Singapore cracks global top 10 startup ecosystems for first time

It is still world's fourth startup ecosystem in 2026.

Singapore has broken into the global top ten startup ecosystems for the first time, even as Singapore retained its country ranking in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026, from global startup ecosystem research center StartupBlink.

The index evaluates 1,500 cities and 100 countries using metrics covering activity levels, ecosystem quality, and business environment conditions.

It also factors in ecosystem value based on startup exits and valuations since 2006, alongside measures of corporate participation and innovation support.

StartupBlink said Singapore City ranked tenth globally, marking its first entry into the top tier of global startup hubs.

It placed behind the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, London, Los Angeles and Boston, followed by Beijing, Tel Aviv, Shanghai, and Paris.

The report said Singapore City recorded 26.7% growth, reflecting sustained startup activity and fintech strength. It also ranked first globally in startup community activity and second in fintech.

Corporate participation in the ecosystem includes Singtel, Crypto.com and SMRT Corporation, while Airwallex, Ninja Van and Carousell were identified as key ecosystem startups.

StartupBlink said Singapore’s country ranking remained unchanged at fourth globally, supported by a 24.4% growth rate and an ecosystem value of $375.44b (US$292.1b). It noted that the national ranking was broadly stable compared with the previous year.

Across Asia Pacific, performance remained uneven. The region grew 5.6%, weighed down by a 7.9% contraction in China, where Beijing and Shanghai both declined. Hong Kong was a notable exception, recording growth.

India rose to 21st globally, supported by expansion across cities including New Delhi and Hyderabad.

Japan ranked 18th and South Korea 19th, both supported by growth in secondary cities. Taiwan entered the top 20 countries for the first time, driven by its semiconductor ecosystem.

Australia returned to the global top ten country rankings in ninth place, supported by growth in Sydney and Melbourne.

StartupBlink said Europe grew 7.3%, below the global average, whilst North America expanded 12.9%. The Middle East and Africa was the fastest-growing region at 20.2%.

The United States remained first globally, followed by the United Kingdom and Israel.

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