Singapore Management University (SMU) has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to innovation by announcing the first batch of seven startups for its flagship Deep Tech Accelerator Programme, known as Urban SustaInnovator (USI). This announcement, made on February 25, 2026, highlights SMU's role in bridging academia and industry to tackle urban sustainability challenges. The selected startups, drawn from a highly competitive pool of 1,500 applicants across 91 countries, represent cutting-edge solutions in areas like self-healing materials, enhanced photosynthesis, and decarbonization technologies. This initiative underscores SMU's position as a leader in higher education's contribution to Singapore's burgeoning deep tech ecosystem.

The USI programme emerges at a pivotal time for Singapore, aligning with national strategies like the Green Plan 2030 and the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030) plan, which allocates S$37 billion from 2026 to 2030 for advancing deep tech in sustainability, AI, and more. By fostering these global innovators, SMU not only accelerates technological breakthroughs but also creates opportunities for students and researchers to engage in real-world applications, enhancing career prospects in higher education and beyond.

The Urban SustaInnovator (USI) was officially launched in September 2025 by Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat during the 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), organized by SMU's Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE). This zero-equity, zero-fee 12-month hybrid programme targets startups developing breakthrough solutions for urban sustainability, including decarbonization, sustainable construction, mobility, and climate resilience—key pillars of Singapore's Green Plan 2030.

Prior to the cohort announcement, USI welcomed 60 university-affiliated deep tech startups from around the world to Singapore for the LKYGBPC finals, serving as a talent pipeline. The first cohort's selection process was rigorous, prioritizing past LKYGBPC finalists with proven potential for scaling in Asia. Prof Lim Sun Sun, SMU Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement and USI Programme Management Committee Chair, emphasized, “The Urban SustaInnovator reinforces SMU’s commitment to driving innovations that transform lives.”

This launch positions SMU as a hub for higher education-driven entrepreneurship, complementing national efforts to make Singapore Asia's deep tech gateway. With nearly 40% of SMU IIE incubator startups focusing on UN Sustainable Development Goals and raising over S$875 million in five years, USI builds on a strong foundation.

The seven startups in USI Cohort 1 hail from Singapore, the UK, US, France, and Malaysia, showcasing global diversity and technological prowess.

• MacroCycle Technologies (Singapore): Specializes in a zero-carbon upcycling process that transforms end-of-life plastics into high-quality circular plastics and textiles at price parity. Having raised $6.5M in seed funding, it addresses plastic waste—a critical urban sustainability issue.Learn more
• Mimicrete (UK): Develops biomimetic self-healing concrete that autonomously repairs cracks, extending structure lifespan and reducing emissions. Backed by Morgan Stanley and originating from University of Cambridge research, it promises to revolutionize construction.Explore Mimicrete
• Inviscid AI (YC W26, Singapore): Leverages physics-informed AI for real-time building simulations, optimizing airflow, ventilation, and HVAC systems up to 1000x faster, slashing energy use in commercial buildings and data centers.
• PRONOE (France): Enhances ocean CO2 removal through modular units that restore natural carbon capture, scalable and asset-light for coastal deployment. Selected by Frontier for pre-purchase agreements.PRONOE details
• Qarbotech (Malaysia): Uses carbon quantum dots in QarboGrow to supercharge plant photosynthesis, boosting yields without fertilizers—ideal for urban farming amid food security challenges.Qarbotech site
• Sesame Sustainability (Singapore): Offers an all-in-one platform for emissions modeling, techno-economic analysis, and optimization, aiding industrial decarbonization for energy giants like Chevron.
• The SMART Tire Company (US): Pioneers airless tires from NASA-inspired shape memory alloys, sustainable and puncture-proof, starting with bicycles but eyeing urban mobility.

These innovations exemplify deep tech's potential to solve pressing urban issues, with SMU providing the ecosystem for their Asian expansion.

USI's structure is designed for maximum impact: four quarterly deep-dive sessions over 12 months, where startups set growth milestones. Each receives a dedicated Lead Mentor from industry leaders, plus access to fundraising guidance, investor networks, R&D validation, pilot opportunities, and SMU talent via programmes like Global Innovation Immersion. Non-residential and hybrid, it facilitates regional scaling in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

This hands-on approach not only de-risks commercialization but also integrates academic expertise, offering SMU students internships and projects—fostering the next generation of deep tech leaders. For those eyeing careers in innovation, explore research jobs or academic CV tips.

USI's consortium includes A*STAR, Antler, Building Construction Authority (BCA), Energy Market Authority (EMA), ST Engineering, The GEAR by Kajima, TRIREC, and Wavemaker Partners—providing in-kind support, labs, and regulatory insights. This public-private synergy mirrors Singapore's collaborative model, ranked #7 globally in startup ecosystems with strengths in AI and cleantech.

For higher ed professionals, such partnerships highlight opportunities in executive roles bridging academia and industry.

Hosted by SMU IIE, USI extends the legacy of LKYGBPC since 2002, evolving into a mentorship powerhouse. SMU's focus on sustainability—40% of incubator startups SDG-aligned—positions it centrally in higher education's innovation drive. As Singapore invests S$37B in RIE2030 for deep tech, universities like SMU are key to talent upskilling and startup acceleration.

This aligns with Green Plan 2030 targets like greening 80% of buildings, where USI startups can pilot solutions.

USI bridges higher education and deep tech, offering students exposure to global challenges. It supports Singapore's ambition as Asia's hub, with ecosystem value at $144B (2021-2023). Economically, it catalyzes job creation in research and sustainability; check faculty positions or university jobs.

Stakeholder views: Governments back it via MND/MSE's S$40M; startups gain Asia foothold; academics contribute expertise.

Deep tech faces scaling hurdles like funding and regulation, but USI's mentorship and networks mitigate these. Future cohorts will expand, potentially integrating more SMU research. With RIE2030's focus on value creation, expect more university-led accelerators.

Actionable insights: Aspiring entrepreneurs, join SMU programmes; educators, collaborate via IIE. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice.

Photo by Roaming Pictures on Unsplash

SMU's USI Cohort 1 exemplifies higher education's transformative power in deep tech. By nurturing these startups, SMU advances Singapore's sustainability goals and inspires the next wave of innovators. Stay connected with opportunities at Rate My Professor, Higher Ed Jobs, Career Advice, University Jobs, and post your openings at Recruitment.