NUS Enterprise Launches New Partnerships to Fuel Startup Growth
[SINGAPORE] The National University of singapore’s (NUS) entrepreneurial arm NUS Enterprise is embarking on two new co-investment partnerships, as well as a S$2 million collaboration with Stanford University.
These moves were announced on Tuesday (Sep 16) at the reopening of NUS Enterprise’s renovated i3 building, a centre for deep-tech innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration.
Beyond funding, the two partnerships will connect startups that originate from NUS to global capital networks and expertise “while ensuring that profits are reinvested back into education and entrepreneurship”, said NUS senior vice-president (innovation and enterprise) Tan Sian Wee.
The first is a co-investment framework with SG Growth Capital, the investment platform of the Singapore Economic Growth Board and Enterprise Singapore.
Under this framework, NUS Enterprise’s investments into selected venture capital (VC) funds will be matched to some degree by SG Growth Capital, with the share of matching being at the latter’s discretion.
A S$20 million co-investment agreement was also signed between NUS Enterprise and Lotus One Investment, part of the Lotus Singapore Group family office. The aim is to jointly support both NUS spin-offs and VC funds.
Profits from this partnership will be reinvested to strengthen NUS Enterprise’s innovation and entrepreneurship programmes.
The two partnerships complement the S$150 million NUS VC Program launched in July, which aims to fund the next generation of deep-tech startups.
NUS Boosts Startup support with S$172 Million investment, New Labs & Stanford Collaboration
The national University of Singapore (NUS) is considerably expanding its support for startups and deep-tech ventures with a S$172 million investment, announced recently by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Gan Kim Yong. This includes funding for venture capital firms, an autonomous investment fund, and new facilities designed to accelerate innovation.
Under the new programme, NUS Enterprise will invest S$50 million in selected venture capital (VC) firms to bolster NUS-affiliated tech startups. A further S$100 million is committed to an autonomous investment fund specifically focused on startups originating from the university. https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/nus-enterprise-invests-s150m-boost-startups-innovation
A key component of this initiative is the National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP),which transforms lab-based research into commercially viable ventures.National GRIP aims to train 300 startup teams by 2028 and nurture over 150 spin-off companies by 2030. https://www.nus.edu.sg/news/nus-launches-national-grip-labs-to-accelerate-deep-tech-startups The recently reopened i3 building will provide crucial incubation support, mentorship, and collaborative workspace for these startups.
To further facilitate development, NUS has launched National GRIP Labs, offering specialized facilities and prototyping services to deep-tech ventures and GRIP teams. NUS President tan Eng Chye highlighted the labs’ role in accelerating the development of innovative solutions. https://www.nus.edu.sg/news/nus-launches-national-grip-labs-to-accelerate-deep-tech-startups
Collaboration with Stanford University
NUS Enterprise is also initiating a S$2 million pilot collaboration with Stanford University, funded by a donation from the Khetan Foundation. Students from the NUS College of Design and Engineering will partner with postgraduate students from Stanford to tackle real-world industry challenges. https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/nus-enterprise-invests-s150m-boost-startups-innovation The collaboration will be guided by faculty from both universities and involve partnerships with companies like Meta and Venture Corporation.
Singapore’s Continued Investment in R&I
DPM Gan emphasized Singapore’s consistent commitment to research,innovation,and enterprise (RIE),with approximately 1% of the nation’s gross domestic product allocated to these activities. Around S$28 billion was committed under the current RIE2025 plan. https://www.mti.gov.sg/Press-Releases/RIE2025
Looking ahead, RIE2030 will introduce two new programme types: RIE Flagships, focused on value creation in key economic sectors like semiconductors, and RIE Grand Challenges, addressing national strategic priorities such as “healthy and successful longevity.” Further details on RIE2030 are expected to be unveiled later this year.