This press release was issued by Thales.
- Two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) will strengthen Thales’ engagement with the startup ecosystem in Singapore.
- With the support of EDB and EnterpriseSG, Thales will connect innovative Singaporean startups involved in key tech domains – including AI, cybersecurity, quantum, digital identity, aerospace and space – to its own ecosystem for mutual benefit.
- Through the Thales Trust My Tech (TMT) global startup business acceleration programme, the startups will be able to leverage Thales’ deep-tech expertise and mentorship and accelerate Proof-of-Concept development to real-world challenge statements in multiple topics, thereby strengthening Singapore’s vibrant startup and SME landscape.
Thales has invested in its industrial and technological footprint in Singapore for over 50 years from the establishment of aerospace activities in 1973 to the launch of cortAIx, Thales’ AI accelerator, in 2025. As the Group continues evolving as a deep-tech company with innovation in AI, cybersecurity and quantum technologies, Thales now deepens its involvement in the startup ecosystem with the following partnerships:
1. Thales’ Trust My Tech programme partners with EDB’s Corporate Venture Launchpad (CVL) to strengthen local startups
EDB enables companies to deepen their innovation footprint in Singapore by striking win-win collaborations with leading startups. From a capability building standpoint, the CVL programme brings corporates and startups together for effective collaboration, with an aim to deliver future commercial success. By helping corporates enhance processes and capabilities, and pairing them with high-quality startups, the Launchpad provides an effective platform for established technology providers to bring expertise that can stimulate the local startup ecosystem.
Trust My Tech (TMT) is Thales’ global business acceleration programme that offers collaboration with aspiring startups and SMEs desiring to scale and expand internationally. Through the CVL partnership, Thales will partner with Plug and Play Tech Centre, a global leader in corporate innovation, startup ecosystem building and venture capital. Plug and Play and the TMT team, supported by EDB, will work with startups involved in a broad range of deep-tech domains in the one-year programme. These include topics on AI, cybersecurity, communications, digital identity, aerospace & space, sustainability, fintech, regulatory technology and emerging technologies like quantum and more.
2. Thales collaborates with EnterpriseSG’s Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) to accelerate technology innovation with startups
Rapid test-bedding and commercialisation is critical for startups to gain market traction and scale internationally. Through the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA), EnterpriseSG works with partners to connect Singapore-based startups and tech SMEs to global innovation ecosystems and market expansion opportunities across more than 50 countries.
To better support Singapore-based startups and enable them to access differentiated support along their internationalisation journey, EnterpriseSG launched the “Grow” pathway, as part of the expanded scope for GIA2030 in February this year, to provide access to specialised partnerships to support overseas expansion, deeper market penetration, and technology maturation.
A new partnership under this programme was sealed in a Memorandum-of-Understanding signed on 29th April, to enable selected Singapore startups to work closely with Thales’ global businesses to develop proof of concepts aligned to real world business needs—accelerating technology validation and opening clearer routes to international markets. In addition, Thales will support selected startups through overseas learning expeditions, providing specialised access to experts, facilities and networks to support their international expansion.
