In today’s rapidly changing world, the importance of sustainability has never been more evident. As we face the urgent need to address environmental challenges and build a more resilient future, it is crucial to leverage the power of technology and innovation, and this couldn’t be more pertinent for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region; APAC accounted for around 53 per cent of global carbon emissions in 2021 and has been responsible for more than 80 per cent of global growth in carbon emissions over the past decade.
As such, tech startups are emerging as key players in driving positive change and creating a greener planet.
The role of tech startups in building a greener planet extends beyond their innovative products and services. These startups are fostering a culture of sustainability, promoting responsible business practices, and influencing larger corporations to adopt more eco-friendly approaches.
They are inspiring change, challenging traditional norms, and catalyzing a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable and circular economy. The Singapore Deep-Tech Alliance (SDTA) is one such organization at the forefront of driving sustainability-focused deep-tech ventures in APAC.
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Towards a greener, more sustainable future
SDTA has unveiled its revamped venture-building programme for the SDTA24 Cohort at the annual Sustainable Innovation Asia 2023 event. As a sustainability-focused deep-tech venture builder, SDTA aims to accelerate progress towards sustainable development by unlocking deep-tech solutions that align with the global Sustainable Development Goals.
The Sustainable Innovation Asia event serves as a platform for Alliance Partners, founders, and thought leaders within the deep-tech venture ecosystem to collaborate and gain valuable insights. It brings together hundreds of participants, fostering a thriving ecosystem for deep-tech ventures. The event’s theme, “Unlocking Deeptech to Fast-Track the Global Goals,” emphasizes the collective effort required to address pressing societal and environmental challenges.
SDTA’s venture-building programme, now in its third year, plays a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs bring advanced technologies to market. The programme spans nine months and comprises three phases, each tailored to support founder team formation, technology commercialization, customer validation, product development, and overall business building.
For the SDTA24 Cohort, the programme features new venture tracks designed to address key sustainability challenges across various industries. These tracks include Manufacturing, Semiconductor, Healthcare, Energy, and a horizontal track called Climate tech, which spans the other four verticals. SDTA aims to enhance partnerships with entrepreneurs in these tracks and gain a deeper understanding of industry business needs, best practices, and competitive advantages.
Fostering a collaborative ecosystem
To further strengthen the venture-building process, SDTA has assembled a Senior Advisory Board consisting of experienced leaders from various fields. These advisors bring decades of experience and expertise to provide strategic insights, network connections and thought leadership. The Senior Advisory Board will play a vital role in guiding future cohorts and facilitating strategic partnerships.
SDTA has also introduced four collaboration models with Alliance Partners to foster tangible and results-driven collaborations. These models enable ventures to leverage the technology, business expertise, and industry insights of Alliance Partners, accelerating innovation and growth strategies. The collaboration models include New Venture Creation, Joint Go-to-Market, Be the Exclusive Launch Customer, and IP Licensing.
Under these models, ventures have the opportunity to receive investments from Alliance Partners and receive guidance throughout the process of taking advanced technologies from the lab to the market. SDTA has already established partnerships with notable organizations such as TÜV SÜD, OMRON Asia Pacific, Lenovo Singapore, Avnet, and Sunningdale Technologies. New Alliance Partners for 2023 include Allnex, Dentsu Singapore, Micron Technology, Norgren, Zuellig Pharma, and Panasonic R&D Center Singapore.
Entrepreneurs passionate about Climate Tech and working within the industries of Manufacturing, Semiconductors, Healthcare, and Energy are encouraged to apply for the SDTA24 Cohort. The application deadline is August 1, 2023. Selected ventures will benefit from the vibrant ecosystem provided by SDTA, gain access to key research institutions, and receive guidance from industry experts throughout their proof-of-concept projects and business-building activities.
The SDTA24 Cohort presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to collaborate with Alliance Partners, access valuable resources, and contribute to the sustainable development of Singapore and the world. By harnessing deep-tech solutions, these ventures can make a transformative impact on industries, address societal challenges, and build a more sustainable future.
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Calling all green enthusiasts
The partnership between technology and sustainability is a powerful combination that holds the potential to reshape industries and create a more harmonious relationship between human activities and the environment. It is through the collaboration and collective efforts of startups, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers that we can truly unlock the potential of technology for sustainable development.
As we embark on this journey towards a greener and more resilient future, it is essential to celebrate the achievements and initiatives of tech startups in APAC. Their commitment to sustainability, coupled with their innovative spirit, is paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. By embracing their ideas, fostering collaboration, and supporting their endeavours, we can build a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous world for generations to come.
More information about the SDTA24 Cohort and the collaboration models can be found here. Corporations interested in becoming Alliance Partners and joining the industry network can also find more details on the website.
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