladies’ shirts for sale at Woofie’s by year’s end. The team intends to recruit a second group of four to five youths early next year and selected participants will undergo the same training under the team’s mentorship.

Other ways the team plans to support the youths include creating a guide on basic social media marketing and tracking of product sales of each youth. Desiree’s participation in the first foundational workshop and later in the advanced workshop will allow the team to document and digitise the training process, ensuring future cohorts can learn from an online, structured knowledge base when Repurposed continues beyond the seed funding period.

Desiree, a Communications and New Media alumna, shared, “Repurposed is a meaningful initiative and we hope to continue it for as long as our stores are open. Rather than focus on training and recruiting a set number of youths within the seed funding period of one year, the team wants to focus on the longer-term goal of deepening the practical skills of the youths, building their confidence and deepen their appreciation for sustainability.”

One of the participants, Ms Bock Khai Yue, was happy to be a part of the programme. She said, “Through this programme I experienced first-hand the joy of turning an unsellable product into my own creation!”

Avaneesh, a third-year student majoring in Data Science and Economics, reflected on lessons the team has also learnt since the start of the initiative. “When it came to recruitment, we realised that many youths felt hesitant or intimidated to apply, even if they were interested. Some doubted their creativity or feared they would not fit in.” Moving forward, he shared that the team intends to feature more behind-the-scenes content of the reworking process when recruiting the second batch of participants, “not just to showcase what we do, but to make the programme feel more relatable, welcoming and achievable.”

One of the competition judges and a member of the SEI steering committee, Head of NUS Social Work Department Associate Professor Lee Geok Ling, commended the team for the way they had navigated challenges, absorbed feedback and continuously refined their approach towards Repurposed – a testament to both their growth and unwavering dedication.

She remarked, “Their remarkable balance of creative ambition with practical, sustainable considerations exemplifies the desirable mix of idealism and pragmatism that is essential for social entrepreneurs…As they continue to develop, I am excited by the potential, meaningful impact they can make on the youth community, and I am confident that Repurposed will keep thriving, becoming even stronger social entrepreneurs in the years ahead.”

Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset

All participants were challenged to tackle real-world problems faced by companies, from sustainable supply chains to tech-driven social impact, through intensive workshops and team pitches.

As shaping the entrepreneurial mindset was crucial at the start, the opening ceremony included a fireside chat with Mr Jeffrey Tiong, founder of unicorn start-up PatSnap. Recalling his journey from humble beginnings to scaling a global innovation platform, he highlighted invaluable lessons he had acquired on resilience, reinvention, and radically honest leadership.

The fireside chat was one of the sessions where students could pick up business insights, and put this into practice over the course of the programme. On Demo Day in week 2, they presented their ideas applying what they had learned, to a panel of venture capitalists and industry experts.

Jun Wei, a Data Science and Analytics major from NUS College of Humanities and Sciences, drew inspiration from Mr Tiong as he recounted how, in his role as leader of the pitch team HEALTHLINK, he learned to reframe challenges as opportunities. Their team developed an innovative chatbot to enhance patient experiences on Singapore’s HealthHub platform. This effort not only earned them a first-prize win in their track but also left a strong impression on the judging panel.

“Our multicultural team consisted of Pim from Thailand, Toby and Ying Yue from China, Moza from the UAE, and me. While we all came from vastly different backgrounds, we each had complementary strengths which contributed to the team’s success,” he recounted fondly. “We bonded by sharing past project experiences, and I took the lead to structure our discussions.” 

Thriving in ASEAN’s start-up ecosystem

Week two culminated with ASEAN Day, a dedicated exploration of Southeast Asia’s dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. The centrepiece was a panel session on “Opportunities & Challenges in Southeast Asian Start-up Ecosystem”, where participants acquainted themselves with opportunities for growth and innovation in the fast-growing region.

The programme’s industry exposure took participants directly into Singapore’s thriving start-up ecosystem. Visits to BLOCK71 Singapore and interactions with founders from NUS start-ups like Carousell and ShopBack, revealed the practical steps to scaling ventures. In addition, a fireside chat with Mr Philip Yeo, Chairman of Economic Development Innovations Singapore, offered insights on talent development, navigating ASEAN’s US$600 billion (S$773 billion) digital economy, and how he strategised Singapore’s transformation into a global hub for technology, biomedicine, and innovation.

“If you want to do business here, learn the languages,” Mr Yeo emphasised, an essential starting point for any aspiring ASEAN entrepreneur.

Beyond business insights, the programme embraced ASEAN’s rich cultural tapestry through immersive activities that deepened participants’ regional understanding. Language learning segments introduced its linguistic diversity with lessons in Thai, Vietnamese, and Bahasa Indonesia. Hands-on workshops in traditional batik painting, angklung music, silat, and a traditional bamboo dance offered the participants authentic cultural experiences, while cookery sessions featuring traditional Southeast Asian dishes such as som tam (Thai papaya salad), gado-gado (Indonesian salad with peanut dressing), and Vietnamese spring rolls gave them a taste of the region’s flavours.

These cultural immersion activities proved more than recreational – they enhanced participants’ appreciation for ASEAN’s diverse heritage, along with their understanding of the business climate across Singapore and the wider Southeast Asia.

As a Student Ambassador and Computer Science major from NUS School of Computing, Neryss approached the programme with a unique lens – not just as a participant, but as someone helping to facilitate a cross-cultural connection.  She found new appreciation for Singapore’s multicultural identity while connecting with clanmates from the region as well.

She highlighted her visit to Carousell Singapore as one which reiterated the importance of local market strategies. “Carousell’s founders showed how understanding local nuances drives success,” she said, reflecting on how blending cultural understanding with entrepreneurial vision is key – in Singapore, in ASEAN, in the world.

“And the rest is how you pitch your product!”

Mastering the art of persuasive pitching and storytelling

Beyond technical skills and industry insights, the programme culminated in developing participants’ most crucial entrepreneurial skill: the ability to persuasively communicate their vision. Led by the dynamic Mr Kris Childress, Mentor-in-Residence of NUS Enterprise, the pitching workshop helped students learn how to articulate their value proposition with clarity and passion.

Together with his pitch team from HEALTHLINK, Jun Wei worked smoothly with zero friction. “What I felt we did right was that our complementary strengths drove collaboration,” he remarked.

A pivotal mentoring session with Ms Joyce Ng from iGlobe Partners prompted a fundamental shift to a healthcare provider-focused solution. “Joyce’s advice to always listen to teammates and end users reshaped my thinking and allowed me to think deeper about the solution,” Jun Wei reflected. 

On the morning of Demo Day, nerves ran high as the HEALTHLINK team was worried about the five-minute time limit, but their focus on presenting paid off. “When the results were out later in the day that our team had won, I jumped for joy in the midst of the finale ceremony, fuelled by pure adrenaline. The win, the personalised congratulatory message from Joyce, and the atmosphere of energetic celebrations made the hard work worth it,” he recalled.

Building ventures with purpose

At the heart of the programme was purpose-driven entrepreneurship, inspired by a vision of ventures that drive societal good. A panel with leaders from Dignity Kitchen and raiSE Singapore set souls ablaze, showing how profit and impact can intertwine. Hands-on prototyping sessions brought ideas to life, such as apps for inclusive education and urban sustainability solutions.

Beyond learning to build resilient and scalable ventures, the programme was also about crafting legacies that make a difference in society, using purpose to drive oneself. “Leadership is remembering why and for whom you started,” said Mr Koh Seng Choon, Founder of Dignity Kitchen.

Finding her entrepreneurial purpose through her StepUp team’s pitch, Neryss shared how StepUp, a gamified workshop to teach financial literacy to low-income secondary school students in Singapore, planned to expand across Southeast Asia, where income inequality remains prevalent. “Our team’s synergy was our unique selling point,” she shared, echoing judge Mr Prantik Mazumdar’s observation that a company’s direction may shift, testing the team’s ability to stay motivated.

“That advice led us to focus on financial literacy for secondary school students, simulating their daily choices between wants and needs, unlike broader gamified learning tools,” she said.

Celebrating a global entrepreneurial community

The programme culminated with a grand finale that perfectly captured the essence of the two-week journey. The event featured cultural performances by the students and Demo Day, where teams presented their polished start-up ideas to panels of industry judges and venture capitalists.

From gamified travel apps to sustainable tech solutions, the pitches showcased the programme’s impact on fostering creativity and ambition, as well as the aspiring founders behind the ideas that were brought to life. The event celebrated not only entrepreneurial achievements but also the global connections formed, with participants leaving as part of NUS Enterprise’s vibrant community.

“Regardless of where you’re from, I believe each of you is walking away with not only new entrepreneurial mindsets and skills, but also friendships and memories that I hope will last a lifetime,” Associate Professor Benjamin Tee told the students.

“Many of the founders said that this is an experience where one will experience many challenges and failures, and I want to test my resilience and meet all these ambitious, inspiring people along the way, as at the end of the programme, I realised that entrepreneurship is something that I really want to pursue,” shared Neryss reflecting on the days spent with new friends and the fast-paced life lessons she gained along the way.

Echoing her sentiments, Jun Wei added that the two weeks had taught him more than his previous work experiences. “It ignited a drive to own my ideas and learn from mistakes in the chaos of creation.”

A global network for future innovators

The NUS Enterprise Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship 2025 served as a transformative launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs. As the students returned home, they took with them not just memories but essential tools, international networks, lasting friendships, and newfound confidence to build ventures that will shape the future.

By NUS Enterprise

In Asia, venture capital funding has nosedived to a decade low of S$85 billion, with early-stage investments declining five per cent from 2023 to S$38 billion in 2024^[1]. In this challenging climate, tech start-ups, particularly those born from intensive research and development cycles, face some of the steepest hurdles.

“Research-based start-ups face distinct challenges, including R&D cycles that are much longer than traditional start-ups, making them especially vulnerable in today’s cautious investment environment,” said Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President. “The new NUS Venture Capital Programme brings together capital, strategic partnerships, and specialised venture expertise to create a more resilient path from lab to market.”

A first-of-its-kind initiative by a university in Asia

The NUS VC Programme is designed to enhance support for early-stage tech innovation by focusing on high-potential ventures within the NUS ecosystem, including start-ups from the National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (National GRIP).

National GRIP empowers innovators to transform lab-based research discoveries into globally competitive, market-ready ventures. While GRIP currently provides up to S$250,000 in seed funding per start-up, many start-ups require continued support to move beyond proof of concept and into commercial markets.

The programme addresses this need by focusing on post-seed growth, combining capital and structured, hands-on venture-building support to help these start-ups scale effectively.

Backing tech start-ups with capital and expertise

The NUS VC Programme comprises two key components.

First, NUS will commit S$50 million over the next three years in selected venture capital firms with strong track records in early-stage deep tech investments. These firms will provide structured, hands-on support to start-ups, including time, expertise, and access to their networks to help them scale effectively.

The first two VC partners are Granite Asia, a leading multi-asset investment platform with a 25-year track record of backing breakthrough technology ventures globally, and 4BIO Capital, a specialist life sciences investor focused on advanced therapeutics.

Second, NUS will commit S$100 million to an autonomous investment fund focused on NUS-affiliated start-ups, with the flexibility to invest alongside selected VC partners.

“NUS has built one of the most ambitious deep tech pipelines in Asia — a launchpad for breakthrough ideas with global relevance. This partnership sets a new model for how deep tech can scale: pairing world-class research with long-term capital, deep operational support, and Granite Asia’s global network. Together, we aim to accelerate the next generation of transformative technologies from Singapore to the world,” said Ms Jenny Lee and Mr Jixun Foo, Senior Managing Partners, Granite Asia.

“The NUS VC Programme marks a significant step forward for early-stage tech innovation in Asia. By pairing investment with expert-led support, we are accelerating the growth of promising start-ups and strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem. At 4BIO Capital, we look forward to partnering with NUS on this exciting initiative and learning from each other as we build and grow the companies developing the treatments of tomorrow,” added Dr Dima Kuzmin, Managing Partner, 4BIO Capital.

Enabling a complete pathway from lab to market

According to Dr Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President (Innovation & Enterprise), the programme is designed to plug a critical gap in the innovation ecosystem. “National GRIP is an important first step in helping deep tech start-ups take root,” he said. “The VC Programme builds on this by pairing promising ventures with globally connected investors, enabling a more complete pathway to scale and commercial success.”

What sets this programme apart is its direct engagement with leading VC firms selected not only for their track records, but also for their market access in global innovation hubs. Beyond funding, these partners provide structured support ranging from mentorship, investor feedback, market entry, fundraising networks to operational guidance.

By strengthening the bridge between research and the market, NUS aims to boost the resilience and scalability of its tech start-ups and keep the innovation engine running despite a tough investment climate.

By NUS Enterprise

^[1] https://news.crunchbase.com/venture/asia-startup-funding-tanks-eoy-2024/

The partnership between NUS and JR East began in September 2023 with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote entrepreneurial opportunities between Singapore and Japan. That same year, NUS launched the NUS Enterprise Market Immersion Programme in Japan, with JR East as one of its partners. This programme has enabled NUS start-ups like M.I. Cloud Technologies and Mycotech Lab to explore the Japanese market and connect with potential corporate partners.

Building on this momentum, NUS teamed up earlier this year with JR East and ICMG Group, a leading business co-creation partner for Japanese companies, to launch a programme aimed at advancing open innovation strategies in Southeast Asia. This initiative encourages Japanese companies to collaborate with start-ups to create new products and services, accelerate growth, and bring innovative solutions to market faster.

The opening of BLOCK71 Tokyo marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between NUS and its Japanese partners, reinforcing the shared commitment to developing robust start-up ecosystems in both countries. Located at TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars’ Hub, BLOCK71 Tokyo will support the growth of Southeast Asian technology-driven start-ups in Japan, contributing to an urban development focus on environmental sustainability, mobility and robotics, and smart health. It will also provide Japanese start-ups with the resources needed to expand into Southeast Asia and beyond.

"Japan’s strong foundation in technology and research makes it an ideal environment for start-up growth. It ranks among the world’s top three countries for patent applications and invests over 3 per cent of its GDP in R&D, one of the highest globally,” said NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye at the opening of BLOCK71 Tokyo.

“This creates immense potential for innovation. With BLOCK71 Tokyo located in the country’s latest innovation hub, we have a strategic platform to connect start-ups and drive cross-border collaboration. To amplify our impact, we are partnering one of Japan’s top universities, a major corporation, and a leading venture capital firm, all sharing our vision to foster deep tech innovation and build a robust global ecosystem,” he added.     

The BLOCK71 Japan team has since supported over 15 start-ups following the successful launch of BLOCK71 Nagoya in November 2024. BLOCK71 is NUS Enterprise’s global network of physical accelerators, providing start-ups with resources, mentorship, and access to international markets across 11 cities.

NUS collaborates with Japanese partners, who will invest about S$10 million to spur global venture creation

To deepen its impact, NUS inked three new partnerships in the lead-up to the opening of BLOCK71 Tokyo. Through these strategic collaborations, NUS will reinforce its position as a leading start-up university in the global innovation landscape, nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets and empowering the next generation of technology entrepreneurs.  

Central Japan Innovation Capital

The first partnership is with Central Japan Innovation Capital (CJIC), a subsidiary of the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System. CJIC will invest up to 5 per cent of its assets under management in NUS-affiliated deep tech start-ups, supporting their growth and expansion into the Japanese and Southeast Asian markets. The fund aims to raise over S$40 million by November 2025. This collaboration will also provide broader opportunities for knowledge exchange and cross-border innovation.

Kyoto University

Beyond funding, NUS is enhancing entrepreneurial support for deep tech start-ups through its partnership with Kyoto University. As a first step, Kyoto University will send start-ups to join the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (NUS GRIP). They will also become the first overseas university partner to offer a localised version of the programme. This will empower Kyoto University’s graduate students, researchers, and alumni to transform research into impactful deep tech ventures, addressing some of the social challenges in Asia and seizing new opportunities.

Both universities will also offer exchange programmes to foster cross-border entrepreneurial experiences. Kyoto University students will have the opportunity to intern at NUS GRIP start-ups, while NUS GRIP start-ups can gain hands-on experience from Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co. Ltd, the university’s venture capital arm.

TIS Inc

NUS will expand its entrepreneurship efforts to build a globally connected start-up ecosystem through a partnership with TIS Inc, one of Japan's leading IT companies. Together, they will launch the Deep Tech Seed to A Growth Expansion Programme (Deep-SAGE), a tailored start-up acceleration initiative to help seed-stage start-ups worldwide scale towards pre-Series A and Series A funding.

Over the next three years, TIS Inc will invest a total of S$7.6 million in Deep-SAGE, supporting up to 30 start-ups. As part of this commitment, at least S$500,000 will be allocated annually to fund a minimum of two start-ups per cohort. The programme, delivered by BLOCK71, will provide structured support through virtual mentorship sessions and workshops. Additionally, start-ups will gain access to incubation opportunities at BLOCK71 offices in 11 cities, including Singapore, Silicon Valley, Saigon and Suzhou.

Deepening market immersion and cultural exchange in Tokyo

Building on the collaboration between NUS and JR East, and riding on the success of its second Japan Immersion Programme in Nagoya held in 2024, BLOCK71 Japan will launch the third edition in Tokyo in May 2025. Start-ups that participated in the 2024 programme have gained valuable insights into Japan’s manufacturing landscape and went on to build industry connections, secure customers, and develop proof-of-concept projects, all of which are crucial for breaking into Japan’s competitive market.

Robotics firm RoPlus had a fruitful experience participating in the Japan Immersion Programme organised by BLOCK71 Japan in 2024, said Mr Low Jin Huat, the start-up’s co-founder. “We had the opportunity to engage in individual meetings with stakeholders, including end-users and potential investors. Additionally, we showcased our products at Messe Nagoya, where we connected with various industry partners and increased market awareness.”

“Through this programme, we successfully secured a distributor for the Japanese market and engaged two potential end-users,” Mr Low added, as he thanked BLOCK71 Japan for “fostering a supportive ecosystem and providing a strategic platform for NUS spin-offs to enter the Japanese market.”

Another start-up said the programme enabled it to make valuable connections with Japanese companies. “We were able to secure a pilot project with one of the companies we met during this programme. It has helped us shape our strategy for entering the Japanese market,” said Mr Zaid Ahmed Khan, CEO of M.I. Cloud Technologies.

The 2025 edition will focus on the three key themes of TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, namely, environmental sustainability, mobility and robotics, and smart health. It will welcome five Southeast Asian start-ups, who will have the chance to showcase their solutions at the upcoming GATEWAY Tech TAKANAWA, an event for large corporations and start-ups to exchange innovative ideas and solutions. This immersive experience will further strengthen ties between Southeast Asia and Japan, equipping start-ups with the knowledge and networks they need to enter new markets and drive innovation.

By NUS Enterprise

Coinciding with NUS’ 120th anniversary this year, the event, which included a six-day virtual segment, provided a glimpse into the distinctive educational approach of Singapore’s first higher education institution and flagship university.

Kicking off the online segment from 1 to 6 March were virtual talks by the Office of Admissions that acquainted prospective students with the University’s educational offerings. These include over 60 bachelor’s degree programmes, interdisciplinary and flexible pathways, as well as opportunities for career development and global experiences. Talks, webinars and social media sessions by NUS Business School, NUS Law and the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health were among the other presentations that took place during the online Open House.

The on-campus event saw throngs of prospective students and parents turn up to explore the various facets of NUS’ academic and student life. From programme booths, talks and masterclasses, to student life performances, campus tours and residential showcases, visitors got a taste of the well-rounded experience at NUS.

Nicole Yeo, a graduate from River Valley High School, said, “The Open House has provided me a glimpse into the school culture and I managed to clear my doubts, enabling me to make a more informed decision about my applications.

“I found the booths the most informative as not only were the programme booklets useful, the faculty members and students there were very eager to share with me about their programmes and answer my queries,” said Nicole, who is considering majors in Environmental Studies, Geography and Environmental and Sustainability Engineering.

Engineering the future of robotics

This year, the College of Design and Engineering (CDE) introduced the new Bachelor of Engineering in Robotics and Machine Intelligence, which will receive its first intake in August, at a combined talk for the Robotics & Machine Intelligence, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, and Systems Engineering programmes.

Prospective students learnt how the new robotics engineering specialisation will equip students with versatile skillsets that integrate mechanical, electrical and computer engineering with data science and artificial intelligence. Associate Professor Peter Chan also shared how the programme will prepare students for the future of intelligent robotics, through careers in industries such as defence, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and consumer electronics.

Pavithra Kannan from Raffles Institution, who plans to apply to Mechanical Engineering, found the talk informative. “I managed to learn about the course and possible career prospects. It was interesting to see how diverse the curriculum could be considering you can take different minors and specialisations to truly customise your own curriculum,” she said.

Over at CDE’s talk for Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Industrial Design, lecturers elaborated on the depth and breadth of the comprehensive curricula, faculty expertise, and career prospects for graduates, giving prospective students a well-rounded idea of the diverse skillsets and capabilities they will acquire.

Getting an edge in AI

Making its debut at the Computing showcase was the new Bachelor of Computing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) degree programme, also launching in August. Providing a strong foundation in mathematics, computer science and AI fundamentals, it will enable students to pursue specialisations in areas like robotics, computer vision and bioinformatics, opening doors to careers as AI engineers, machine learning engineers and data scientists.

Students also heard about the Bachelor in Business AI Systems programme. A revamp of the Information Systems degree, it involves solving business problems with AI systems and digital innovation. The programme offers three specialisations – AI governance and management, digital product and platform management, and financial technology – as well as internships with start-ups and multinational companies. 

A convergence of humanities and sciences

The College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS), comprising the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) held talks throughout the day on its extensive range of programmes spanning the sciences, social sciences, humanities and languages.

Life Sciences – one of the biggest majors within CHS – presented its comprehensive programme that offers students the option of two specialisations: Biomedical Sciences; and Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity. Along with a range of minors like Aquatic Ecology and Forensic Science, it aims to nurture versatile scientists for careers in fields such as biotechnology, food security and environmental sustainability.

The joint programme talks organised by FASS included a Geography and Global Studies session that compared the two programmes. Highlighting their shared multidisciplinary approach, it contrasted Geography’s focus on the environment and society with Global Studies’ close examination of globalisation’s effects, emphasising the differing skill sets and career paths.   

Interdisciplinary insights

Along with talks and college tours, NUS College, Singapore’s first honours college, hosted special classes to showcase its stimulating interdisciplinary curriculum.

In Dr Roweena Yip’s class, “Tragedy, Culture, and Society”, students examined how societies are transformed by tragic events, using art, literature and pop culture to analyse the concept through historical, political and emotional dimensions. During Dr Chan Kiat Hwa’s class on nuclear waste and their implications on safety and acceptance, students explored the scientific basis of nuclear energy, the different approaches for storage and disposal, and the profound challenge of warning future generations of the long-term risks present in nuclear waste sites.

Prospective students also explored various avenues for artistic expression. In line with the new Arts For All framework, which aims to integrate the arts more deeply into student life and the academic journey at NUS, the myriad of opportunities for participation in the arts were discussed at a talk by the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.

Various second major programmes and academic pathways were shared, such as the Second Major in Audio Arts and Sciences, which develops students into skilled audio engineers and sound designers with both technical expertise and an understanding of music. Prospective students also heard about the NUS Centre for the Arts’ Second Major in Performing Arts, which prepares students for careers not only in the performing arts but in the arts industry and beyond, through real-world performance experience and vocational learning.

Those interested in starting a healthcare career had the chance to discover NUS’ academic programmes in Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy and gain insights from alumni in the industry about their professional journeys. Pharmacy, which offers the only degree programme in Singapore training undergraduates as registered pharmacists, held a talk discussing the multi-faceted roles of pharmacists across different sectors, from healthcare and research to manufacturing and regulation. Nursing’s immersive special class employed virtual reality simulations and hands-on training using a mannequin, giving students the chance to try their hand at various clinical procedures.

At Bukit Timah Campus, students joined Law's ever-popular mock moot and attended masterclasses on legal topics such as criminal justice and international arbitration.

NUS’ strong entrepreneurial culture was also underscored through NUS Enterprise’s showcase of key initiatives like NUS Overseas Colleges, NUS Enterprise Summer and Winter Programmes in Entrepreneurship, and BLOCK71, highlighting the University’s vibrant innovation ecosystem and the many opportunities for budding entrepreneurs to tap on its networks.

For the first time, the programme included a fireside chat featuring Olympic champion Joseph Schooling, which saw him share about his life journey and emphasise the importance of self-belief, family support, and taking calculated risks. He also credited his Olympic achievement to dedication and pushing boundaries— attributes that are core to entrepreneurship.

Spotlight on student and campus life

Visitors at the Student Village were treated to a vibrant kaleidoscope of performances and showcases from diverse student clubs and interest groups, featuring some of NUS’ brightest talents in the performing arts. Serenading visitors across a range of genres including pop, rock, indie and R&B were the Sheares Band and Raffles Hall’s acapella group RHythm, along with other acts.

The performances and activities gave visitors a taste of NUS life beyond academics, driving home the mission of NUS’ latest NUSOne initiative, which aims to encourage greater self-directed personal growth and development among students, as well as synergise the University’s formal classroom learning with out-of-classroom experiences.

Masters, Resident Fellows, and student leaders from the Residential Colleges (RC), Halls, and Houses were also present to offer prospective students the inside scoop through talks, sample classes and guided tours.

NUS’ two newest residential units also made their debut at this year’s Open House. Valour House showcased its active and inclusive culture with an informative booth and exciting games and prizes. Acacia College, an upcoming RC focusing on artificial and human intelligences, shared how students will explore the relationship between AI and all facets of life and work while acquiring AI-related skills.

Besides engaging prospective students with anecdotes of on-campus living and information on their signature initiatives and pastoral care, the hostels also showcased the diverse student life and interest groups available, such as the uplifting band performances by the College of Alice and Peter Tan and Tembusu College.

Amber Lee, a graduate of Victoria Junior College who is considering Ridge View Residential College (RVRC) and Tembusu College, found the RC booths helpful. “There were many professors and students in the programme enthusiastically answering my questions of anything and everything about the RC, such as the professor at the RVRC booth who gave me a very thorough breakdown of modules and type of content taught at RVRC.”

These were some of the pressing challenges tackled by NUS students during the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Open Hack @ NUS 2024, one of the key events at the inaugural NUS Enterprise Sustainability (E-SUS) Challenge. Organised by NUS Enterprise teams from BLOCK71 and Innovation with Societal Impact in collaboration with partners such as NUS Sustainability and the Office of Student Affairs, the NUS E-SUS Challenge encouraged NUS students to address social and environmental challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship.

SDG Open Hack @ NUS 2024

Held as part of NUS Sustainability CONNECT Week, SDG Open Hack @ NUS was the campus edition of the SDG Open Hack Singapore, a global series of student hackathons endorsed by the United Nations and organised in partnership with the Global Green Economic Foundation.

The 24-hour hackathon attracted more than 50 teams and over 300 NUS students, making this the highest participation among Institutes of Higher Learning and the largest turnout for NUS-hosted student hackathons. Winners from campus editions competed in the SDG Open Hack Singapore finals and three NUS teams advanced to the finals, with one team emerging as the first runner-up of the hackathon.

Team N-House, comprising Year 5 Computer Science undergraduate Eugene Chia, Year 4  Business undergraduate Raphael Chew, Year 4 Information Systems undergraduate Glenn Quah, Year 2 Business undergraduate Harry Wu, and Year 2 Environmental Engineering undergraduate Wan Baicen, were the winners of the NUS campus edition. All were residents of NUS ENterprise House (N-House), where they met and formed a team for the hackathon. The team’s winning proposal was EcoVolt, an innovative energy efficiency solution that reduces power consumption and emissions in buildings by intelligently managing and optimising plug load.

Sharing about his experience, Eugene, Co-Founder of EcoVolt said, “The SDG Open Hack @ NUS 2024 was a truly heartening, impactful, and eye-opening experience for the EcoVolt team. The impeccable curation of speakers, mentors, and judges, coupled with unwavering support from Singapore’s social impact community, was on full display throughout the event. We were especially inspired by our passionate peers, who like us, dedicated their weekend to hacking for the SDGs. With continued and growing support, we will undoubtedly shape a future that champions inclusive innovation, drives sustainable growth, and empowers communities for generations to come.”

NUS Student Innovation Carnival

The inaugural NUS Student Innovation Carnival was held during the NUS E-SUS Challenge, which attracted over 500 NUS students. The winning teams from the SDG Open Hack @ NUS were invited to showcase their ideas at the carnival, alongside innovative projects from across the university.

Students also participated in an interactive scavenger hunt where they were introduced to the entrepreneurial resources and support services available at NUS. Adding to the excitement, student entrepreneurs took the stage during the open mic sessions to pitch their ideas, creating a vibrant platform to foster creativity and collaborations.

Impact x Innovation Immersion Programme to Vietnam

As part of the Impact x Innovation Immersion Programme, about 30 NUS students, including some who participated in the SDG Open Hack @ NUS 2024, travelled to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to explore business opportunities and gain insights into the local business culture. Following its successful debut in 2023, the programme returned for its second year in 2024, providing participants with hands-on learning experience.

During their eight-day trip, students had the opportunity to interact with peers from various Vietnamese universities and visit start-up incubation centres. They also engaged with start-up founders to understand the challenges and opportunities in Vietnam’s start-up ecosystem.

Armed with new knowledge and perspectives, the students refined their business ideas to better tailor them to the Vietnamese market. Their efforts culminated at the Singapore-Vietnam Youth Innovation Summit in Vietnam, a vibrant event designed to connect young changemakers, impact-driven entrepreneurs and industry leaders from Singapore and Vietnam.

On top of being able to exchange ideas and explore impactful collaborations, NUS students pitched their ideas on stage to a panel of judges. Among the standout pitches was Digi-Up!, a start-up offering gamified solutions to help seniors learn and adapt to modern technology. Another notable start-up pitch came from Village Ventures, a global immersion company that supports rural communities by helping them raise funds and connect with social impact organisations to receive the support they need.

“The Impact x Innovation Immersion Programme offered us the opportunity to learn about various aspects of entrepreneurship in Vietnam, from start-up ecosystems to local business practices, and how these are shaped by the unique cultural and economic landscape. It became clear that successful businesses are those that adapt to their community’s specific needs. This programme offers a unique chance to dive deep into how diverse entrepreneurial landscapes operate, making it a must for anyone eager to expand their global perspective on business,” said Ms Sruti Mulupuri, a Year 1 Business undergraduate who is also the Co-Founder of Digi-Up!.

By NUS Enterprise

Similar to the programme’s first run in Bangkok last January, this iteration took participants through a transformative week filled with learning journeys to local Indonesian companies, mentoring sessions with industry experts, and a cultural immersion workshop where they tried playing the angklung, a traditional Indonesian musical instrument made of bamboo.

Likening her experience to being filled with childlike curiosity again, Laura Lee, a Year 1 NUS Mechanical Engineering student with a passion for environmental sustainability and climate solutions, reflected on her eight-day journey in Indonesia.

As a foreigner in the country, everything felt fresh and unfamiliar – whether the food, conversations with her Indonesian peers in the programme, or even the everyday act of crossing the road. “It’s perplexing at times,” she reflected, “but it’s also incredibly rewarding to be able to see the vastness of the world beyond Singapore.”

Despite her initial apprehension, Laura transformed her journey into a vibrant tapestry of discovery. From Jakarta's electric urban pulse to Bandung's serene landscapes, each moment became a catalyst for personal growth — weaving together threads of adventure, camaraderie, and self-reflection. The trip not only expanded her horizons but also crystallised her entrepreneurial vision, revealing unexpected strengths and inspiring new perspectives that would reshape her professional trajectory.

The power of collaboration and playing to one’s strengths

During team formation, the awareness that she would be the only Singaporean in the team made Laura realise communication was key and she would have to code-switch to get her ideas across effectively. With this in mind, the success of her team, ByAlgae, was no accident.

Comprising two business-savvy students, two creative designers, and Laura herself, the team brought a set of diverse skills to the table.

"Their talents, dedication to their cause, and work ethic amazed me," Laura shared. “They even meticulously combed through research papers in Bahasa Indonesia and translated them into English.” Recognising her team's diverse strengths, Laura took the lead in delegating tasks, maximising each member’s unique capabilities to bring life to their project.

Their winning pitch for Metland’s problem statement was a testament to teamwork and strategic thinking. Guided by pitch mentors and judges like Mr Tay Kae Fong, Founder of Binomial Consulting and Co-Founder of Greenway Revolution; and Mr Paulus Timothy, Founder and CEO at Apaw Virtual Indonesia who conducted the mentoring session with the group, Laura’s team learned that less is more when it comes to storytelling.

“The first step is just getting them to like you," Mr Paulus advised – a principle, Laura embraced in drafting a compelling and focused pitch.

Problem-solving can be long-term, but – on the spot?

ByAlgae’s innovative solution to air pollution—using microalgae technology integrated into urban infrastructure — stood out for its blend of sustainability and design. Initially focusing on building facades, the team pivoted to urban infrastructure after their mentor’s advice, honing a business-to-government approach that offered greater scalability and impact.

Despite last-minute stress and technical hurdles, Laura’s creativity shone during the pitch. Her quick thinking to incorporate a face mask prop to drive home the urgency of tackling air pollution and forgo a one-minute video that reiterated issues already discussed by the previous groups, using the time instead to elaborate on the team’s solutions, resulted in a captivating presentation that won over the judges.

Reflecting on her team’s victory, Laura remarked, "It taught me that a great idea isn’t enough — it’s the story and branding that get you noticed. This experience has given me confidence in my pitching skills, though I know the journey of entrepreneurship is far from easy."

With future aspirations in sustainability and green engineering, Laura emerged from the experience more confident of her skills in pitching to a panel of judges.

A bit of culture, a bit of laughter

Beyond acquiring skills and gaining exposure to enterprises, Laura discovered that the best friendships can blossom in the most unexpected ways. For her, it was the bond forged with her Indonesian roommate, Anastasya, during their late-night giggle sessions. “Initially, I was worried about the cultural and language barriers,” Laura admitted. However, simple moments, like ironing shirts together, proved to be powerful icebreakers. "That night, we laughed so hard it felt intimate to me – a genuine connection. Anastasya's uncontrollable laughter in the darkness as we watched videos of our ironing antics, I realised this was what true friendship felt like."

Another standout memory for Laura was the angklung performance, where seated participants came together to play the instrument with instructions from the emcee. "It transcended all boundaries when the emcee conducted the crowd to play several songs, bringing to life a tune in unison. It was beautiful," Laura recalled. "The crowd became a singular entity, connected through song and dance. It’s a feeling I wish I could capture forever."

Terima kasih for the good times!

The trip was a whirlwind of unforgettable moments for Laura and fellow participants: late-night bus conversations, playing chess on the streets, karaoke parties, and trying monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a seasoning. But on top of the fun, it was the wisdom shared by mentors that left a lasting impact.

Vertex Ventures’ Jessica Koh’s assertion that "every start-up faces near-failure multiple times" reframed Laura’s understanding of resilience. Similarly, Mr Tay’s words: "The hardest thing you’ll ever do is whatever you’re doing right now" – underscored the perseverance required in entrepreneurship.

As her journey came to a close, it was the profound connections Laura forged – her newfound “family” – that left an indelible mark on her. Their impact transcended mere cultural or culinary exchanges; they instilled in her the invaluable lessons of embracing the unknown, nurturing an insatiable curiosity about the world, and wholeheartedly embracing novel experiences.

Reflecting on her transformative adventure, Laura shared, “While I search for an idea that I’m passionate about, this programme has prepared me to embrace future challenges with excitement and determination." The trip was a vivid reminder that stepping out of one’s comfort zone can unlock not just new perspectives, but also serendipitous connections that inspire profound gratitude.

By NUS Enterprise

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), a pioneering joint venture established in 1994 between Singapore and China. This milestone serves as a testament of the enduring partnership, as emphasised by Professor Chee Yeow Meng, NUS Vice President of Innovation and Enterprise.

In his welcome address, Professor Chee Yeow Meng, NUS Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise) noted that the collaboration between China and Singapore has been instrumental in the success of the Suzhou Industrial Park. Initiatives like InnovFest are crucial for fostering a global innovation ecosystem that drives sustainable development and empowers entrepreneurs. He added that this year’s InnovFest Suzhou has gathered startups from around the globe to accelerate innovation and tackle pressing global challenges, particularly highlighting the growing number of women entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of technology and business.

The two-day event attracted over 400 attendees, featuring nearly 40 startups from Singapore, China, Chile, Germany, Indonesia, and Thailand, along with representatives from nine institutes of higher learning and three government agencies. These startups showcased transformative innovations in AI, sustainability, and other cutting-edge technologies, with almost 40 per cent of the startups led by female founders, highlighting the increasing involvement of women, stepping beyond traditional roles and bravely taking on new challenges.

The showcase included a variety of innovative solutions, such as AI and IoT-powered farming techniques that boost crop yields while minimising environmental impact. Construction technologies utilising robotics and material optimisation aimed to reduce waste and improve efficiency. Food tech startups presented sustainable production methods, while companies focused on sustainability introduced advanced recycling, carbon capture, and renewable energy technologies. Additionally, medical tech companies unveiled breakthroughs in diagnostics and remote health solutions, and wearable devices, advancing accessible and personalised healthcare, collectively demonstrating the potential of deep tech to address pressing global challenges sustainably and inclusively.

Ms Jean Herfina Kwannandar, Co-founder and CEO of Konstruksi AI, Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) said, “This event brought together startups from around the world, opening doors for collaboration and broadening our understanding of the latest technology trends. We got to connect with the Chinese market and venture capitalists who can help startups become global players in the tech industry. I was also excited to see more women founders at this event. The rise in female founders is inspiring, and I hope to encourage even more women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams."

Beyond a startup technology showcase, InnovFest Suzhou also featured a dynamic array of activities designed to engage, inform and inspire attendees. The event included keynote sessions by Professor Lee Poh Seng, Executive Director, Energy Studies Institute and Dean’s Chair, NUS College of Design and Engineering on “Sustainable Innovation: Pioneering a Greener Digital Infrastructure”, and Mr Yoann Sapanel, Head (Health Innovation), Institute for Digital Medicine at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, on “From AI Solutions' Efficacy to Real-World Impact” respectively. Another six insightful panel discussions explored the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing sustainable practices and harnessing AI to drive digital transformation.

One of the event’s highlights was the Tech Pitch Battles, where affiliated overseas start-ups of NUS Enterprise presented their groundbreaking solutions in diverse fields such as medical tech, food tech, and renewable energy, to a panel of venture capitalists and investors, underscoring the vibrant startup ecosystem.

Mr Valentin Aman, Co-founder and CEO of ESG.X – a startup from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), a partner of NUS—participated in the tech pitch battle, and reflected, “It was a remarkable experience to engage with the vibrant startup ecosystem. I specifically enjoyed pitching our product and vision, meeting inspiring people as well as learning about business practices in China. We are very grateful to NUS and TUM for providing us with this unique opportunity which I highly would recommend.”

By NUS Enterprise

This milestone strengthens NUS’ long-standing partnership with the Aichi government and the city of Nagoya. The collaboration between NUS and Aichi dates back to 2018, with joint efforts focusing on driving cross-border innovation and entrepreneurship. Key initiatives include the NUS Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship, Asia’s largest university start-up showcase InnovFest, and the NUS Enterprise Market Immersion Programme in Japan which was launched last year. The opening of BLOCK71 Nagoya is the latest chapter in this collaboration and reflects a shared commitment to nurturing vibrant start-up ecosystems in both countries.

Following its official inauguration, BLOCK71 Nagoya opened its doors to start-ups on 1 November 2024, providing a dedicated space for entrepreneurs to collaborate, innovate, and access essential resources. The operational opening of the centre was graced by His Excellency Hideaki Omura, the Governor of Aichi Prefecture, who was joined by NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye; Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Ecosystem Building), NUS Enterprise; Professor Naoshi Sugiyama, President of Nagoya University; and Mr Hirotaka Sahashi, President and CEO of STATION Ai Corporation.

Unlike other BLOCK71 global offices that focus on incubation, BLOCK71 in Japan prioritises market launch activities due to the country’s mature start-up landscape. BLOCK71 Nagoya and other future Japanese offices will support start-ups in developing Proof of Concept (PoC), securing funding, establishing partnerships, and integrating into the BLOCK71 global network. Beyond providing physical workspaces within partners’ co-working facilities, BLOCK71 in Japan will deploy dedicated staff across key cities to identify growth opportunities and help start-ups capitalise on Japan’s multifaceted market environment.

“Japan’s business environment is renowned for its rich traditions, strong emphasis on relationships, and high standards. Through BLOCK71 in Japan, we aim to empower Southeast Asian entrepreneurs to navigate this unique market, while simultaneously supporting Japanese start-ups in exploring opportunities in Southeast Asia. Located within STATION Ai, the largest start-up support centre in Japan, BLOCK71 Nagoya is well-positioned to cultivate a global ecosystem that fosters cross-border innovation. Our focus is on providing comprehensive business support, facilitating meaningful partnerships, and developing strategic roadmaps for growth that will benefit all involved,” said Prof Tan.

Prof Chen Tsuhan, NUS Deputy President (Innovation and Enterprise), highlighted the valuable resources available at BLOCK71 Nagoya. “By leveraging BLOCK71’s extensive global network and over a decade of experience in catalysing start-up communities, start-ups in Nagoya will have access to crucial resources such as technology, talent, markets and funding opportunities between Singapore and Japan. This new hub will not only support local start-ups but also attract international talent to Aichi, contributing to a vibrant, globally connected start-up environment. Additionally, BLOCK71 Nagoya will support start-ups in refining their go-to-market and fundraising strategies, which are essential for successful international expansion.”

Collaboration with ENEOS to enhance innovation

In addition to the launch of BLOCK71 Nagoya, NUS has formed a strategic partnership with ENEOS Holdings, Inc. (ENEOS), one of Japan’s largest energy companies, on 31 October 2024. This collaboration aims to enhance venture-building activities for NUS start-ups by exposing them to real-world industry challenges. Together, NUS Enterprise and ENEOS will work together to identify promising Southeast Asian start-ups and innovative solutions that can tackle critical industry issues relating to mobility, decarbonisation, the circular economy, and artificial intelligence. 

"Collaborating with NUS Enterprise provides ENEOS with a unique opportunity to harness the dynamic energy of Southeast Asia's start-up ecosystem,” said Mr Miyata Tomohide, Representative Director, CEO of ENEOS. “By engaging with innovative start-ups, we can gain fresh insights and co-create solutions that address the pressing challenges in our industry. This partnership will not only enhance our ability to adapt to market changes but also position us at the forefront of sustainable energy advancements. We are eager to work alongside these visionary entrepreneurs to drive meaningful progress in the energy sector.” 

Assimilating to the Japanese social fabric via the Market Immersion Programme

Recognising Japan’s culturally distinct business environment, BLOCK71 launched the Japan Immersion Programme last year to provide tailored support for Southeast Asian start-ups to better understand the Japanese market. The programme is structured in two phases: a pre-programme held in Singapore and an immersion phase in Japan.

From mid-August to the end of September 2024, the second cohort of five Singaporean start-ups participated in a series of lectures and mentorship sessions during the pre-programme. These activities equipped them with essential skills for developing their go-to-market (GTM) strategies and effective fundraising techniques to support their market expansion in Japan.

The immersion phase, during which the five start-ups engaged directly with potential Japanese partners, took place from 28 October to 1 November 2024 in Japan. Leveraging BLOCK71’s expansive network, the start-ups were invited to a site visit in Aichi Prefecture, participated in individual business meetings with Japanese stakeholders, and attended Messe Nagoya 2024, one of Japan’s largest cross-industry trade fairs. The Immersion Programme concluded with a pitching event organised by the Aichi government, which coincided with the operational opening of BLOCK71 Nagoya. This event provided a platform for the start-ups to showcase their refined pitching skills, demonstrating their potential to attract investment.

“We have secured collaboration interests with manufacturers in Nagoya, thanks to the support and opportunities provided by BLOCK71 Nagoya, JETRO, and ForStartups. The factory visits were immensely productive, giving us first-hand insights into the pain points of our prospective clients. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships with our Japanese colleagues and continuing to benefit from the comprehensive support of the NUS Enterprise ecosystem,” said Mr Ricky Vian Kartolo, CEO of Indas Technologies.

“Through the Japan Immersion Programme, we had the opportunity to speak with potential partners and gain insights into the business environment in Japan. The programme was valuable as it included factory visits, one-on-one corporate meetings, and an exhibition, allowing us to connect with a variety of partners throughout the week,” said Low Jin Huat, CEO of RoPlus.

By NUS Enterprise

National GRIP integrates two successful incubator programmes—NUS’ Graduate Research Innovation Programme 2.0 (NUS GRIP 2.0) and NTU’s Lean Launchpad (LLP 2.0). Together, these programmes have successfully incubated over 400 start-up teams, creating close to 160 spin-offs. The new programme will be a comprehensive incubator programme designed to bridge the gap between scientific research and market application. It will support start-up teams by helping them refine their initial ideas, validate market needs, and design robust business models through a structured programme framework. Participants will also benefit from personalised mentorship from industry leaders and access to a network of experts.

Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Ecosystem Building) at NUS Enterprise said, “We are pleased to partner with NTU in launching the National GRIP initiative with the support of NRF. This initiative integrates the two leading programmes to further mature our deep tech start-up ecosystem in Singapore, equipping teams with essential building blocks from idea validation to market readiness. By integrating the best practices and insights from our individual programmes, we are confident that National GRIP will accelerate growth of globally competitive deep tech start-ups by providing a well-structured end-to-end support that closely aligns with our nation’s RIE strategic plans.”

 Accelerating start-ups' growth and success

Designed for founders, innovators, and researchers from Singapore’s autonomous universities (AUs) and A*STAR research institutes (RIs), the 12-month programme offers access to a dynamic network of resources. They can leverage intellectual property from AUs, and A*STAR RIs have the opportunity to join existing teams in NUS GRIP 2.0 and LLP 2.0. With this extensive pool of resources, National GRIP fosters deep tech venture creation that draws on each institution’s distinctive strengths.

As a platform that aggregates a critical mass of deep tech start-ups, teams can be effectively matched with suitable investors and vice versa. National GRIP will deepen partnerships with deep tech venture capitalists (VCs) and venture builders, such as current NUS GRIP 2.0 strategic partners Legend Capital, SOSV Investments LLC and Vertex Holdings, by involving them early in the programme to provide stronger commercial insights to the teams. These partners help to support start-ups by increasing their investment readiness and access to specialised markets and deepening their industry expertise.

Additionally, there are plans to leverage the VCs’ networks to attract experienced founders who can team up with the start-up teams as co-founders, advisors or collaborators to accelerate the start-ups’ growth. To help start-ups scale and expand internationally, National GRIP will also act as a springboard for start-ups to go beyond local connections, leveraging the global network of NUS BLOCK71.

Dr Wen Hsieh, Founding Managing Partner, Matter Venture Partners, another strategic partner of NUS’ GRIP 2.0, said, “National GRIP is very timely in its launch. Deep tech innovations are playing critical roles in the rapid advancement of semiconductors, electronics, robotics, AI, manufacturing, energy infrastructure, space tech, and life sciences. National GRIP streamlines the creation of deep tech start-ups in Singapore, enabling them to hone their business plans, build founding teams, raise seed financing, and formulate collaboration strategies with industry players.” National GRIP offers venture capital firms opportunities to partner and support these start-ups, thus not only enhancing the success rate of local deep tech start-ups but also attracting deep tech entrepreneurs and talent from beyond Singapore. It’s a privilege for my firm and I to be closely associated with the GRIP community," he added.

Many aspiring start-ups and founders among NUS GRIP 2.0 alumni

NUS GRIP 2.0 has supported researchers and entrepreneurs in transforming university research into market-ready innovations. Since its inception in 2018, NUS GRIP 2.0 has nurtured nearly 170 start-up teams, with around 100 successfully evolving into spin-offs, collectively raising almost S$65 million in external funding.

Among the start-ups is Kit Yong, Founder of Forte Biotech and former NUS GRIP 2.0 participant, who was also recognised in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2024. Sharing his perspectives on the programme’s potential, Kit said that the combined cachet of National GRIP, alongside the 'Made in Singapore' brand, lends significant weight and visibility to start-ups, especially when expanding their venture in overseas markets. He added that it is easier to make an impact together when Singaporean brands band together and venture overseas.

When asked what advice he would offer aspiring start-ups, Kit highlighted the importance of achieving product-market fit. “Developing technology just for the sake of it isn’t sufficient. It’s crucial to align with market demands and ensure the product has a meaningful purpose.”

As National GRIP gears up for its launch next year, Singapore’s start-up ecosystem is set for further growth, advancing the nation’s role as a leader in deep tech innovation and entrepreneurship. For more information on how to participate, prospective founders and teams can visit the National GRIP website.

By NUS Enterprise

This fund will nurture 16 promising social enterprise start-ups participating in the TS2 accelerator programme over the next two years, providing them with essential resources and comprehensive support. As part of this commitment, NUS Enterprise launched the BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub on 25 July 2024, a dedicated space designed to empower purpose-driven ventures and amplify their impact. 

The TS2 accelerator programme supports growth stage start-ups that adopt social enterprise models, with varying levels of technological engagements – ranging from deep tech to light and low tech. The programme, which held its first run from end-April to July 2024, combines a structured curriculum and a customised development plan tailored to the needs of each participating start-up.

TS2 accelerator programme start-ups also enjoy access to mentors, investors, and impact professionals, who will help them scale and amplify their social impact. These start-ups will also gain access to overseas markets and commercial opportunities by leveraging BLOCK71's offices in nine cities across the globe.

Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, NUS Vice President (Ecosystem Building), said, "Our collaboration with raiSE supports more purpose-driven ventures with essential resources and further fosters an entrepreneurial ecosystem dedicated to positive social impact. The TS2 accelerator programme expands upon our experience in nurturing technology start-ups to social impact endeavours. This new initiative, along with the establishment of BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub is our commitment to develop innovations that achieve greater social impact via entrepreneurship.”

Inaugural TS2 accelerator programme cohort

At the Demo Day on 25 July 2024, which was opened by Professor Chen Tsuhan, NUS Deputy President (Innovation & Enterprise), the TS2 accelerator programme’s inaugural cohort of seven start-ups showcased their social impact technologies which focused on human-centred social impact innovations.

1.      Active Silvers: A digital wellness platform tailored for the elderly, Active Silvers provides personalised fitness regimens based on evidence-based functional movement principles to improve the quality of life for seniors. The platform uses sophisticated algorithms to create exercises that cater to the specific needs of elderly communities.

2.      FingerDance: A deep-tech start-up, FingerDance develops AI infrastructure to create more inclusive communication solutions. Their flagship product, the AI Sign Language large models, provides 24/7 sign language translation services, enhancing accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

3.      MADCash: A socially conscious fintech company from Malaysia, MADCash blends education and Shariah-compliant microfinance to support underbanked women entrepreneurs. They offer financial literacy education and zero-interest microfinance loans to help women in marginalised communities break the poverty cycle.

4.      MangaChat: An innovative tech company focusing on children's emotional well-being, MangaChat offers an AI-powered platform that uses comic graphics to help children express their emotions. This gamified approach, based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, makes emotional learning accessible and engaging.

5.      School On Cloud: An edutech start-up offering a personalised learning experience for young children including those with special learning needs and challenges. School On Cloud uses advanced technologies like machine learning and augmented reality to scale inclusive education. Their platform adapts to each child's learning style, making foundational literacy skills fun and accessible to all.

6.      StratifiCare: This medical diagnostics company developed StratifiDen, an AI-powered tool that predicts severe dengue cases, enabling timely and targeted healthcare interventions. Beyond creating social impact in Singapore, Stratificare aims to improve public health outcomes in the Global South, where dengue is endemic.

7.      Tech Up Advance: Specialising in enhancing STEM education, Tech Up Advance provides a gamified robotics simulation tool, GoTechUp, which uses "digital twin" technology to create safe, virtual learning environments. This tool has already benefitted over 8,000 users globally, making STEM education more accessible and engaging.

Describing the benefits of the TS2 accelerator programme, Mr Lionel Choong, co-founder of Active Silvers shared, "The programme has helped us in many facets of our business, from practical decision-making skills to scaling our impact." This sentiment was echoed by other participants, who lauded the mentorship, and resources provided which helped them to refine their approaches and expand their reach.

Continuing to empower purpose-driven start-ups

The TS2 accelerator programme is the latest addition to NUS Enterprise’s continued efforts to support purpose-driven start-ups. Since 2011, NUS has incubated and supported close to 400 societal impact start-ups, of which 70 per cent address human-centred social impact issues and 30 per cent focus on environment and sustainability.

To further nurture the next generation of social impact start-ups, NUS Enterprise has also established the BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub to provide a dedicated space for purpose-driven ventures that address issues pertaining to societal well-being and environmental sustainability.

The hub offers a suite of services that support and accelerate impact ventures including tailored capacity-building programmes, mentorship services, and global networking opportunities. Pioneer occupants of this new hub comprise the seven start-ups from the inaugural TS2 cohort, as well as start-ups from NUS Enterprise social impact ecosystem.

Four start-ups from the NUS Enterprise social impact ecosystem also showcased their products at the opening of the BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub. The four start-ups were:

1. The moonbeam co.: Founded in 2021, the moonbeam co. is an impact start-up that aims to tackle byproducts like brewer’s spent grains through food technology to encourage responsible human consumption and promote circularity in the food value chain.
2. Boost VitaliTEA: Boost VitaliTea modernises Traditional Chinese Medicine by transforming it into functional beverages that naturally support mental health management, through various products such as their Lavender TranquiliTea and their essential oil Rose NeuroHarmony.
3. Cityscape Farms: Specialising in urban agriculture, Cityscape Farms offers solutions like the Smart Crop Wall, integrating the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence to enhance sustainable food production in urban areas.
4. Creo.Works: This start-up focuses on sustainable manufacturing practices, providing maker machines and eco-friendly materials to support local production and reduce reliance on mass-produced goods. The exterior signage and interior showcase pieces of the BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub were designed and 3D printed by Creo.Works!

Reflecting on his journey so far, Mr Kong Qi Herng, co-founder of themoonbeam.co (or the moonbeam company) remarked, “NUS Enterprise has provided platforms that created opportunities for us to learn from seasoned entrepreneurs. Through these engagements, Moonbeam has enhanced our capabilities and expanded our professional network to grow our business and collaborate with other businesses. We are excited to continue this partnership, driving positive change and fostering innovation.

Looking ahead

To ensure the continued success of TS2 start-ups, NUS Enterprise and raiSE are planning the next iteration of the TS2 accelerator programme, set to be announced in the third quarter of 2024, as well as follow-up support for the recently graduated first cohort. This includes developing a comprehensive post-accelerator support system, featuring targeted expert peer learning sessions and strategic mentoring check-ins. The continued support will further empower start-ups to address critical social and environmental challenges, driving positive change both locally and globally.

The TS2 accelerator programme and the BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub represent NUS and raiSE's shared commitment to fostering a vibrant community of social entrepreneurs. As these start-ups continue to grow and evolve, they pave the way for a future where technology and social impact go hand-in-hand, addressing some of the most pressing issues facing society today.

By NUS Enterprise

Teo Zhi Sen, a Year 4 Engineering Science student from the NUS College of Design and Engineering, had the unique opportunity to witness and participate in this programme as a student ambassador. He penned his reflections on this two-week journey, which he said offered a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship through the lens of cultural immersion and experiential learning.

Entrepreneurship through games

The 2024 NUS Enterprise Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship emphasised experiences that build collaboration through play, offering participants a unique blend of sports, games, and group activities designed to uncover personal and collective strengths.

The programme kicked off with the Amazing Race of Champions, an exhilarating adventure that took us on a whirlwind tour across Singapore, setting a vibrant and energetic tone for the days to come. As we raced through the city, we were not just exploring Singapore’s culture and heritage, we were also building connections with fellow participants in a fun and engaging way.

Together with other team-building activities like traditional dances, language workshops, and crafts from various ASEAN countries, I witnessed my groupmates' creativity, social skills, and problem-solving abilities come to life - qualities that are often hidden in formal settings. It was more than just fun and games, it helped us reflect on our strengths and areas for improvement.

Through these shared experiences, we gained invaluable insights into each other’s working styles and learned to navigate the complexities of diverse group dynamics. With lessons that will prepare us for the challenges of future leadership roles, the programme was a journey of self-discovery and growth, far beyond what was initially expected.

Exploring Southeast Asia

A key focus of this year’s programme was to deep dive into the ASEAN region. We explored the rich cultural heritage and dynamic economic landscape of Southeast Asia – from learning how to create traditional Indonesian Batik and the basics of the Thai language, to understanding the regional economic growth projections. It was eye-opening to see the opportunities and challenges in this rapidly evolving market, which is projected to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030. This cultural immersion was educational and reinforced the importance of appreciating and respecting diverse backgrounds, a crucial skill in today's globalised world.

The art of the pitch

The pitch sessions were among the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of the programme. Focused on innovative yet sustainable solutions, groups of participants collaborated to present their start-up ideas to industry experts. My team and I worked on an ambitious project – an application that provides fashion recommendations to customers. The journey was intense, filled with brainstorming sessions in the wee hours of the day that tested our clarity, confidence, and composure; but the words of  Mr Kris Childress, a seasoned mentor at NUS Enterprise – “Concise pitches are key to captivating investors” – became our mantra as we honed our presentation skills. We were also fortunate to receive guidance from Ms Laina Greene, Founder and CEO of Angels of Impact, who helped to fine-tune our problem statement, making the final pitch even more compelling. 

As Pitch team leader, my goal was to make sure everyone learns from this process and builds on their strengths. Leveraging my teammate’s understanding of consumer behaviour, I assigned her the market research role due to her sociology background. Overall, I made sure that each member was able to learn something and apply their knowledge. This experience highlighted the collaborative nature of entrepreneurship and taught us the value of clear communication and adaptability. Personally, I also learnt how to inspire my team and adapt to different working styles, fostering a deeper understanding and curiosity about each person's unique contributions. Keeping the energy up in the wee hours of the day became an art form; I learnt that a well-timed joke and coffee can work wonders.

Entrepreneurs in action

The fireside chats with distinguished alumni, including Mr Philip Yeo, Chairman of Economic Development Innovations Singapore and a prominent figure in Singapore’s public service, and unicorn founder Jeffrey Tiong of PatSnap, were another highlight. As they shared their stories of overcoming challenges and achieving success, we felt both inspired and educated. Their journeys told similar stories of resilience and the importance of continuous learning in entrepreneurship.

A particular insight from Mr Philip Yeo resonated strongly with me – the art of effective delegation. He stressed that knowing who and how to delegate tasks is crucial as it leverages others’ strengths while maintaining good relationships and morale.

Among the other memorable moments was the opportunity to tour the Singapore headquarters of Google, Alibaba and City Development Limited. At Google, I learnt the value of an empowering work culture that prioritises work-life balance. The ripple effect on talent retention and valuing individuals were points I noted for when I work on my own business.

A celebration of achievements

The impact of the two-week programme extended beyond technical knowledge into shaping our approach to entrepreneurship. It was more than just about how to start a business; it was about building the resilience and collaborative spirit needed to thrive in the entrepreneurial world.

The structure of the programme stands as a testament to the power of play in learning and growth. The experiences gained and the skills developed during this programme have set a high benchmark, preparing me for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

For those considering becoming a student ambassador in future editions of the programme, my advice is to embrace the opportunity with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. The experience is not just about contributing to the programme's success but also about learning and growing alongside a diverse group of talented individuals. The insights and friendships gained will be invaluable assets as you navigate your entrepreneurial journey.

The Centre, located at LaunchPad @ one-north, was officially opened on 15 July 2024, with Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information gracing the occasion as Guest-of-Honour. In his address, Dr Puthucheary stressed the importance of cybersecurity for Singapore’s national security amid increased digitalisation and as a critical enabler for the nation’s digital economy and way of life, with people spending more time online and being increasingly reliant on online services. Given these factors, growing and investing in the local cyber talent pool is the only way for Singapore to stay ahead of ever-evolving threats, he noted.

"With government, industry and academia working together over the years, our cybersecurity ecosystem and workforce have grown. Today, we are home to more than 500 cybersecurity providers. Constant innovation is vital in the cyber domain to counter new threats and grow new businesses,” he added.

Three Core Pillars – Talent, Innovation, and Growth

The Centre’s strategic initiatives are structured around three core pillars: Talent, Innovation, and Growth. On Talent, it aims to cultivate a diverse talent pool equipped with the skills to apply cybersecurity capabilities across various industries and functions. The Centre is dedicated to training a critical mass of professionals with advanced cybersecurity expertise. Some key programme highlights include:

• SG Cyber Associates - The Centre has partnered with the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) and Temasek Polytechnic to develop a tailored Internet-of-Things Security Fundamentals course exclusively for IES members. The inaugural session will take place in late July 2024.  
• SG Cyber Talent Development Fund - In the latest call for funding applications, the Centre is supporting various projects, including mentorship programmes, hackathons, and an overseas learning journey to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia for women cybersecurity professionals. These initiatives promote cross-border exchanges and the acquisition of cyber skills.
• To train and nurture a pipeline of cybersecurity talent, the Centre will be leading an initiative to harmonise the Continuing Education and Training and a skills framework for cybersecurity across Singapore’s autonomous universities.

The Innovation pillar aims to co-innovate with the industry to bridge the gap from innovation to commercialisation, nurturing promising cybersecurity companies for Singapore and the region. Under this pillar, the Centre will be rolling out several programmes such as this year’s Cybersecurity Industry Call for Innovation (CyberCall) to drive the development of innovative cybersecurity solutions. The call for proposal submissions is open and will end on 11 August 2024. 

In addition, the Centre has also introduced the CyberBoost programme that provides tailored support for cybersecurity companies in their venture creation journeys, helping them develop, validate, and scale their solutions in Singapore and beyond. There are two streams under the CyberBoost programme – the Build programme to assist early-stage ventures in testing, validating, and building minimum viable products; and the Catalyse programme to help cybersecurity companies at the critical stage of their journey, often called the growth stage, with the knowledge and connections required to fast-track their growth plans locally and globally.

For the third pillar on Growth, the Centre aims to enable cybersecurity companies anchored in Singapore to scale regionally and globally. The core programme, CyberGrowth, is a dedicated cybersecurity-focused export programme that facilitates the expansion of promising cybersecurity companies and leverages NUS Enterprise’s BLOCK71 incubation hubs in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the USA.

In his opening speech, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye highlighted how the Centre will build on the good, pioneering work done under NUS Enterprise’s Innovation Cybersecurity Ecosystem at BLOCK71 (ICE71) in the next phase. 

“The CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre endeavours to support more cyber companies to establish their presence in Singapore, to develop Singapore-based cybersecurity products, and to help Singapore-based cyber companies to scale up and to access markets. The overall aim is to deepen cybersecurity capabilities, build a thriving cybersecurity ecosystem, and to strengthen Singapore’s defence against cyber threats,” he said.

Industry collaboration to support the Centre’s ambition

To enhance the effectiveness and reach of the Centre, NUS has also forged strategic partnerships through Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements with local investor SGInnovate and UK-based innovation company Plexal, to drive innovation and growth in Singapore’s cybersecurity ecosystem. NUS will partner SGInnovate to support early-stage start-ups through mentorship and providing resources to help them scale. Additionally, the University and Plexal will co-deliver the CyberBoost Catalyse programme to help cybersecurity companies develop their growth strategies and scale their business footprints through extensive network access in the UK and USA.

Emphasising the importance of the Centre and its industry partnerships, Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, NUS Vice President (Ecosystem Building) said, “We are excited to mark the official opening of the CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre. NUS Enterprise is committed to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and entrepreneurship to develop a thriving cybersecurity innovation ecosystem from Singapore. This Centre will synergise and leverage the combined expertise and resources of academia, industry, government, local and international industry partners. Our partnerships with Plexal and SGInnovate are a step forward to further support promising start-ups that drive global innovation and business opportunities towards a more secure digital future in Singapore and beyond.”

Highlighting Plexal’s contribution, Mr Saj Huq, Plexal’s Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Innovation said, “Cybersecurity challenges are global, necessitating international cooperation and creating global opportunities for innovators and adopters alike. As a UK-based innovation company that is recognised for its government-led innovation programmes, Plexal will co-deliver the CyberBoost Catalyse programme to provide cybersecurity companies support to develop their growth strategies, and to scale business footprints in Singapore and high-growth global markets in the UK and US.”

Mr Hsien-Hui Tong, Executive Director – Investments at SGInnovate, emphasised the importance of the partnership between SGInnovate and the Centre, noting that this collaboration is crucial for fostering innovative national cybersecurity leaders. By working closely together, the two organisations will ensure that early-stage cybersecurity start-ups and emerging talent can access essential resources and opportunities throughout their development within the tech ecosystem, he added.

By NUS Enterprise

This year marked the biggest and most global edition to date, with 5,500 attendees. About 200 start-ups from across Asia showcased their groundbreaking innovations in Generative AI, Sustainability, Industry 5.0, Food Tech, Health Tech, Edu Tech and Future of Work. With participants from 10 countries and 17 Institutes of Higher Learning, the diversity and breadth of innovation on display were unparalleled. The inclusive and diverse line-up of speakers also featured around 65 local and international speakers, with a 50 percent representation of female visionaries.

Driving entrepreneurship through global collaboration

“InnovFest is more than a gathering of conversations. Through partnerships with universities and industry leaders, pitching sessions and networking opportunities, we are empowering start-ups to succeed with the right tools, resources and connections,” said NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye in his welcome address.   

Prof Tan also emphasised NUS’ dedication to supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs through diverse programmes and initiatives, all made possible through collaborations with partners across Asia. In today's interconnected world, such partnerships are essential for driving innovation and nurturing entrepreneurial talent.

Reinforcing this commitment, NUS inked several partnerships during the event. Among them were:

• Partnerships with Singapore Red Cross Society, STACS ESGpedia and World Wide Fund for Nature (Singapore) to nurture changemakers of tomorrow: These partnerships will enable students from selected NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) to intern with organisations including World Wide Fund for Nature, the Singapore Red Cross, City Developments Limited, STACS ESGpedia and Angels of Impact, to gain first-hand insights into addressing some of the most pressing global issues such as nature conservation, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and sustainability. As part of the Discoverer Programme, the students will also benefit from the mentorship provided by the community of the Philip Yeo Initiative.
• Partnerships with Institut Teknologi Bandung and Universitas Indonesia to nurture entrepreneurial talents and support the growth of Indonesia’s start-ups: With these partnerships, aspiring entrepreneurs enrolled in the two universities will be able to tap on scholarships to join the NUS Enterprise Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship. NUS has also been organising a Winter Programme in Entrepreneurship that brings in more Indonesian universities and other partners to broaden impact. Additionally, BLOCK71 Indonesia and Universitas Indonesia will create a structured acceleration programme to incubate start-ups in Indonesia.
• Partnerships with Innovation Factory and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to strengthen Indonesia’s innovation ecosystem: BLOCK71 Indonesia will extend its partnership with Innovation Factory, the innovation arm of Salim Group, to strengthen Indonesia’s innovation ecosystem. BLOCK71 Yogyakarta will also relocate to UGM’s new student and innovation hub, Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas, bringing resources closer to student entrepreneurs.

Singapore and Asia: emerging hubs for technology and innovation

At the event opening, Guest-of-Honour Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, highlighted how Singapore and Asia have become vibrant hubs for technology and innovation, making a significant impact on the global start-up scene.

“This year, InnovFest aims to boost innovation and support talent development to make a big impact in Asia, especially in AI and sustainability. This focus comes at the right time, as Singapore has long recognised how important innovation and entrepreneurship are for driving economic growth, advancing society, and achieving sustainable development,” said Mr Tan in his speech.

He further affirmed the Singapore government’s commitment to investing in people, supporting the start-up community and creating an empowering environment.

Professor Chee Yeow Meng, Chair of the InnovFest Organising Committee and NUS Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise) added, “As Asia’s biggest showcase for university start-ups, InnovFest 2024 brought together promising ventures and entrepreneurs from across the region. This year’s event is indeed the biggest, most global and most inclusive iteration. The event not only supported participating start-ups but also strengthened Singapore’s start-up ecosystem and empowered the larger entrepreneurial community across Asia.”

Unlocking new frontiers in AI

A key theme for this year’s InnovFest was Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digitisation. Setting the stage with his keynote on ‘Harnessing AI for Global Good’, Professor Mohan Kankanhalli, Director of the NUS AI Institute, discussed the transformative power of AI in sectors such as healthcare, education and materials discovery. In the healthcare space, for example, he spoke about how AI is harnessed to enhance primary care for common diseases such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, ultimately helping to slow disease progression.

During a panel discussion titled "Protecting Your Innovations in an AI-Enabled World”, experts discussed how AI is transforming the field of intellectual property, such as the latest trends and strategies for safeguarding data privacy while keeping digital solutions accessible and safe for all.

Ms Guan Dian, Co-founder of PatSnap, an NUS-supported unicorn, highlighted the trade-offs between data privacy and convenience from a consumer perspective. She said, "If we want absolute privacy, we would not be able to enjoy the conveniences of e-commerce or targeted video recommendations on YouTube. However, as a business, it’s our responsibility to let users, who are the producers of the data, have a say on how they want their data to be used."

Associate Professor Bryan Low from the Department of Computer Science at the NUS School of Computing, who is also Director of AI Research at AI Singapore, delved into how data privacy can be improved with technology. He discussed the use of machine learning to "unlearn" inaccurate or sensitive data that should not be retained in models, noting that this approach may involve certain costs.

A highlight of InnovFest was the NUS-Microsoft Generative AI Demo Day, where attendees viewed innovations from ten pioneering, early-stage Generative AI start-ups in the region. These included Addlly AI, ARA App, ConnectingDNA, FollowTrade, HealthBridge.AI, Ledgerowl, Librarian, Lingosnap, Pebblely and Raijin.AI. They are part of the Generative AI Accelerate Programme offered by NUS Enterprise through its flagship global start-up development platform BLOCK71, in collaboration with industry leader Microsoft, to champion the advancement of early-stage Generative AI start-ups in Asia.

Harnessing technological innovations in the maritime sector

Turning to the maritime industry, NUS Enterprise and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) launched the Smart Port Challenge (SPC) 2024. The event, graced by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, marked the expansion of this annual innovation competition organised by PIER71™. SPC now reaches beyond Singapore, inviting technology start-ups worldwide to address key issues in areas such as Maritime Green Technologies, Smart Shipping, Next Generation Ports, and Digitalisation.

In her speech, Dr Khor said, “We are committed to supporting the growth of the maritime ecosystem, and welcome global startups and partners to work with us. By collaborating and spurring innovation, we can solve the complex and cross-cutting challenges the maritime industry faces and chart its future course.”

During a panel discussion that followed, titled “Navigating Innovation: Global Collaboration and Maritime Opportunities”, Dr Hanson Lee, CEO and Co-founder of Green COP, shared his experiences with sustainable biofuel production from biowaste. Dr Lee, whose start-up participated in the SPC and NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme, highlighted that while there is an abundance of biowaste, there are technological barriers that might slow down progress. He also discussed how combining biofuels with other types of green energy could lead to new sustainable solutions.

By NUS Enterprise

By harnessing the capabilities of Microsoft's cutting-edge AI technologies and platforms, participating start-ups gained unprecedented access to tools, support, and opportunities that enable them to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. As part of the programme offered since March 2024, participants received expert advice on their integration and optimisation needs to build a sustainable technology stack for Gen AI, networked with mentors, investors and founders who are passionate about growing Gen AI in the region, and immersed themselves in the region’s vibrant start-up ecosystem through a four-month incubation period at BLOCK71’s Southeast Asian nodes.

Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Ecosystem Building) at NUS, explained, “The Generative AI Accelerate Programme seeks to identify and accelerate the growth of promising pre-Series A start-ups working on generative AI models with a unique intensive eight-week programme and 16-week support in our BLOCK71 Southeast Asian ecosystem. Working with Microsoft, we hope to nurture Asia’s next generation of AI start-ups through this programme.”

One of the start-ups selected for the programme is Lingosnap, an education technology app that was nurtured from the NUS ecosystem. Founded by two NUS graduates, Mr Phang Wei Jun and Mr Francis Lee, the start-up has greatly benefitted from several NUS Enterprise initiatives, including the Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP), THE HANGAR, and BLOCK71. As an educational app, Lingosnap has also leveraged the University's resources and expertise, drawing on advice from established professors.

A visual-based language learning app, Lingosnap enables users to learn new languages by taking photos of objects and landmarks. This innovative method provides an engaging and interactive way to acquire practical language skills on the go, teaching words, phrases, and sentences through the camera of a mobile device. These capabilities demand sophisticated generative AI technologies, and through the Generative AI Programme, Lingosnap has significantly augmented its platform's capabilities and enhanced user experiences.

Lingosnap’s co-founder Mr Francis Lee found the programme to be very useful, sharing that it has equipped Lingosnap with the essential resources and knowledge to innovate and market its products. “The programme's technical expertise in AI, machine learning, and NLP (natural language processing) have been instrumental in helping Lingosnap refine our language learning products. Their guidance on business development, particularly in market research and go-to-market strategies, have also been invaluable in ensuring our products reach the right audience,” he said.

The Generative AI Accelerate Programme is also designed to be highly adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of participants. It offers tailored support and guidance every step of the way. From refining business models to accessing funding opportunities, participants receive comprehensive assistance to help them realise their goals and drive sustainable growth.

Start-up Pebblely, which uses generative image technology to create attractive product photos and turning flatlay apparel to AI model shoots benefitted from the mentorship of Mr David Kwok, a seasoned professional within Microsoft's expansive network. As Pebblely’s designated mentor, Mr Kwok played a pivotal role in providing invaluable advice, strategic direction, and introductions to potential customers; helping Pebblely navigate the intricacies of the AI-driven innovation landscape with finesse.

“The adjustable market for Pebblely is significantly larger than they thought and Pebblely’s potential in terms of market size and valuation is considerably greater,” noted Mr Kwok.

Central to the Generative AI Accelerate Programme's success is the strong emphasis on collaboration and community building. Through Microsoft's extensive network of experts, and BLOCK71’s network of mentors and industry leaders, participants gained invaluable insights and guidance, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals; fostering a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and knowledge exchange. This collaborative spirit not only accelerates the development of groundbreaking AI technologies but also cultivates a supportive network that extends beyond the duration of the programme.

Another participating start-up is Librarian, which is developing an AI-powered Personal Assistant capable of managing the user’s calendar, summarising lengthy email threads, and locating files on the user’s device drive, among other functionalities. It has used feedback from the programme mentors to introduce new features, such as WhatsApp integration, distinguishing it from competitors.

Tapping into the extensive network of BLOCK71, it recruited numerous beta testers, gaining invaluable feedback that was instrumental in refining its product. By engaging beta testers early in the development process, Librarian has also established a sense of ownership and investment among its user community—a crucial foundation for long-term success and sustainability.

The Generative AI Accelerate Programme has played a pivotal role in accelerating the growth and development of Lingosnap, Pebblely and Librarian. Through mentorship, resources, and access to Microsoft's AI technologies, these start-ups have been able to enhance their platform's capabilities, refine their business models, and scale their operations to reach a wider audience.

As they continue to evolve and expand their footprint within their respective industries, the mentorship by NUS Enterprise and Microsoft remains indispensable assets for these start-ups, guiding them through the complexities of scaling operations, navigating market dynamics, and seizing new opportunities for innovation and growth.

Lingosnap, Pebblely and Librarian will feature their solutions at the Generative AI Accelerate Programme Demo Day taking place on the first day of InnovFest x Elevating Founders 2024. They are among 200 innovative start-ups that will be showcasing their groundbreaking technologies at the event – Asia’s largest university start-up showcase, held from 29 to 31 May 2024 at Singapore Expo Hall 5. Register or find out more at the InnovFest website.

By NUS Enterprise

In its second edition, Impact for the Future presents the University’s strides in effecting change in the areas of talent, solutions and society from 2019 to 2023. It details the diverse ways in which the NUS community has made its mark in Singapore and the world.

“Impact is built upon shared passion and commitment,” said NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye. “Reading our stories of impact – from students sharing about how they have grown through service learning, to researchers speaking about the problems they hope to solve – was meaningful to me, and I hope they can inspire others as well.”

Here are some highlights of the report, which can be found here.

Shaping Future Talent: Nurturing changemakers

One of the key areas of impact highlighted by the report is the University’s work in shaping talent, from producing strong graduate employability outcomes, to contributing to larger nation-wide efforts to upskill and reskill.

Exploring the impact of undergraduate education, the report found that 1 in 2 students venture abroad at least once during their time in NUS, while 8 in 10 are enrolled in an interdisciplinary college, where they study across diverse domains and subject areas, gaining a holistic perspective on complex issues.

Moreover, all students have engaged in service learning as part of their curriculum since AY 2021/2022, gaining insight into social issues while working with community partners to advance social services and community building.

One such student is Celest Chiam, who mentored secondary school students as part of the Teach SG programme.

Teach SG equips NUS students with the resources, funding and skills to mentor disadvantaged children and youth. Since its launch in 2021, the programme has empowered nearly 1,650 NUS students to mentor 3,600 beneficiaries. It has also been made available as a practicum under the Communities and Engagement Pillar within the General Education curriculum, which is read by all undergraduates.

“My experience with Teach SG has taught me that there is so much joy in giving, and I have been motivated by my mentees’ eagerness to learn and positive attitude to learning,” said Celest.

Shaping Future Solutions: Tackling real-world problems   

An increase in international collaborations, high-impact publishing, and platforms that address emerging issues like heat resilience and sustainability in medicine: these are some of the highlights in the report’s assessment of how the University is shaping future solutions.

Nearly half of the University’s research publications feature in the top 10 per cent of the most cited journals globally, and its Field-Weighted Citation Impact – which measures how well cited a publication is compared to similar publications – is 2.0, up 13.6 per cent from the last five years.

Over the same period, research funding surged to S$4.3 billion, enabling breakthroughs in areas like quantum technology, sustainability solutions and biomedical science.

The University has also been active in turning research into practical solutions. The past five years have seen 2,369 new patent applications, more than half of which are in the physical sciences. Through NUS’ entrepreneurial ecosystem, researchers and budding entrepreneurs are provided with expertise, funding and connections to realise their ideas.  

Bearing testament to this is BeeX, a start-up founded by NUS alumni Grace Chia and Goh Eng Wei specialising in underwater autonomous robotics solutions.

Grace and Eng Wei had received support from the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme, as well as platforms like Technology Transfer and Innovation—NUS Enterprise’s technology translation and commercialisation arm—and PIER71, an ecosystem of maritime veterans and experts, technology, entrepreneurial know-how and investment opportunities.

“PIER71 provided us with wider exposure to the maritime sector for growth, outside of our core work with energy and infrastructure players,” said Grace.

In 2021, BeeX secured significant seven-figure seed funding from Cap Vista, the strategic investment arm of Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency. Two years later, it received the prestigious Enterprise Singapore-Innovate UK grant. Today, BeeX continues to thrive as it prepares to launch BETTA, its newest hovering autonomous underwater vehicle designed for inspecting offshore wind farms, later this year.

Shaping Future Society: A catalyst for good

NUS’ longstanding legacy of service to Singapore—and the ways in which its students, staff and alumni continue to uplift the communities around them—is also featured.

The University has enhanced access to education, with nearly 3,000 students benefiting from zero tuition fees annually. Additionally, 1 in 2 undergraduates leverage various financing platforms to support their education, totalling more than S$787 million—a 28 per cent increase compared to the previous five years.

Playing an instrumental part in shaping public policy, the University has embarked on 100 collaborative research projects with governmental organisations in Singapore and received more than 13,000 citations related to public policy research.

Such efforts extend beyond home as well, such as with the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health’s initiative in optimising tuberculosis case-finding, treatment and prevention in Cambodia, through which NUS researchers actively engaged local communities. From 2019 to 2022, they screened over 150,000 individuals, diagnosed and cared for more than 3,000 people with tuberculosis, and facilitated preventive treatment for over 3,000 others.

Assistant Professor Yi Siyan, who heads NUS’ health office in Cambodia, emphasised, “Working closely with local partners at every stage of our research helps to foster ownership. It enables us to better translate research findings into policies and actionable steps that can benefit those on the ground who need it the most.”

Shaping a Sustainable Future: Towards a greener tomorrow

The coda of the report touches on a universal challenge: climate change. The University’s drive towards a more sustainable future is propelled by efforts in education, research, innovation and community engagement.  

These touch points are easily accessed by the NUS community – whether it’s in the over 800 sustainability-centric courses that students can choose from, or in the campus that they traverse daily, which features net-zero energy buildings, solar-powered outdoor Wi-Fi and electrified shuttle buses.

The proportion of faculty participating in sustainability-related research has also increased – by 30 per cent – over the past five years.

One such research effort is led by the NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, which seeks to harness nature and natural processes to mitigate greenhouse gases.

The Centre is at the forefront of Carbon Integrity SG, a S$15 million research initiative which monitors natural habitats around the region to map nature-based projects that can be developed as potential sources of high-quality carbon credits.

“We have a much better understanding of the value of nature now, and the importance of harnessing nature as part of our solutions against climate change. When it comes to nature-based climate solutions, we are moving very quickly in the right direction,” said Professor Koh Lian Pin, Director of the Centre.

Bringing together over 200 participants, including Chief Information Security Officers as well as representatives from government agencies, academia and start-ups, the invitation-only congress highlighted the critical role of cybersecurity in ensuring economic resilience, national security and societal well-being. The congress featured insightful discussions, including keynote presentations, panel discussions and an Innovation Showcase spotlighting leading cybersecurity start-ups, including several supported by NUS.

Professor Chen Tsuhan, NUS Deputy President (Innovation and Enterprise), remarked, “As Asia becomes a global economic powerhouse, the key to strengthening cyber resilience lies in building a strong cybersecurity ecosystem driven by innovation and talent. Our partnership with ISTARI on the CHARTER initiative marks a significant step, gathering cyber professionals in the APAC region to address strategic challenges.”

Strengthening cyber resilience: A global imperative

In her opening remarks, Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity, emphasised the significance of cybersecurity and highlighted a “whole-of ecosystem” effort needed to build and maintain trust in the digital realm.

“By now, cybersecurity has become a global imperative. In every aspect of our lives where there is a digital dimension, there will also be concerns about cyber risks. Likewise in Singapore, where digital developments are relatively advanced, we have learnt to value cybersecurity and to prioritise the development of strong capabilities,” said Mrs Teo.

Navigating strategic challenges in the cybersecurity landscape

Cybersecurity professionals face a complex and ever-evolving cyber landscape, influenced by global economic pressures and geopolitical differences. The fireside chat, featuring Mr Bilahari Kausikan, Chairman of the Middle East Institute at NUS, and moderated by Mr James Astill, Asia Editor of The Economist, provided insights into navigating these challenges. One suggestion was the potential for forming coalitions among like-minded countries to tackle specific cybersecurity issues collaboratively.

Building a thriving cyber ecosystem

What makes a cyber ecosystem thrive? Is it about nurturing a skilled workforce? Or does it also involve strategic investments to fuel the growth of innovative solutions and start-ups? These questions were explored in-depth during a panel discussion titled “Building a Thriving Cyber Ecosystem” moderated by Professor Simon Chesterman, NUS Vice Provost (Educational Innovation). The panel of cyber experts from government agencies, academia, and the industry discussed the three elements essential for building a thriving cyber ecosystem — talent, capital and innovation.

Leading innovation with CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre

At the Innovation Showcase, the CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre team shared insights on various Talent, Innovation and Growth initiatives aimed at growing the cybersecurity ecosystem. This includes supporting cybersecurity companies to expand their reach beyond Singapore. Notably, it was announced by Mrs Josephine Teo at the congress that the CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre will be leading a delegation of Singapore cybersecurity companies to London in June 2024 to understand common cybersecurity problems, forge connections and broaden their business reach.

Additionally, two NUS-supported cybersecurity start-ups, GuardRails and Protos Labs, presented their innovative solutions at the showcase. GuardRails demonstrated its continuous application security verification platform, empowering developers to address security vulnerabilities in both web and mobile applications. On the other hand, Protos Labs showcased how its holistic, real-time risk management tools enable enterprises to make informed cyber risk decisions.

By NUS Enterprise