Enterprise SG, energy firms launch innovation challenge for SMEs, startups
The story: Enterprise Singapore (ESG) on Thursday launched its inaugural Energy Open Innovation Challenge (EOIC) 2020, in partnership with energy companies Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil and Shell, to seek tie-ups with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, according to an SGSME report.
Who all can participate?: The EOIC is calling for innovative solutions from SMEs and startups that address 19 challenge statements spanning asset management, robotics, sustainability and workflow.
Shortlisted SMEs and startups will have the opportunity to work directly with the four companies to develop, refine and test their solutions both in Singapore and globally.
Up to US$730K grants: ESG will also provide eligible SMEs and startups with up to S$1 million (US$730,000) in grant support to ramp up the development of their solution, so they can build their track record, scale the business and create good jobs.
Rukita launches workpod to curb COVID-19 spread
The story: To curb the COVID-19 spread in office buildings, Indonesian proptech company Rukita (a Sequoia Surge startup ) has launched Rukita Workpod as an alternative that facilitates a more efficient work from home (WFH) by enabling employees to live in a group.
More on the Workpod: At Rukita Workpod, employees can work in communal areas with complete supporting facilities and the utmost comfort as presented in co-working space. Rukita also provides tailored services based on corporate needs.
Also Read: Bobobox raises US$11.5M funding when many of its peers in the hospitality sector are on the brink
For those who wish to have more privacy, available areas can be perfectly transformed into a small office or meeting room with sufficient capacity and good air circulation.
To ensure tenants’ safety and health, Rukita strictly implements health protocols as required by the government. In each unit, hand sanitisers are available and a regular body temperature check is performed for all tenants, on-site staff, and visitors.
On top of that, deep cleaning with disinfectants is conducted periodically in all areas, including communal areas, in which frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned every 20 minutes thus employees can live and work with peace of mind.
ZILHive startup accelerator announces 2020-2021 cohort
The story: Zilliqa, a blockchain platform, has announced its 2020-2021 cohort of selected companies participating in the ZILHive, a 6-month blockchain startup accelerator.
The programme is designed to support early- and late-stage startups that are using or looking to use the Zilliqa protocol to build blockchain solutions.
From digital asset exchanges to stablecoins, this year’s batch of 8 companies have been selected to promote blockchain development within Open Finance (OpFi).
Also Read: The battle between private and public blockchains
The programme will run from August 31 2020 to February 2021.
The startups are:
Propine: A Singapore-based startup that provides compliant end-to-end tokenisation and custody solutions
Notabene: A Y-Combinator-backed firm that enables financial companies to be compliant with the Financial Action Task Force’s “Travel Rule” for any crypto transactions
Rupiah Token: An Indonesian rupiah-backed stablecoin that looks to drive a more inclusive and open financial system within the country
MugglePay: A China-based startup that looks to enable far more cost-efficient cross-border transactions by providing a software development kit (SDK) to merchants that accept crypto payments at a fraction of existing fees
Moonlight: A US-based decentralised self-sovereign identity solution
CommX: A Singapore- and Australia-based startup that tokenises art into tradable digital assets
Moonlet: A Romania-based digital asset wallet that enables users to securely store their crypto assets, spend their tokens, and manage their returns from staking
Lumiere: A Singapore and Hong Kong-based film tokenisation platform that strives to boost liquidity, accessibility, and mitigate risk in the film investment space.
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Image Credit: Rukita
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