Singapore and France ink deal for startups

Immersion programmes will be conducted to aide Singapore-based startups access the innovation and startup ecosystem in France.

Singapore and France is set to step up linkage between their countries startups and innovation ecosystems through initiatives, an announcement revealed.

The Economic Development Board (EDB), Enterprise Singapore, and ESSEC Business School will team up to conduct immersion programmes to aide Singapore-based startups access the innovation and startup ecosystem in France.

Participants will be taught about the business and innovation environment in France, followed by a trip to France to gain access and tap on ESSEC’s business and innovation networks.

“France has a rich history of innovation, a tradition that is further bolstered by the French government’s drive to create a more innovative economy during this Year of Innovation (YOI),” trade and industry minister Chan Chun Sing said.

Likewise, ESSEC will also help French startups to establish in Singapore.

In addition, the two countries will link their startup ecosystems through joint initiatives to enhance cross-border market access and innovation.

Through the programme, French startup incubator Creative Valley and Singapore’s Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE) will support French and Singapore startups and help them gain a foothold in their respective markets.

Both programmes are in line with the expansion of Singapore’s Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) initiative through establishing GIA activities in Paris. The GIA was launched in 2017 to strengthen Singapore’s connection to major innovation hubs around the world.