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Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
'Don't start a business—buy one': How Flippa helps Singaporeans become entrepreneurs
SINGAPORE: Plenty of Singaporeans want to be entrepreneurs. And that means launching their own company. But starting from zero means a lot of uncertainty before you even see a cent, on top of long hours and restless nights. But the easier route? Buying your own business. Despite the economic uncertainty of the last few years, the entrepreneurial dream is alive and well among Singaporeans. A 2019 study by NUS Enterprise found that a number of non-founder alumni had an interest in starting their own business. This year, a Mastercard study noted that 64% of Gen Z women in Singapore considered entrepreneurship. 2023 saw ACRA, the government agency responsible for business registration, report more than 70,000 new companies being formed. This was in contrast to 50,000 businesses closing down. Entrepreneurship in Singapore is skewed towards startups in sectors like technology, fintech, and biotech. In comparison, buying an existing business is much less common. But that could change with Flippa, an Australian mergers & acquisitions (M&A) company with its roots in Melbourne, that lets people buy and sell online businesses. And it's placed a wager on Singapore as its Asian entry point. 'We saw a huge gap in the market,' says Fiona Laidlaw, Flippa's APAC Lead. 'There was no platform offering investment banking-style mergers & acquisitions (M&A) services to everyday business owners or buyers. That's what Flippa is—investment banking for the 99%.' From side hustlers to serious investors Flippa is a marketplace for online businesses, dealing in assets like e-commerce stores, YouTube channels, content websites, online courses, and software as a service (SaaS) companies. And many are cash flow positive, generating six or even seven figures in annual revenue. And for people who want to be their own boss or build up a passive income? This means skipping years of trial and error without having to lose a case in the near term. 'Back then, small business owners didn't really have an exit path,' Laidlaw says, reflecting on Flippa's early days in 2009. 'Some would say they'd just retire and let the business die. That's a loss for everyone—clients lose their service, and founders leave value on the table. We want to change that.' Flippa claims that it has over 6,000 active buyers, ranging from individuals and family offices (FOs) to private equity (PE) funds. The platform typically deals in digital businesses priced ranging from $100,000 to $5 million. Some buyers count these as an investment. Others view it as a way to become their own boss without starting from zero. Flippa's focus on Southeast Asia comes at a telling moment. Laidlaw explains: 'We attended an event in Singapore and were shocked—many founders here didn't know they could sell their business. There was no real online M&A solution in this part of the world.' Since then, Singapore has become Flippa's APAC base as it zeroes in on the region. Flippa plans to deepen its footprint in Vietnam, Thailand, and India. Each market offers something unique. Vietnam? An e-commerce hub. Malaysia? Ideal for SaaS. Meanwhile, Singapore and Hong Kong remain financial powerhouses and buyer centres. The kind of businesses buyers want Laidlaw says the fastest-growing segments include YouTube channels, B2B SaaS companies, and what she calls 'autonomous content' businesses. These are ventures that don't depend on a founder's personal brand. 'We're working on a listing for an English course platform run by contract teachers. The owner isn't the face of the brand. That detachment increases valuation—buyers want assets they can take over easily,' she explains. She highlights how investors value businesses with recurring revenue, low churn, and strong intellectual property (IP). Why? All these qualities make them easier to run and expand. Micro PE & ease-of-use Beyond full business acquisitions, Flippa is also tapping into micro private equity (micro PE). This means acquiring smaller but profitable businesses in the $100K–$5M range. 'Why spend tens of millions on a company with high burn when you can buy something smaller, profitable, and ready to scale?' Laidlaw asks. Flippa has also launched Flippa Invest, a service that lets people buy partial shares in businesses. While not fully rolled out globally due to licensing rules, it's a small step in making digital M&A more accessible. The platform's approach also combines tech with human expertise. It's AI-powered buyer matching, which works like TikTok or Instagram's recommendation algorithm, surfaces relevant businesses for buyers based on their interests. It also offers Flippa Pay, a secure payment service that supports currencies like the Singapore dollar. In addition, it partners with local law firms to handle the legal side of deals. For Laidlaw, it's all about lowering barriers for new investors and sellers. 'We want smooth transactions,' she says. 'Our role is to guide both sides, making the process as stress-free as possible.' Why this matters for Singaporeans Singaporeans aren't strangers to side hustles. Many focus on building something new, but buying an existing business means getting straight to profitability. And for those looking to move on to new projects from their online hustle? Whether it's a niche blog, Shopify store, or digital course, Flippa's platform offers them a way to sell their business, an exit strategy some might never have considered. 'Many Singaporean founders don't realise they can sell,' Laidlaw says. 'That's changing, and we're seeing strong repeat activity from sellers here.' In the local scene, Flippa's growing its deal flow by working with the likes of Google AdSense, Amazon Global, and Crib to spread the word. Other players it's tied up with include local accelerators, VC funds, and founder networks in the startup space. With entrepreneurship often glamorised — but with high personal and financial stakes attached — Flippa opens another door. It lets Singaporeans own, grow, or sell a business with a lot less guesswork. As Laidlaw sums it up: 'For Singaporeans, this is the perfect time. There's demand, there's liquidity, and there are opportunities waiting. You don't need to reinvent the wheel. Just buy it, and grow it.'
Business Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
NUS Enterprise invests S$150 million to launch venture capital programme in Asia
[SINGAPORE] The entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS), NUS Enterprise, announced on Tuesday (Jul 22) that it will commit S$150 million to launch the NUS Venture Capital (VC) Programme. NUS will invest S$50 million in selected VC firms to provide structured support for NUS tech startups. The first two VC partners are Granite Asia, a multi-asset investment platform with a 25-year track record of backing breakthrough technology ventures at a global level, and specialist life sciences investor 4Bio Capital, which focuses on advanced therapeutics. The other S$100 million will be committed to an autonomous investment fund focused on NUS-affiliated startups, with the flexibility to invest alongside selected VC partners. The initiative is the first of its kind in Asia, said NUS, and seeks to enhance support for early-stage tech innovation by focusing on high-potential ventures within the NUS ecosystem, including startups from the National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (Grip). How the NUS VC Programme complements the National Grip The NUS VC Programme complements the National Grip framework by addressing the need for downstream venture development. The National Grip helps those under the programme to transform lab-based research discoveries into globally competitive, market-ready ventures. Various National Grip startups are still in the early stages of technological readiness and require continued, strategic support to advance from lab to market. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up While Grip currently provides up to S$250,000 in seed funding per startup, the new VC programme focuses on accelerating post-seed growth and preparing ventures for external capital. This effort is set apart by direct engagement with leading VC firms selected not only for their track records, but also for their market access in global innovation hubs, said NUS. The programme offers structured support such as mentorship, investor feedback, market entry, fundraising networks, and operational guidance by combining capital with deep venture expertise. Dr Tan Sian Wee, NUS senior vice-president (innovation and enterprise), said: 'National Grip is an important first step in helping deep tech startups take root. As such, the VC Programme builds on this by pairing promising ventures with globally connected investors, enabling a more complete pathway to scale and commercial success. This is essential given that most startups struggle to move beyond early-stage innovation toward impactful, real-world deployment.' The NUS VC Programme aims to fill critical funding and mentorship gaps faced by tech startups in Asia. In 2025, VC investments in Asia-Pacific fell sharply to a 10-year low of S$85 billion. With a 5 per cent decline from 2023, early-stage funding has totalled less than S$38 billion in 2024.
Associated Press
28-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
NUS expands start-up hub in Tokyo to propel deep tech innovation
BLOCK71 Tokyo, its second office in Japan, opens at TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, the country's latest global innovation hub. NUS collaborates with Japanese partners, who will invest about ¥1 billion to spur global venture creation. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 March 2025 - NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS), is expanding its presence in Japan with the launch of its second BLOCK71 office in Tokyo today. This follows the successful opening of its first location in Nagoya in November 2024. In collaboration with key partners, Central Japan Innovation Capital (CJIC), Kyoto University, and TIS Inc., NUS Enterprise aims to support start-ups, researchers, and students while connecting them with investors. These partnerships align with Japan's efforts to accelerate the growth of its start-up ecosystem[1]. Located at TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars' Hub, BLOCK71 Tokyo will support the growth of Southeast Asian technology-driven start-ups in Japan, contributing to the urban development's focus on environmental sustainability, mobility and robotics, and smart health. It will also provide Japanese start-ups with the resources needed to expand into Southeast Asia and beyond. 'Japan's strong foundation in technology and research makes it an ideal environment for start-up growth. It ranks among the world's top three countries for patent applications and invests over three percent of its GDP in R&D, one of the highest globally. This creates immense potential for innovation. With BLOCK71 Tokyo located in the country's latest innovation hub, we have a strategic platform to connect start-ups and drive cross-border collaboration. To amplify our impact, we are partnering one of Japan's top universities, a major corporation, and a leading venture capital firm, all sharing our vision to foster deep tech innovation and build a robust global ecosystem,' said Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President, at the opening of BLOCK71 Tokyo. Professor Tan was joined by Dr Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President, Innovation and Enterprise; Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Ecosystem Building), NUS Enterprise; Mr Hiroyuki Takeshima, Executive Officer, East Japan Railway Company (JR East); and Mr Kikukawa Jingo, Director-General, Innovation and Environment Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry[JO1] at the opening of BLOCK71 Tokyo. Building innovation ecosystems through strategic partnerships Building on the success of its globally recognised BLOCK71 model, BLOCK71 Tokyo will promote knowledge exchange, cross-border innovation, and new opportunities for start-ups entering the Japanese market. To deepen its impact, NUS has inked three new partnerships. NUS-Central Japan Innovation Capital collaboration Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Assoc Prof Tee and Professor Kazuya Takeda, CJIC CEO, CJIC will invest up to five percent of its assets under management in NUS-affiliated deep tech start-ups. The fund aims to raise approximately ¥5 billion by the end of its fundraising, expected in November 2025. A subsidiary of the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, CJIC supports university start-ups focused on deep tech innovation. NUS and CJIC will also explore broader collaboration opportunities to help start-ups from both ecosystems expand into the Japanese and Southeast Asian markets. NUS-Kyoto University collaboration Beyond funding, NUS is enhancing entrepreneurial support for deep tech start-ups through its partnership with Kyoto University, formalised by an MOU signed by Prof Tan and Dr Nagahiro Minato, Kyoto University President. As a first step, Kyoto University will send start-ups to join the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (NUS GRIP). They will also become the first overseas university partner in a localised version of the programme. This will empower Kyoto University's graduate students, researchers, and alumni to transform research into impactful deep tech ventures, addressing some of the social challenges in Asia and seizing new opportunities. Both universities will also offer exchange programmes to foster cross-border entrepreneurial experiences. Kyoto University students will have the opportunity to intern at NUS GRIP start-ups, while NUS GRIP start-ups can gain hands-on experience from Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd (Kyoto-iCAP), the university's venture capital arm. This partnership enhances the flow of entrepreneurial talent and deepen innovation ties between the two countries, further boosting their deep tech ecosystems. NUS-TIS Inc. collaboration NUS is expanding its global entrepreneurship efforts through a partnership with TIS Inc., one of Japan's leading IT companies, to build a globally connected start-up ecosystem. This collaboration, formalised through a Collaboration Agreement signed by Prof Tan and Mr Yasushi Okamoto, TIS Inc. Group President, launches the Deep Tech Seed to A Growth Expansion Programme (Deep-SAGE), a tailored start-up acceleration initiative to help seed-stage start-ups worldwide scale towards pre-Series A and Series A funding. TIS Inc. will commit a total of ¥840 million to support Deep-SAGE over the next three years. This will include three cohorts, each comprising up to 10 start-ups. As part of this commitment, TIS Inc. plans to invest a minimum of ¥55 million each in at least two start-ups per cohort. BLOCK71 will design and deliver the programme, providing structured support through virtual mentorship sessions and workshops. Start-ups will also have incubation opportunities at BLOCK71 offices across 11 cities, including Singapore, Silicon Valley, Saigon and Suzhou, drawing on a global network that supports international market entry and commercial opportunities. Through these strategic collaborations, NUS reinforces its position as a leading start-up university in the global innovation landscape, nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets and empowering the next generation of technology entrepreneurs. Deepening market immersion and cultural exchange in Tokyo Following the success of its second Japan Immersion Programme in Nagoya held in 2024, where start-ups gained insights into Japan's manufacturing powerhouse, BLOCK71 Japan will launch the third edition in Tokyo in May 2025. The 2024 programme provided start-ups with a deeper understanding of Japan's culturally distinct landscape, helping them build connections with local partners, secure new customers, and develop new proof-of-concept projects. The 2025 edition will focus on the three key themes of TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY: environmental sustainability, mobility and robotics, and smart health. It will welcome five Southeast Asian start-ups, who will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the upcoming GATEWAY Tech TAKANAWA event — a platform for large corporations and start-ups to exchange innovative ideas and solutions. This immersive experience will further strengthen ties between Southeast Asia and Japan, equipping start-ups with the knowledge and networks they need to enter new markets and drive innovation. [1] Annexe – Quotes by representatives 'As a sub-subsidiary of the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, CJIC has strong commitment to support university start-ups focused on deep tech innovation and enhance the central Japan economy. NUS and CJIC will also explore broader collaboration opportunities to help start-ups from both ecosystems expand into the Japanese and Southeast Asian markets.' Dr Kazuya Takeda, Central Japan Innovation Capital CEO 'NUS and Kyoto University have been collaborating in the field of basic research for some time, but with the signing of this MOU, we will build a new relationship in the field of industry-academia collaboration.' Dr Nagahiro Minato, Kyoto University President 'Our collaboration with NUS under the Deep-SAGE programme demonstrates TIS Inc.'s unwavering belief in the power of innovation. With this investment, we are poised to accelerate the growth of deep tech start-ups worldwide. This initiative not only reinforces our commitment to global entrepreneurship but also sets the stage for a new era of technology-driven growth.' Mr Yasushi Okamoto, TIS Inc. Group President 'RoPlus participated in the Japan Immersion Programme organised by BLOCK71 Japan in 2024, which proved to be a fruitful experience. We had the opportunity to engage in individual meetings with stakeholders, including end-users and potential investors. Additionally, we showcased our products at Messe Nagoya, where we connected with various industry partners and increased market awareness. Through this programme, we successfully secured a distributor for the Japanese market and engaged two potential end-users. I would like to thank BLOCK71 Japan for fostering a supportive ecosystem and providing a strategic platform for NUS spin-offs to enter the Japanese market.' Mr Low Jin Huat, RoPlus Co-Founder 'The Japan Immersion Programme from NUS helped me make valuable connections with Japanese companies. We were able to secure a pilot project with one of the companies we met during this programme. It has helped us shape our strategy for entering the Japanese market.' Mr Zaid Ahmed Khan, M.I. Cloud Technologies CEO Hashtag: #NUS The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About National University of Singapore (NUS) The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore's flagship university, which offers a global approach to education, research and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. We have 16 colleges, faculties and schools across three campuses in Singapore, with more than 40,000 students from 100 countries enriching our vibrant and diverse campus community. We have also established more than 20 NUS Overseas Colleges entrepreneurial hubs around the world. Our multidisciplinary and real-world approach to education, research and entrepreneurship enables us to work closely with industry, governments and academia to address crucial and complex issues relevant to Asia and the world. Researchers in our faculties, research centres of excellence, corporate labs and more than 30 university-level research institutes focus on themes that include energy; environmental and urban sustainability; treatment and prevention of diseases; active ageing; advanced materials; risk management and resilience of financial systems; Asian studies; and Smart Nation capabilities such as artificial intelligence, data science, operations research and cybersecurity. For more information on NUS, please visit About NUS Enterprise NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS), plays a pivotal role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship at NUS and beyond. We actively promote entrepreneurship and cultivate global mind-sets and talents through the synergies of experiential learning, active industry partnerships, holistic entrepreneurship support and catalytic entrepreneurship outreach. Our initiatives and global connections support a range of entrepreneurial journeys and foster ecosystem building in new markets. We provide expertise and connections to create successful spin-offs and translate innovations into the marketplace through industry collaboration. These initiatives augment and complement the University's academic programmes and act as a unique bridge to industries well beyond Singapore's shores. For more information on NUS Enterprise, please visit About BLOCK71 BLOCK71 is an initiative by NUS Enterprise in collaborative and strategic partnerships with established corporates and government agencies. It is a technology-focused ecosystem builder and global connector which catalyses and aggregates the start-up community. In Singapore, we spearhead new initiatives and provide mentorship and growth opportunities in key local, regional and global markets. For more information on BLOCK71, please visit About TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY Carrying on in the tradition of its past as a gateway to Edo (now known as Tokyo) and a history of innovation that began with Japan's first railways, TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY will be an experimental site to create enriching lives for the next 100 years, where the creation of new culture and business continue under the concept of a Global Gateway. THE LINKPILLAR 1 and the area around Takanawa Gateway Station open at the end of FY2024 (March 2025), with the other buildings (THE LINKPILLAR 2, MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives, and TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY RESIDENCE) and the surrounding areas to open in FY2025. JR East will continue developing the Shinagawa Development Project to enhance the value of Shinagawa Station area (Shinagawa Station North Exit and Shinagawa Station Block). TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars' Hub (LiSH) is the facilities for a start-up ecosystem in TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY with diverse human resources and systems that support over 100 start-ups. It aims to create solutions to social issues around the world and implement them in society by collaborating with diverse and cutting-edge knowledge, analysing data using the city data platform (city-OS) including railway data, and providing a variety of financial support.
Zawya
28-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
NUS expands start-up hub in Tokyo to propel deep tech innovation
BLOCK71 Tokyo, its second office in Japan, opens at TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, the country's latest global innovation hub. NUS collaborates with Japanese partners, who will invest about ¥1 billion to spur global venture creation. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 March 2025 - NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS), is expanding its presence in Japan with the launch of its second BLOCK71 office in Tokyo today. This follows the successful opening of its first location in Nagoya in November 2024. In collaboration with key partners, Central Japan Innovation Capital (CJIC), Kyoto University, and TIS Inc., NUS Enterprise aims to support start-ups, researchers, and students while connecting them with investors. These partnerships align with Japan's efforts to accelerate the growth of its start-up ecosystem[1]. Located at TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars' Hub, BLOCK71 Tokyo will support the growth of Southeast Asian technology-driven start-ups in Japan, contributing to the urban development's focus on environmental sustainability, mobility and robotics, and smart health. It will also provide Japanese start-ups with the resources needed to expand into Southeast Asia and beyond. "Japan's strong foundation in technology and research makes it an ideal environment for start-up growth. It ranks among the world's top three countries for patent applications and invests over three percent of its GDP in R&D, one of the highest globally. This creates immense potential for innovation. With BLOCK71 Tokyo located in the country's latest innovation hub, we have a strategic platform to connect start-ups and drive cross-border collaboration. To amplify our impact, we are partnering one of Japan's top universities, a major corporation, and a leading venture capital firm, all sharing our vision to foster deep tech innovation and build a robust global ecosystem," said Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President, at the opening of BLOCK71 Tokyo. Professor Tan was joined by Dr Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President, Innovation and Enterprise; Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Ecosystem Building), NUS Enterprise; Mr Hiroyuki Takeshima, Executive Officer, East Japan Railway Company (JR East); and Mr Kikukawa Jingo, Director-General, Innovation and Environment Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry[JO1] at the opening of BLOCK71 Tokyo. Building innovation ecosystems through strategic partnerships Building on the success of its globally recognised BLOCK71 model, BLOCK71 Tokyo will promote knowledge exchange, cross-border innovation, and new opportunities for start-ups entering the Japanese market. To deepen its impact, NUS has inked three new partnerships. NUS-Central Japan Innovation Capital collaboration Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Assoc Prof Tee and Professor Kazuya Takeda, CJIC CEO, CJIC will invest up to five percent of its assets under management in NUS-affiliated deep tech start-ups. The fund aims to raise approximately ¥5 billion by the end of its fundraising, expected in November 2025. A subsidiary of the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, CJIC supports university start-ups focused on deep tech innovation. NUS and CJIC will also explore broader collaboration opportunities to help start-ups from both ecosystems expand into the Japanese and Southeast Asian markets. NUS-Kyoto University collaboration Beyond funding, NUS is enhancing entrepreneurial support for deep tech start-ups through its partnership with Kyoto University, formalised by an MOU signed by Prof Tan and Dr Nagahiro Minato, Kyoto University President. As a first step, Kyoto University will send start-ups to join the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (NUS GRIP). They will also become the first overseas university partner in a localised version of the programme. This will empower Kyoto University's graduate students, researchers, and alumni to transform research into impactful deep tech ventures, addressing some of the social challenges in Asia and seizing new opportunities. Both universities will also offer exchange programmes to foster cross-border entrepreneurial experiences. Kyoto University students will have the opportunity to intern at NUS GRIP start-ups, while NUS GRIP start-ups can gain hands-on experience from Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd (Kyoto-iCAP), the university's venture capital arm. This partnership enhances the flow of entrepreneurial talent and deepen innovation ties between the two countries, further boosting their deep tech ecosystems. NUS-TIS Inc. collaboration NUS is expanding its global entrepreneurship efforts through a partnership with TIS Inc., one of Japan's leading IT companies, to build a globally connected start-up ecosystem. This collaboration, formalised through a Collaboration Agreement signed by Prof Tan and Mr Yasushi Okamoto, TIS Inc. Group President, launches the Deep Tech Seed to A Growth Expansion Programme (Deep-SAGE), a tailored start-up acceleration initiative to help seed-stage start-ups worldwide scale towards pre-Series A and Series A funding. TIS Inc. will commit a total of ¥840 million to support Deep-SAGE over the next three years. This will include three cohorts, each comprising up to 10 start-ups. As part of this commitment, TIS Inc. plans to invest a minimum of ¥55 million each in at least two start-ups per cohort. BLOCK71 will design and deliver the programme, providing structured support through virtual mentorship sessions and workshops. Start-ups will also have incubation opportunities at BLOCK71 offices across 11 cities, including Singapore, Silicon Valley, Saigon and Suzhou, drawing on a global network that supports international market entry and commercial opportunities. Through these strategic collaborations, NUS reinforces its position as a leading start-up university in the global innovation landscape, nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets and empowering the next generation of technology entrepreneurs. Deepening market immersion and cultural exchange in Tokyo Following the success of its second Japan Immersion Programme in Nagoya held in 2024, where start-ups gained insights into Japan's manufacturing powerhouse, BLOCK71 Japan will launch the third edition in Tokyo in May 2025. The 2024 programme provided start-ups with a deeper understanding of Japan's culturally distinct landscape, helping them build connections with local partners, secure new customers, and develop new proof-of-concept projects. The 2025 edition will focus on the three key themes of TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY: environmental sustainability, mobility and robotics, and smart health. It will welcome five Southeast Asian start-ups, who will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the upcoming GATEWAY Tech TAKANAWA event — a platform for large corporations and start-ups to exchange innovative ideas and solutions. This immersive experience will further strengthen ties between Southeast Asia and Japan, equipping start-ups with the knowledge and networks they need to enter new markets and drive innovation. [1] Annexe – Quotes by representatives "As a sub-subsidiary of the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, CJIC has strong commitment to support university start-ups focused on deep tech innovation and enhance the central Japan economy. NUS and CJIC will also explore broader collaboration opportunities to help start-ups from both ecosystems expand into the Japanese and Southeast Asian markets." Dr Kazuya Takeda, Central Japan Innovation Capital CEO "NUS and Kyoto University have been collaborating in the field of basic research for some time, but with the signing of this MOU, we will build a new relationship in the field of industry-academia collaboration." Dr Nagahiro Minato, Kyoto University President "Our collaboration with NUS under the Deep-SAGE programme demonstrates TIS Inc.'s unwavering belief in the power of innovation. With this investment, we are poised to accelerate the growth of deep tech start-ups worldwide. This initiative not only reinforces our commitment to global entrepreneurship but also sets the stage for a new era of technology-driven growth." Mr Yasushi Okamoto, TIS Inc. Group President "RoPlus participated in the Japan Immersion Programme organised by BLOCK71 Japan in 2024, which proved to be a fruitful experience. We had the opportunity to engage in individual meetings with stakeholders, including end-users and potential investors. Additionally, we showcased our products at Messe Nagoya, where we connected with various industry partners and increased market awareness. Through this programme, we successfully secured a distributor for the Japanese market and engaged two potential end-users. I would like to thank BLOCK71 Japan for fostering a supportive ecosystem and providing a strategic platform for NUS spin-offs to enter the Japanese market." Mr Low Jin Huat, RoPlus Co-Founder "The Japan Immersion Programme from NUS helped me make valuable connections with Japanese companies. We were able to secure a pilot project with one of the companies we met during this programme. It has helped us shape our strategy for entering the Japanese market." Mr Zaid Ahmed Khan, M.I. Cloud Technologies CEO Hashtag: #NUS The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About National University of Singapore (NUS) The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore's flagship university, which offers a global approach to education, research and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. We have 16 colleges, faculties and schools across three campuses in Singapore, with more than 40,000 students from 100 countries enriching our vibrant and diverse campus community. We have also established more than 20 NUS Overseas Colleges entrepreneurial hubs around the world. Our multidisciplinary and real-world approach to education, research and entrepreneurship enables us to work closely with industry, governments and academia to address crucial and complex issues relevant to Asia and the world. Researchers in our faculties, research centres of excellence, corporate labs and more than 30 university-level research institutes focus on themes that include energy; environmental and urban sustainability; treatment and prevention of diseases; active ageing; advanced materials; risk management and resilience of financial systems; Asian studies; and Smart Nation capabilities such as artificial intelligence, data science, operations research and cybersecurity. For more information on NUS, please visit About NUS Enterprise NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS), plays a pivotal role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship at NUS and beyond. We actively promote entrepreneurship and cultivate global mind-sets and talents through the synergies of experiential learning, active industry partnerships, holistic entrepreneurship support and catalytic entrepreneurship outreach. Our initiatives and global connections support a range of entrepreneurial journeys and foster ecosystem building in new markets. We provide expertise and connections to create successful spin-offs and translate innovations into the marketplace through industry collaboration. These initiatives augment and complement the University's academic programmes and act as a unique bridge to industries well beyond Singapore's shores. For more information on NUS Enterprise, please visit About BLOCK71 BLOCK71 is an initiative by NUS Enterprise in collaborative and strategic partnerships with established corporates and government agencies. It is a technology-focused ecosystem builder and global connector which catalyses and aggregates the start-up community. In Singapore, we spearhead new initiatives and provide mentorship and growth opportunities in key local, regional and global markets. For more information on BLOCK71, please visit About TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY Carrying on in the tradition of its past as a gateway to Edo (now known as Tokyo) and a history of innovation that began with Japan's first railways, TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY will be an experimental site to create enriching lives for the next 100 years, where the creation of new culture and business continue under the concept of a Global Gateway. THE LINKPILLAR 1 and the area around Takanawa Gateway Station open at the end of FY2024 (March 2025), with the other buildings (THE LINKPILLAR 2, MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives, and TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY RESIDENCE) and the surrounding areas to open in FY2025. JR East will continue developing the Shinagawa Development Project to enhance the value of Shinagawa Station area (Shinagawa Station North Exit and Shinagawa Station Block). For more information on TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, please visit About TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars' Hub TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars' Hub (LiSH) is the facilities for a start-up ecosystem in TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY with diverse human resources and systems that support over 100 start-ups. It aims to create solutions to social issues around the world and implement them in society by collaborating with diverse and cutting-edge knowledge, analysing data using the city data platform (city-OS) including railway data, and providing a variety of financial support. For more information on LiSH, please visit National University of Singapore (NUS)
