The first edition of the Global Start up Program, organized in Singapore by the ICE Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, closed on 2 December 2022.
For eight weeks, seven Italian startups operating in various sectors, including artificial intelligence, FinTech, media, EdTech, social commerce and space, were able to benefit from this successful training programme.
“Placing collaboration between startups at the top of the agenda of our bilateral relations was a strategic decision – commented Ambassador Mario Vattani – the result of a proposal from this Embassy, then encouraged by the respective Foreign Ministers during their bilateral meetings and implemented by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE).
For Italy it was a great opportunity, which allowed our startups to immerse themselves in one of the most attractive and fast-growing innovative ecosystems in the world, home to regional unicorns, talents and investors, who use Singapore as a gateway to markets throughout Southeast Asia.”
According to the latest Genome report, the value of Singapore’s startup ecosystem is estimated at $89 billion, compared to a global average of $28.6 billion.
The startups took part in networking and mentoring events, including an investor event at Singapore Management University (SMU) and a visit to LinkedIn’s Singapore office. During this time, the start-ups have engaged with over 100 potential investors and partners and sealed deals worth more than S$2.5 million.
“Looking at the results of these weeks – concluded the Ambassador – there are all the conditions for hosting a new edition. The next startups will also be able to take advantage of the enormous potential of the scientific and technological cooperation agreement between Italy and Singapore signed in 2016 and operational from this year.”
