EnterpriseSG expands startups’ access to partners, facilities abroad

Eligible startups can gain lab access and mentorship at UC Berkeley.

Enterprise Singapore has established new partnerships to help Singapore-based startups develop, validate solutions, and scale internationally.

The agency collaborated with Lenovo to launch the Global Accelerator Programme, which will connect selected startups with Lenovo’s global research and development teams, solutions and services capabilities, and enterprise customers.

The 24-month programme will support startups across areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced materials, helping them validate their technologies in real-world environments, integrate their solutions into enterprise workflows, and progress from proof-of-concept to customer pilots

EnterpriseSG also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to deepen innovation and startup ecosystem collaboration between Singapore and Tokyo.

The partnership, which comes as Singapore and Japan commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations, aims to strengthen startup exchanges and market access between the two cities through reciprocal immersion programmes, business connections, and ecosystem collaboration.

It will support Singapore startups seeking to expand into Japan, whilst enabling Japanese startups to leverage Singapore as a launchpad into regional and global markets.

Beyond the two partnerships, EnterpriseSG is also expanding the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) through a partnership with Bakar Labs at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley).

The GIA supports startups and tech small and medium-sized enterprises in accessing innovation ecosystems and market expansion opportunities across more than 50 countries.

Under the partnership, Singapore-based startups can access Bakar Labs’ laboratory facilities, specialised equipment, and technical expertise to test and validate technologies in areas like life sciences and advanced materials.

They will also benefit from mentorship and connections across UC Berkeley and the wider Bay Area innovation network, providing pathways to investors, industry partners, and commercialisation opportunities in the United States.

Eligible startups can receive support of up to 70% of qualifying costs, which include the use of facilities and equipment, materials and consumables, access to researchers and technical experts, and relevant business-matching activities.

“Singapore startups must be able to turn strong innovations into businesses that compete globally,” said Emily Liew, assistant managing director of innovation at EnterpriseSG.

“These connections will help our startups refine their technologies, build commercial relationships and navigate new markets, accelerating their growth from Singapore to the world,” she added.