Enterprise Singapore and Google Cloud Partner to Accelerate AI Innovation Among Startups and SMEs

Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) has partnered with Google Cloud to launch new initiatives to drive the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore. These efforts are designed to help high-growth startups develop AI-driven products while enabling SMEs to improve workforce efficiency through AI solutions. The partnership was officially announced during the AI First event at Google’s Asia Pacific headquarters.

At the event, which featured the first cohort of graduates from the ‘Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First Singapore,’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, he talked about AI for Singapore’s economic growth. He highlighted that collaborations between the public and private sectors, such as this one with Google Cloud, are essential to achieving the country’s National AI Strategy goals.

At the ‘AI-First’ event, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong emphasized that artificial intelligence is a major driver of Singapore’s economic growth. He highlighted that the initiatives launched in partnership with Google Cloud would support both startups and SMEs in their AI journey, fostering innovation and boosting productivity. Singapore already has a national AI strategy that aims to support AI development and application.

The event also marked the graduation of the first cohort from the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First Singapore, a program that supported 25 early-stage startups in sectors like fintech, ad tech, and climate tech. These companies, including Atlas, Eezee, and Lytehouse, developed AI solutions targeting fraud detection, solar energy optimization, and food safety. Through the program, startups leveraged Google Cloud’s AI tools, including Gemini models on Vertex AI, to address key challenges in their respective industries.

Following the program’s success, EnterpriseSG and Google Cloud announced the expansion of the accelerator’s second cohort, which will begin in February 2025. The expanded cohort will support 35 startups, offering up to USD 350,000 in Google Cloud credits, access to an AI innovation sandbox, and mentorship from Google’s experts. These startups will also be able to present their AI-driven solutions to investors and customers at a Demo Day, further boosting their visibility and growth potential.

Additionally, SMEs will benefit from the Gemini for Google Workspace Program, designed to enhance productivity by integrating AI into everyday business operations. The program will subsidize up to 50% of Google Workspace license costs for a year and provide tailored training to help SMEs maximize the benefits of AI-powered tools such as Gmail, Docs, and Sheets.

Philbert Gomez, Executive Director of Digital Industry Singapore, praised the achievements of the inaugural cohort from the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First Singapore, highlighting the initiative’s role in AI concepts in real-world applications. 

He noted that these startups’ creativity and technical sophistication reflect the strong talent within Singapore’s tech ecosystem and its potential to drive AI-powered growth for both local and global markets. Gomez expressed optimism about deepening the collaboration with Google Cloud to support further AI adoption in Singapore.

Serene Sia, Country Director for Singapore at Google Cloud, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering the growth of generative AI startups. She pointed out that over 60% of funded AI startups and nearly 90% of AI unicorns globally rely on Google Cloud’s infrastructure and tools. Through the Google for Startups Accelerator, Sia said that local founders gain access to essential AI models, developer resources, and support tailored to regional business needs, enabling them to quickly build and scale AI products.

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