The Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE) has unveiled a new flagship global deeptech accelerator, the Urban SustaInnovator (USI).
The Urban SustaInnovator is a zero-equity, zero-fee, 12-month hybrid, non-residential programme open to eligible global startups. The accelerator aims to scale and anchor breakthrough solutions in the urban solutions and sustainability (USS) space.
The USI is designed to tackle critical urban challenges facing regional cities, including decarbonisation, energy transition, sustainable construction and mobility, and the rising costs associated with climate inaction. It aligns directly with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, positioning innovation towards these urgent national priorities.
Also Read: Urban solutions, sustainability take centre stage at SMU’s LKYGBPC startup challenge in 2025
The programme framework provides crucial tailored support for deeptech ventures. Each startup receives dedicated one-to-one mentorship, with a Lead Mentor assigned from a consortium of business, scientific, and government leaders.
Additional benefits include:
- Fundraising guidance and industry introductions.
- Pathways for lab validation and accreditation, facilitating fast-tracked commercialisation.
- Access to SMU’s Overseas Centres and events to expand networks across Asia.
The USI is backed by a public-private consortium that aims to connect participating startups to global networks and strengthen Singapore’s role as a deeptech hub. The consortium powering the USI includes institutions such as A*STAR, Antler, Building Construction Authority, Energy Market Authority, ST Engineering, The GEAR by Kajima, TRIREC, and Wavemaker Partners.
The launch of the USI was witnessed by Chee Hong Tat, Minister for National Development, during the Grand Finals Week of the 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), which serves as a talent pipeline for the USI. The competition attracted a record 1,572 applications from 91 countries this year, marking a nearly two-thirds increase compared to the previous edition.
Sixty university-affiliated deeptech startup finalists from around the world have converged in Singapore to compete for a prize pool of SGD2.5 million in cash, in-kind support, and mentorship.
SMU IIE has a track record of supporting sustainability ventures; in the past five years, startups emerging from its incubator, the Business Innovations Generator, have collectively raised over SGD1.15 billion. Furthermore, nearly 40 per cent of these incubator startups have focused on addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Minister Chee Hong Tat stated: “Innovation is not just important; it is essential.” He noted that the accelerator “brings together venture capitalists, R&D experts, leading companies and public agencies to mentor promising urban solutions and sustainability startups. Participants will receive guidance on fundraising, market access, and R&D as you build and launch your ventures.”
Also Read: 60 global startups to compete for US$2M prize at LKYGBPC grand finals
Professor Lim Sun Sun, SMU’s Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement, added: “Bridging global startup talent to Singapore’s ecosystem can both catalyse revolutionary solutions for a more equitable, sustainable future, and greatly boost knowledge and skills transfer for our local workforce.”
The launch further underlines Singapore’s robust position in the global tech scene. Startupblink ranked the nation 4th in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, having climbed 12 places since 2020. Singapore also commands nearly 60 per cent of Southeast Asia’s venture capital deal flow.
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