Stage One, a new centre in Singapore, will help local, international startups scale their operations

A new centre to help local and international startups scale their operations was launched on 30 October.

Stage One, a 2,422 square feet facility at JTC LaunchPad @ one-north, will host masterclasses, clinics, and business-matching sessions to provide startups with advice and insights from industry veterans, as well as opportunities for collaboration and fundraising.

Run by the Action Community for Entrepreneurship, it is a joint initiative by Enterprise Singapore and the Economic Development Board.

The new centre also aims to support global founders by easing their entry into Singapore’s startup ecosystem and helping them build meaningful connections with the local innovation community to scale their ventures from here.

Overseas founders can take part in ecosystem briefings and immersion programmes to better understand Singapore’s startup landscape and connect with innovation partners.

Those yet to set up a base here can tap Stage One’s network of co-working and office space providers to build their operations and meet like-minded entrepreneurs.

The Action Community for Entrepreneurship said it has received interest from nearly 700 local and international startups in utilising Stage One since it was announced by then Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat in 2024.

Speaking at the Stage One opening ceremony on 30 October, Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng said the centre gives startups direct access to the community, resources, and partnerships to start and scale their ventures.

Startups will be able to access services to “start, build, and grow” their businesses, he said.

“For ‘start’, Stage One will provide advisory services and connect startups with relevant partners, who can provide support in areas such as talent recruitment, financing, and corporate services – this will help both newly incorporated and foreign startups navigate the ecosystem and seamlessly set up in Singapore,” said Dr Tan.

“For ‘build’, Stage One will support capability building for growth – this includes facilitating access to fundraising opportunities, business matching, research and development collaborations, and talent recruitment.

“For ‘grow’, Stage One will provide access to resources to help startups understand new markets and develop their go-to-market strategy.”

Dr Tan, who is also Minister for Manpower, said the Republic offers a stable regulatory and business environment that supports innovation, backed by strong government commitment.

He noted that around one per cent of Singapore’s gross domestic product is committed to its research and innovation ecosystem, which many global founders are keen to tap.

“We attract global tech talent and founders, and have an established pool of researchers and engineers who can support the commercialisation of research and bring emerging technologies to market,” said Dr Tan.

Ms Emily Liew, assistant managing director of innovation at Enterprise Singapore, said Stage One is a “dynamic hub” where local and global startups can access opportunities to collaborate, scale, and shape the future of technology.

“It represents our investment in building a future where Singapore remains at the heart of global innovation, and we encourage startups to leverage the campus and resources available to grow their business and technologies,” she said.

Mr Guy Belanger, deputy managing director at Japan-based chemicals startup Thermalytica, said that Stage One will help the company establish a “landing pad” in Singapore.

“It will help us establish the foundation of the company... In terms of a physical space, we need to have a working space, and places like Stage One would be fantastic for any company coming to Singapore,” he said.

Enterprise Singapore marked the launch of Stage One with new memorandums of understanding between Action Community for Entrepreneurship and Finland-based startup hub Maria 01, as well as Innovaud, an innovation promotion agency in Switzerland.

The partnerships aim to connect Singapore with leading European startup ecosystems and promote co-innovation and mutual growth.

Source: The Straits Times ©️ SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.