NUS expands deep tech start-up support with new investments, Stanford tie-up

The Republic's startup ecosystem is set to gain fresh momentum as the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS) injects new capital into its venture support programmes.

- Gabrielle Chan

With two new co-investment partnerships and a collaboration with Stanford University, NUS Enterprise is expanding support for its innovation and entrepreneurship programmes and offering students more global learning opportunities.

SG Growth Capital the investment arm of Singapore's Economic Development Board and Enterprise Singapore will co-invest with NUS Enterprise in selected startups and venture funds.

Separately, Lotus One Investment and NUS Enterprise have together committed $20 million to back NUS spin-offs and selected funds, with returns reinvested into NUS innovation initiatives.

Together, these co-investments will boost the NUS Venture Capital Programme, which manages $150 million in funds. Launched in July, the programme supports deep tech startups companies developing advanced technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

NUS Enterprise also launched a $2 million pilot collaboration with Stanford University, supported by the Khetan Foundation. The collaboration allows students from the NUS College of Design and Engineering to gain hands-on experience in international teams, to tackle real-world industry challenges.

Students, with guidance from faculty from both universities, will work with firms including Meta and Venture Corporation to gain practical exposure and develop innovation skills.