SMU's Urban SustaInnovator Kicks Off with Groundbreaking First Cohort

Singapore Management University (SMU) has made headlines in the higher education landscape by announcing the first batch of startups for its flagship Urban SustaInnovator (USI) deep-tech accelerator programme. This milestone comes just months after the programme's launch, marking a pivotal step in fostering innovation within Singapore's university ecosystem. The selection of these seven startups underscores SMU's commitment to bridging academia with real-world challenges in urban sustainability.

The USI initiative, hosted by SMU's Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE), targets deep-tech solutions for urban solutions and sustainability (USS). Deep tech refers to technologies grounded in substantial scientific advances and engineering innovation, often requiring significant research and development before commercialization. These solutions address pressing global issues like climate change, resource scarcity, and urban congestion, aligning seamlessly with Singapore's ambitions as a smart nation.

This development highlights how universities like SMU are evolving beyond traditional teaching roles to become engines of entrepreneurial activity. By nurturing startups, SMU not only enhances its research impact but also equips students with hands-on exposure to cutting-edge innovation. For aspiring researchers and entrepreneurs in Singapore's higher education sector, programmes like USI open doors to collaborative opportunities that blend academic rigour with market-driven solutions.

🚀 The Genesis of USI: From LKYGBPC Launch to Accelerator Reality

The Urban SustaInnovator was officially unveiled on September 29, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), a biennial event organised by SMU since 2002. Minister for National Development, Mr Chee Hong Tat, launched the programme, emphasising its role in uniting venture capitalists, research and development (R&D) experts, corporations, and regulators to guide startups on fundraising, market entry, and technological refinement.

The LKYGBPC served as the perfect launchpad, attracting 1,572 applications from startups across 91 countries—a nearly two-thirds increase from the prior edition. From these, 60 university-affiliated deep-tech finalists converged in Singapore, competing for a S$2.5 million prize pool in cash, in-kind support, and mentorship. This competition has a proven track record, with nearly 40% of startups from SMU's Business Innovations Generator (BIG) incubator focusing on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), collectively raising over S$875 million in funding over the past five years.

USI emerged as the flagship extension of LKYGBPC, designed specifically for USS challenges. It positions SMU as a key player in Singapore's higher education innovation ecosystem, complementing national efforts like the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030) plan, which commits S$37 billion to R&D from 2026 to 2030, with strong emphasis on deep tech areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, and sustainability.

Highly Competitive Selection: Unveiling the Pioneer Cohort

From an impressive pool of 1,500 startups spanning 91 countries—primarily past LKYGBPC finalists—the USI Programme Management Committee (PMC) selected seven trailblazers for Cohort 1. This rigorous process prioritised frontier innovations with potential for scalability in Asia, particularly Singapore as a gateway market. Each startup demonstrates deep-tech prowess in areas like AI optimisation, advanced materials, and biotechnology.

The cohort's diversity reflects global talent: one from Singapore, one from Malaysia, one from the UK, one from France, and three from the US. They convened at SMU for the inaugural two-day deep-dive session on February 25, 2026, kicking off a 12-month journey of quarterly in-person immersions aligned with events like the International Built Environment Week.

Professor Lim Sun Sun, SMU Vice-President (Partnerships and Engagement) and USI PMC Chair, stated: “The Urban SustaInnovator reinforces SMU’s commitment to driving innovations that transform lives. Together, we’ll foster global talent, elevate knowledge in Singapore’s workforce, and catalyse ground-breaking solutions that address today’s pressing climate problems.”

Spotlight on Cohort 1: Deep-Tech Innovators Tackling Urban Challenges

Meet the seven startups poised to redefine urban sustainability:

• Inviscid AI (Singapore): Develops physics-informed AI for building management systems (BMS). By merging deep physical models with machine learning, it creates digital twins that optimise indoor climate control and energy use in real-time, potentially slashing building emissions—a sector responsible for nearly 40% of global CO₂.
• Macrocycle Technologies (US): Transforms plastic and polyester waste into virgin-grade MacroCycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins tailored to customer needs, without a green premium. This closed-loop process advances circular economy principles.
• Mimicrete (UK): Offers self-healing concrete that autonomously repairs cracks, extending structure lifespans and minimising repair costs and engineering over-designs. Ideal for Singapore's dense urban built environment.
• Pronoe (France): Deploys automated water treatment systems post-industrial sites to neutralise coastal acidification and boost ocean CO₂ sequestration, supporting marine ecosystem health.
• Qarbotech (Malaysia): Harnesses nanotechnology to enhance photosynthesis, boosting crop yields while cutting agriculture's environmental footprint—critical for food security in Southeast Asia.
• Sesame Sustainability (US): Integrates emissions modelling, techno-economic analysis, and optimisation into one platform, empowering firms to validate energy transition investments confidently.
• Smart Tire (US): Crafts airless, flat-proof tyres using shape-memory alloys inspired by space tech, enhancing vehicle safety, durability, and sustainability by eliminating waste from punctures.

These innovations exemplify deep tech's potential, requiring interdisciplinary expertise from SMU's academic programmes in business, computing, and engineering.

Programme Blueprint: Zero-Equity Support for Maximum Impact

USI's 12-month hybrid, non-residential structure is tailored for global founders. Key offerings include:

• One-on-one Lead Mentors from PMC partners like A*STAR (scientific), Antler and Wavemaker Partners (capital), ST Engineering and The GEAR by Kajima (operations), and BCA/EMA (regulatory).
• Quarterly deep-dive weeks in Singapore for progress reviews, goal-setting, and networking.
• Fundraising guidance, investor intros, pilot opportunities, and fast-tracked commercialisation accreditation.
• Talent access via SMU's Global Innovation Immersion (GII), linking startups with interns and graduates.
• Regional expansion support in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam—leveraging Singapore's Overseas Centres.

Zero-equity and zero-fee, USI is bolstered by S$40 million in public funding from the Ministry of National Development (MND) and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE).Learn more on the USI site

SMU IIE: Powerhouse of Higher Education Entrepreneurship

At the heart of USI is SMU's Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE), established in 2009 as Singapore's premier hub for entrepreneurial education. IIE runs programmes like BIG incubator, Innovation Academy, and LKYGBPC, nurturing 'innopreneurs'—innovators with entrepreneurial mindsets.

IIE's impact is evident: alumni-founded startups have scaled globally, from fintech disruptors to sustainability ventures. For higher education professionals, IIE offers research opportunities in deep tech, while students gain practical experience that boosts employability. SMU's focus aligns with Singapore's higher ed push for interdisciplinary skills amid RIE2030.

Explore career advice for roles in university innovation centres like IIE.

Strategic Partnerships Driving Ecosystem Synergies

USI thrives on a public-private consortium. Highlights include:

• A*STAR: Deep-tech R&D validation.
• Antler & Wavemaker: Early-stage funding expertise.
• ST Engineering & Kajima's GEAR: Real-world pilots in smart cities.
• BCA & EMA: Regulatory fast-tracks for green construction and energy.

Partner quotes affirm commitment: Antler's Rufus Sorsa noted USI's blend of capital and mentorship; ST Engineering's Gareth Tang highlighted co-creation potential. These ties exemplify how Singapore universities collaborate with industry, creating a fertile ground for Singapore higher ed jobs.

Singapore's Deep Tech Surge: USI in National Context

Singapore ranks 4th globally in startup ecosystems, with over 4,500 active startups and 650 AI firms. RIE2030 allocates S$37 billion for deep tech, emphasising commercial viability—e.g., IP licensing and spin-offs. The Singapore Green Plan 2030 targets net-zero emissions, energy reset, and green economy growth, where USI plays a catalytic role.

In higher education, universities like SMU drive this via talent pipelines. SMU students intern with USI startups, gaining skills in AI, biotech, and materials science—vital for research assistant positions.

Talent and Career Opportunities in Deep Tech Innovation

USI bridges academia-industry gaps. SMU's GII programme matches startups with interns, fostering skills like AI modelling and sustainability analysis. For professionals, this signals demand for roles in faculty positions specialising in entrepreneurship.

Prospective hires can explore university jobs at SMU or similar institutions. Students eyeing deep tech careers should leverage SMU's pathways for internships turning into full-time roles.

Photo by Skytech Aviation on Unsplash

Future Horizons: Scaling Impact Across Asia

As Cohort 1 progresses, USI eyes future intakes from LKYGBPC pipelines. With S$40 million backing and Asia-focused scaling, expect pilots in Singapore's testbeds, leading to regional expansion. This bolsters SMU's global standing in higher ed innovation.

For those passionate about deep tech, rate professors at innovation hubs or browse higher ed jobs to join the movement. SMU's USI exemplifies how Singapore universities propel sustainable futures.