Top Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Singapore
Singapore, often called Asia's Silicon Valley, has emerged as one of the world's leading startup ecosystems. With its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and government support, the city-state has become a magnet for entrepreneurs and innovators across Southeast Asia and beyond.
This guide explores the top accelerators and incubators that have been instrumental in Singapore's rise as a global startup hub. These programs support startups across various stages, from ideation to significant growth phases, providing crucial resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
Top 20 Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Singapore
1. BLOCK71
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Technology and innovation.
BLOCK71 is NUS Enterprise's flagship entrepreneurial hub, providing a dynamic environment for startups to grow and scale. The program offers comprehensive support, including mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to NUS resources and research facilities. Their global network extends to China, Indonesia, and the US, making it an ideal launchpad for startups with international ambitions.
2. Antler Singapore
Target Audience: Early-stage startup without a team, seeking co-founders.
Niche: Technology and digital innovation.
Antler is a global startup generator and early-stage VC that helps build groundbreaking technology companies. Their unique model helps individuals find co-founders and provides funding from day one. The program invests heavily in team formation and validation, with successful teams receiving initial funding of SGD 100,000 for a 10% equity stake.
3. SGInnovate
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team in deep tech.
Niche: Deep technology and scientific innovation.
SGInnovate focuses on deep tech startups in areas like AI, quantum technology, and med-tech. Backed by the Singapore government, it provides equity-based investments, access to talent, and market opportunities. Its deep connections with research institutions and corporate partners make it particularly valuable for science-based startups.
4. Enterprise Singapore Startup SG Accelerator
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Sector agnostic with a focus on scalable innovations.
SG Accelerator is a government-backed initiative that partners with established accelerators to support promising startups. The program provides funding support of up to SGD 30,000 to cover startup costs and connects entrepreneurs with relevant industry partners. Their extensive network includes both local and international mentors and investors.
5. Tribe Accelerator
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Blockchain and Web3.
Singapore's first government-supported blockchain accelerator, Tribe, focuses on driving the adoption of blockchain solutions across various industries. The program provides startups with technical support, go-to-market strategies, and connections to major blockchain networks and enterprises. It also offers extensive partnerships with corporations like IBM and Intel.
6. SPH Plug and Play
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Media, adtech, and consumer technology.
SPH Plug and Play is a joint venture between Singapore Press Holdings and Silicon Valley's Plug and Play. This accelerator focuses on media and digital innovations. The program provides startups with media exposure, access to SPH's extensive network, and potential pilot opportunities with major corporations.
7. ICE71
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team in cybersecurity.
Niche: Cybersecurity innovations.
Innovation Cybersecurity Ecosystem at BLOCK71 (ICE71) is Singapore's first cybersecurity startup hub. The program offers specialized resources, technical mentorship, and connections to security agencies and enterprises. Startups benefit from access to state-of-the-art cybersecurity testing facilities and expert guidance.
8. HealthTech Hub
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team in healthcare.
Niche: Healthcare technology and innovation.
HealthTech Hub focuses on healthcare innovations, providing startups with access to clinical trial opportunities, regulatory guidance, and connections to healthcare institutions. The program offers specialized mentorship from healthcare professionals and helps navigate complex medical regulations.
9. PIER71
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team in maritime.
Niche: Maritime technology and port solutions.
Port Innovation Ecosystem Reimagined at BLOCK71 focuses on maritime technology innovations. The program provides startups with access to port facilities, maritime data, and industry connections. Successful startups can receive funding and pilot opportunities with major maritime companies. PIER71's program is truly one of a kind. To qualify for their accelerator, startups in the maritime industry must first participate in the Smart Port Challenge and be selected as finalists. Once qualified, participants will engage in PIER71 Accelerate, a 6-week program with personalized mentorship. Throughout this program, you'll receive coaching to prepare for success and will have the opportunity to pitch your ideas to investors.
10. The FinLab
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team in fintech.
Niche: Financial technology innovations.
A joint venture between UOB and SGInnovate, The FinLab accelerates fintech and technology companies. The program provides regulatory guidance, banking expertise, and potential partnerships with financial institutions. Startups receive mentorship from banking professionals and access to APIs and testing environments.
11. 500 Startups Singapore
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Technology and digital solutions.
Part of the global 500 Startups network, the Singapore program focuses on scalable technology startups. They provide seed funding, mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, and access to a global network of investors. The program is known for its hands-on approach to growth and marketing strategies.
12. NTUitive
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with research-based innovation.
Niche: Deep technology and research commercialization.
Nanyang Technological University's innovation and enterprise company supports the commercialization of research innovations. The program provides access to university resources, research facilities, and technical expertise. Startups benefit from intellectual property support and connections to industry partners.
13. AIR@InnoVent
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team in advanced manufacturing.
Niche: Advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0.
AIR@InnoVent focuses on advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 innovations. The program provides access to manufacturing facilities, technical expertise, and industry partnerships. Startups receive support in prototyping and manufacturing process optimization.
14. Entrepreneur First Singapore
Target Audience: Early-stage individuals without teams.
Niche: Deep technology.
Entrepreneur First Singapore is a talent investor that helps exceptional individuals build deep tech startups from scratch. The program focuses on team formation and idea validation, providing stipends during the initial phase. Successful teams receive pre-seed funding and ongoing support.
15. IMDA PIXEL
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Digital content and media.
IMDA PIXEL is a dedicated innovation space by IMDA that focuses on digital content, media, and technology. The program provides specialized facilities, mentorship, and funding support. Startups gain access to advanced equipment and expertise in areas like AR/VR and gaming.
16. Trendlines Singapore
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team in medical and agrifood tech.
Niche: Medical and agricultural technology.
Trendlines Singapore is a startup incubator that specializes in medical and agrifood technology innovations. The program provides intensive support in product development, regulatory compliance, and market access. Startups receive hands-on assistance in clinical trials and go-to-market strategies.
17. Quest Ventures
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Digital commerce.
Quest Ventures focuses on digital commerce and marketplace innovations. The program provides intensive mentorship, funding, and regional market access. Their network extends across Asia, helping startups expand regionally.
18. Iterative
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Industry agnostic.
Iterative is a YC-style accelerator adapted for Southeast Asian startups. The program provides funding, intensive mentorship, and connections to global investors. Startups receive structured guidance in product development and growth strategies.
19. Surge
Target Audience: Early-stage individuals without a team and seeking co-founder / Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Industry agnostic.
Surge is a 16-week scale-up program designed for selected companies. Participants will receive up to $2 million in seed capital, company-building workshops, and experience-sharing sessions with seasoned experts. Propel your startup forward with global immersion trips, growth hacks, and UpSurge. During this investor week, you can meet and build relationships with a curated group of top investors.
20. Startup Autobahn
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Technology innovation.
Startup Autobahn is an open innovation platform that facilitates collaboration between technology-focused startups and industry leaders. Through tech-focused "Deep Dives," selected startups will develop prototypes and proofs of concept, culminating in an expo to showcase production-ready technology to key networks and stakeholders.
AcceleratorApp's Closing Thoughts on Startup Accelerators and Incubators in Singapore
Singapore's startup ecosystem continues to thrive as a leading hub for innovation in Asia. These accelerators and incubators play a crucial role in the city-state's vision of becoming a global technology and innovation center. With strong government support, robust infrastructure, and access to regional markets, Singapore offers startups an ideal environment for growth and expansion.
The diversity of these programs, from deep tech to maritime innovation, demonstrates Singapore's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across multiple sectors. This comprehensive support system has been instrumental in establishing Singapore as a preferred destination for entrepreneurs from around the world.
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