Singapore, Microsoft team up for AI growth

Boosting AI Start-ups with Microsoft and NUS

A significant new collaboration has just been announced, bringing together Microsoft, Enterprise Singapore, and the National University of Singapore's entrepreneurial arm, NUS Enterprise. This powerhouse team is set to supercharge AI start-ups, helping them scale up regionally and globally. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong shared the news, highlighting Singapore's commitment to nurturing these cutting-edge businesses.

This partnership essentially expands Microsoft and NUS Enterprise's existing AI Accelerate programme, which runs Block71, a well-known start-up hub.

"To strengthen this position, we will continue to invest in science and technology, accelerate the translation of research into enterprise, and forge partnerships that take ideas from Singapore to the world." - DPM Gan Kim Yong

What the Programme Offers

The current AI Accelerate programme is already quite impressive. It includes a 10-week incubator where start-ups can:

• Build and refine their products using Microsoft Azure, which is Microsoft's cloud computing platform.
• Get expert guidance on business strategy and fundraising.
• Connect with valuable mentors and potential investors.

The expansion introduces a brand-new 'go-to-market' track. Here, Microsoft experts will be on hand to offer practical advice specifically tailored to help these start-ups effectively expand into regional and global markets. Over the next three years, up to 150 start-ups are expected to join the AI Accelerate programme.

Streamlined Grant Access

One of the really smart moves here is the streamlined access to Startup SG Tech grants. Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), through the Digital Industry Singapore office, will work directly with Microsoft to speed up the grant application process for eligible firms.

A panel of industry experts and venture capitalists will assess these firms. Grants will go towards crucial areas like:

• Intellectual property filings.
• Using cloud and AI to develop products.
• Talent acquisition.

DPM Gan mentioned at the opening ceremony of Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (Switch) 2025 that these start-ups will receive support for "product-market fit, technical development and market access, leveraging Microsoft’s global network." It really sounds like a comprehensive support system!

Nurturing Deep Tech and Science Entrepreneurship

It's not just about AI either. Singapore is also investing heavily in deep tech and science entrepreneurship. DPM Gan announced a new fellowship programme launched by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the US-based non-profit, Activate Global.

This initiative is backed by a substantial $12 million commitment over the next three years. It aims to support up to 20 science fellows and 20 co-fellows, providing them with the resources to develop deep tech start-ups.

Fellowship Support

The National Research Foundation is funding this, with EnterpriseSG providing additional support. Fellows will potentially get access to extra funding and a fantastic network of partners, including investors, corporations, and infrastructure providers.

This fellowship is open to all Singaporean scientists and engineers who have early-stage innovations with serious potential for commercial and social impact. The focus areas are really forward-thinking:

• Advanced materials
• Robotics
• AI
• Biotechnology

DPM Gan explained that the programme will give researchers hands-on experience in building companies, covering everything from fundraising and training to product development. Plus, they'll benefit from Activate's global network, which is a huge bonus!

Expanding Global Innovation Alliances

EnterpriseSG has also beefed up its Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) strategy. This means start-ups with ready products and initial market traction will get better connections to commercial and investment opportunities through an expanded network of partners.

ST Engineering Ventures is the first corporate partner under this enhanced GIA network. They're set to channel up to $3 million over two years into technology testing and commercialisation. This will happen through pilot projects and by opening doors to global markets.

This partnership will support 16 global start-ups in piloting tech solutions in Singapore with ST Engineering’s business units. They'll be tackling real-world problems in deep tech areas like AI, robotics, and advanced materials. On top of that, up to 10 Singaporean start-ups will get support to expand overseas through proof-of-concept trials, using ST Engineering's global networks.

Tackling Climate Change with Innovation

Singapore isn't just looking at economic growth; they're also very focused on climate innovation. DPM Gan mentioned the Breakthrough Energy Fellows South-east Asia Programme, a collaboration between Breakthrough Energy, EnterpriseSG, and Temasek. This programme is supporting start-ups developing technologies specifically for the region's needs, such as cooling paint and advanced recycling methods.

Out of the two cohorts supported so far, six start-ups are based in Singapore. This really shows how local innovators are contributing to the region's transition to a low-carbon future.

Singapore is also working with Wavemaker Impact, a climate-tech venture builder that has successfully created 15 start-ups in just three years. All of these have already secured investments. The next step is to help these firms achieve product-market fit faster, ensuring their innovations can scale up and make an impact sooner.

The Future of Embodied AI

A particularly exciting area Singapore is investing in is embodied AI. This is where robots and intelligent systems can sense, learn, and act in real-world environments. Imagine robots that can truly understand and interact with their surroundings!

DPM Gan believes advances in embodied AI could completely transform industries by enhancing human capabilities and helping companies overcome labour and productivity challenges. This is especially vital for Singapore, as sectors like logistics, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare are rapidly being reshaped by AI and robotics. The AI wave is shifting to the Global South, making these developments even more critical for regional economies.

The government is collaborating with industry leaders, such as port operator PSA, to explore how embodied AI can revolutionise their operations and augment their workforce. The ultimate goal is to develop Singapore into "a global test bed for the safe and scalable deployment of next-generation robotics." This focus on robotics and physical AI is also seen in other major tech moves, such as SoftBank's acquisition of ABB Robotics.

Singapore's Innovation Prowess

Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Alvin Tan, pointed out that Singapore consistently "punches above its weight" in innovation. He proudly noted that in September, the Global Innovation Index ranked Singapore fifth globally and second in the region. This marks the third consecutive year Singapore has been in the top five. You can review the full Global Innovation Index report for more details on these rankings.

"This did not come by chance... It’s the result of years of investment in our innovation and enterprise ecosystem, and we do that in partnership with our small and medium enterprises and start-ups." - Alvin Tan

Mr Tan highlighted that this ranking reflects Singapore's supportive ecosystem, which includes a business-friendly environment, robust intellectual property infrastructure, and a stable and predictable governing environment. It's clear that Singapore is a place where innovation isn't just born, but truly thrives. The nation's efforts to educate its workforce, as seen in its push for AI bilinguals, further solidify its position.

These announcements were made at Switch (Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology), which is celebrating its 10th year. Organised by EnterpriseSG, this year's event is expected to host around 20,000 attendees from over 100 countries, with about 400 exhibitors showcasing innovations in AI, sustainability, and other cutting-edge tech.