In a world where technological breakthroughs are reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is stepping up to fuel the next wave of innovation through its focus on deep tech start-ups. Through NUS Enterprise, its entrepreneurial division, the university has launched a dynamic strategy that integrates substantial funding, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a landmark collaboration with Stanford University. Announced during the unveiling of the NUS i3 building on September 16, these efforts are tailored to address the distinct challenges faced by deep tech ventures—those pioneering advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology. By nurturing entrepreneurship and aligning with Singapore’s broader vision for economic growth, NUS is not only supporting current innovators but also paving the way for future pioneers to transform research into real-world impact.
Fueling Growth with Financial Innovation
Deep tech start-ups often stumble in the critical transition from concept to market, a phase commonly known as the “valley of death,” where funding shortages can halt progress. NUS is directly confronting this barrier through the NUS Venture Capital Programme, which oversees an impressive $150 million in funds. By forging co-investment partnerships like SG Growth Capital—developed with Singapore’s Economic Development Board and Enterprise Singapore—and a $20 million commitment alongside Lotus One Investment, NUS ensures that promising ventures have the capital to prototype and scale. These initiatives are structured to provide a financial lifeline, enabling start-ups to demonstrate commercial viability while reinvesting returns into future innovation projects. This approach underscores a commitment to sustaining deep tech growth over the long term.
Beyond just providing funds, these financial mechanisms are strategically designed to target the unique needs of deep tech enterprises, which often face high costs and extended timelines. The partnerships focus on selecting high-potential start-ups and venture funds, ensuring that resources are allocated where they can yield the greatest impact. For instance, the collaboration with Lotus One Investment specifically supports NUS spin-offs, creating a cycle of innovation where successful ventures contribute back to the ecosystem. This targeted support not only bridges the funding gap but also builds confidence among investors, signaling that deep tech, despite its risks, holds immense potential for transformative change in Singapore’s economy.
Fostering Collaboration Through Infrastructure
The opening of the NUS i3 building marks a significant milestone in creating a nurturing environment for deep tech entrepreneurs. This state-of-the-art facility acts as a central hub, seamlessly integrating research, education, start-up incubation, and funding under one roof. It offers vital resources such as mentorship and incubation support, while also providing a space for founders to connect and exchange ideas. As highlighted by Feb Hillman, CEO of AeroFlux, the entrepreneurial journey can be isolating, and having a community to share challenges and insights is invaluable. The NUS i3 building addresses these emotional and intellectual needs, positioning itself as a cornerstone of Singapore’s innovation landscape.
More than just a physical space, the NUS i3 building embodies a vision of collaboration that extends beyond individual start-ups to encompass a broader ecosystem. It serves as a meeting point for researchers, students, and industry leaders, fostering partnerships that can accelerate the development of groundbreaking technologies. By centralizing resources, the hub reduces the fragmentation often experienced by early-stage ventures, allowing them to focus on innovation rather than navigating logistical hurdles. This infrastructure is a testament to NUS’s understanding that financial backing alone is not enough—deep tech start-ups thrive when surrounded by a supportive network that encourages creativity and resilience.
Empowering Innovators with Global Education
Education forms a critical pillar of NUS’s strategy to cultivate the next generation of deep tech leaders, exemplified by a $2 million pilot collaboration with Stanford University. Supported by the Khetan Foundation, this program enables students from NUS’s College of Design and Engineering to work alongside Stanford peers on real-world industry challenges. Guided by faculty from both institutions and partnering with companies like Meta and Venture Corporation, participants gain practical experience that bridges the gap between theory and application. This initiative reflects a growing emphasis on experiential learning as a tool to prepare innovators for the complexities of the global market.
The international dimension of this collaboration adds a unique layer of value, exposing students to diverse perspectives and fostering networks that can prove instrumental in their future careers. By tackling challenges posed by leading industry players, participants develop skills in problem-solving and innovation that are directly applicable to deep tech entrepreneurship. This partnership not only enhances the capabilities of individual students but also strengthens ties between two world-class institutions, creating a pipeline of talent equipped to address global technological demands. NUS’s focus on such programs signals a forward-thinking approach to education that prioritizes real-world impact over traditional academic boundaries.
Aligning with National Priorities for Innovation
NUS’s initiatives are intricately aligned with Singapore’s national objectives, as articulated by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who emphasized the role of innovation in driving economic progress. Under the Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan, Singapore commits approximately 1% of its GDP—around $28 billion—to research and enterprise development. Programs like the National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (Grip) are set to support up to 300 start-ups by 2028 and facilitate the creation of over 150 companies by 2030. This substantial investment highlights a strategic intent to transform research into tangible economic outcomes through deep tech advancements.
Complementing these national efforts, NUS leverages global connectivity to amplify the reach of its start-ups. Through initiatives like Block71 and Enterprise Singapore’s Global Innovation Alliance, emerging ventures gain access to international markets and investors, significantly enhancing their growth prospects. This alignment with government priorities ensures that NUS’s contributions are not isolated but part of a broader framework aimed at positioning Singapore as a global leader in innovation. The synergy between university-led efforts and national strategies creates a robust foundation for deep tech start-ups to scale and compete on a worldwide stage.
Crafting a Comprehensive Ecosystem for Success
NUS’s approach to supporting deep tech start-ups stands out for its comprehensive nature, integrating financial resources, infrastructure, education, and global partnerships into a cohesive ecosystem. By addressing the funding challenges through substantial capital programs, providing a collaborative space in the NUS i3 building, and equipping students with international exposure via the Stanford collaboration, NUS ensures that entrepreneurs receive support at every stage of their journey. This holistic strategy acknowledges that deep tech ventures require more than just monetary investment—they need a nurturing environment to innovate and grow sustainably.
This integrated ecosystem also reflects a nuanced understanding of the broader challenges facing deep tech, such as long development cycles and high capital demands. By combining targeted financial mechanisms with community-building infrastructure and forward-looking educational programs, NUS is creating a model that other institutions might emulate. The result is a dynamic support system that not only aids current start-ups but also lays the groundwork for future innovation. As Singapore continues to prioritize technological advancement, NUS’s multifaceted efforts are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic landscape through deep tech breakthroughs.
