Scaling Sustainability: SMU’s Urban SustaInnovator Opens Doors for Global Startups

New global accelerator aims to scale urban solutions startups, bridge talent, and strengthen Singapore’s position as Southeast Asia’s deep tech hub

Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE) has introduced the Urban SustaInnovator (USI), a global deep tech accelerator aimed at supporting startups working on urban solutions and sustainability challenges. Unveiled during the 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), USI is Singapore’s first accelerator dedicated to helping ventures scale innovations in areas such as decarbonisation, clean energy, sustainable construction, and urban mobility.

Minister for National Development, Chee Hong Tat, officiated the launch, emphasizing the accelerator’s role in nurturing high-potential ventures by connecting them with venture capitalists, R&D experts, and industry partners. Designed as a 12-month hybrid, non-residential programme, USI is open to startups globally, providing them with mentorship, strategic guidance, and a pathway to scale in the rapidly growing sustainability sector.

A Pipeline of Global Deep Tech Talent

The Urban SustaInnovator (USI) is strongly linked to the LKYGBPC, which attracted 1,572 applications from 91 countries this year. From this pool, 60 finalists are competing for a total prize of S$2.5 million, including cash awards, mentorship, and in-kind support. By tapping into this competition, the accelerator identifies top university-affiliated deep tech startups and provides them with structured guidance, industry connections, and resources to scale their solutions.

Unlike typical accelerators, USI operates on a zero-equity, zero-fee model, supported by a robust consortium of public and private institutions: A*STAR, Antler, the Building and Construction Authority, ST Engineering, TRIREC, and Wavemaker Partners. The programme’s design focuses on scaling solutions with measurable urban and sustainability impact, enabling startups to tackle challenges like energy transition and climate-resilient urban development.

Mentorship and Practical Support

A key differentiator of USI is its mentorship model. Each startup is assigned a dedicated lead mentor from business, scientific, and government backgrounds. SMU IIE collaborates with these mentors to curate advisory sessions tailored to each startup’s unique challenges, providing guidance on:

• Product development and prototyping
  
• Fundraising and investor engagement
  
• Market entry and scaling strategies
  
• Lab validation and regulatory compliance
  

In addition to mentorship, the programme fosters peer-to-peer learning, connecting founders with industry experts, venture capitalists, and partner organisations. This network enables startups to exchange ideas, collaborate on solutions, and gain practical insights from other entrepreneurs navigating similar growth challenges.

Expanding Networks Across Asia

Startups in the USI also benefit from access to SMU’s Overseas Centres, social mixers, and signature events. This exposure allows participants to expand their networks across the region, explore cross-border partnerships, and leverage local knowledge to accelerate commercialisation.

This regional and international connectivity positions Singapore as a hub for global deep tech talent, reinforcing the city-state’s strategy of combining strong academic foundations with private and public sector collaboration.

Strategic Alignment with National Initiatives

The USI complements national programs such as the National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (National GRIP) and aligns with Singapore’s Research, Innovation, and Enterprise 2030 (RIE 2030) strategy. Professor Lim Sun Sun, SMU’s Vice-President for Partnerships and Engagement, explained that bridging global startup talent with Singapore’s ecosystem can:

• Catalyse revolutionary solutions for urban sustainability
  
• Boost knowledge and skills transfer for the local workforce
  
• Establish Singapore as a trusted hub for innovation and entrepreneurship
  

Nearly 40% of ventures from SMU IIE’s incubator, the Business Innovations Generator, have addressed UN Sustainable Development Goals, raising over S$1.15 billion in the past five years. USI aims to continue this trajectory by nurturing startups that tackle urgent urban and environmental challenges.

Singapore’s Rising Role in Global Deep Tech

Singapore’s reputation as a leading deep tech hub is further solidified by its climb to 4th place in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, a jump of 12 positions since 2020. Accounting for nearly 60% of Southeast Asia’s venture capital activity, the city-state is emerging as a key gateway for startups looking for funding, strategic partnerships, and opportunities to scale across the region.

For startups, the USI offers more than capital or mentorship—it provides a structured pathway to market readiness, networks to enter regional markets, and guidance to tackle complex urban and sustainability challenges. This combination of academic excellence, industry support, and global connectivity is expected to produce the next generation of urban deep tech solutions.

Conclusion

The Urban SustaInnovator represents a strategic leap for Singapore’s innovation ecosystem, anchoring global deep tech talent and supporting ventures that address pressing urban and environmental challenges. By linking mentorship, industry networks, and practical resources, SMU IIE has created a platform that not only nurtures startups but also positions Singapore as a regional hub for sustainable innovation. For founders and investors alike, USI signals a fertile ground for scalable, impact-driven ventures that can redefine urban living in the years ahead.