SMU's incubator programme unveils second cohort of early-stage startups

The incubation programme for the 19 startups will be conducted virtually due to the pandemic.

Singapore Management University (SMU)’s Business Innovations Generator (BIG) has unveiled 19 new startups accepted into its BIG Incubation Programme, according to a press release. This is BIG’s second cohort this year and its largest since 2009.

The 19 startups span diverse sectors, such as e-commerce, cybersecurity, logistics, financial services, healthcare, and sustainability. Most are app-based and software platforms, and half already have initial sales. The incubation programme for the 19 startups will be conducted virtually due to the pandemic.

The incubation programme will provide startup founders with financial support, such as application for grants and co-funding opportunities, knowledge and support network, regular mentoring by IIE’s entrepreneur-in-residence, community events, masterclasses to equip the founders with knowledge on topics such as sales strategy, digital marketing, fundraising, and legal advisory, access to SMU’s The Greenhouse, as well as additional perks such as credits from corporate partners.

The BIG Incubation Programme is an intensive four-month, equity-free programme that offers early-stage startups and student founders the opportunity to validate their business plans, as well as gain access to industry experts as advisors and grant opportunities.

The programme accepts three cohorts of pre-seed and seed stage startups a year in January, May and September.

BIG has accepted 237 SMU-affiliated and non-SMU affiliated startups since its start in 2019. BIG startups have collectively raised more than $75m from 2016 to 2019, with 2019 accounting for more than $54m.