#Singapore #Deep Tech #NUS Venture #Start-up Innovation

NUS Launches Venture Capital Programme to Enhance Deep Tech Growth

In a groundbreaking initiative, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has introduced the NUS Venture Capital (VC) Programme, allocating S$150 million to support early-stage deep tech start-ups against the backdrop of a significant decline in venture capital investments across Asia. Recent data indicates that venture funding has hit a 10-year low, with total investments plummeting to S$85 billion (US$66 billion), a concerning 5% dip from the previous year. The initiative marks a pivotal moment for the future of tech innovations stemming from academic institutions in the region.

The NUS VC Programme is designed to bridge the funding and mentorship gaps faced by tech start-ups, especially those emerging from lab-based research. In light of the challenges posed by lengthy research and development cycles, which are typical for many deep tech ventures, the programme aims to create a path that nurtures these start-ups from lab to market. Professor Tan Eng Chye, the President of NUS, emphasized the initiative's potential to fortify research-based start-ups that often struggle to secure investment in today’s cautious market.

The programme consists of two main components aimed at propelling early-stage tech companies to success. Firstly, NUS has committed S$50 million (around US$39 million) over the next three years to certain venture capital firms renowned for their success in nurturing deep tech innovations. These firms, such as Granite Asia and 4BIO Capital, will provide hands-on support, including mentorship, access to a robust network of industry experts, and strategic guidance necessary for start-up growth.

Secondly, the initiative dedicates S$100 million for co-investing alongside these selected VC partners, which will directly benefit NUS-affiliated start-ups. This structured partnership will ensure that the funds are channeled into promising projects that have been meticulously nurtured within the NUS ecosystem, particularly those originating from the National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (National GRIP). National GRIP plays a fundamental role in transitioning lab-based research discoveries into commercially viable ventures.

As Dr. Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President for Innovation & Enterprise, pointed out, National GRIP lays the groundwork for deep tech start-ups, while the VC Programme enhances this support, allowing these companies to secure additional growth opportunities. Through expert VC partnerships, the programme provides a well-rounded approach to venture development, connecting start-ups with globally recognized investors to create a comprehensive pathway towards commercial success.

The collaboration between NUS and these venture firms not only focuses on financial injections but also emphasizes professional mentorship, market entry strategies, investor feedback, operational guidance, and connections to fundraising networks. This multifaceted approach aims to mitigate the common challenges that start-ups frequently encounter as they strive to transition beyond the early stages of innovation.

Given the current investment climate and the pronounced decrease in funding for tech startups, the launch of the NUS VC Programme could very well represent a crucial lifeline for innovation in Asia. As these start-ups evolve into market-ready solutions, the synergy between academic research and venture capital investment promises to stimulate an exciting future for deep tech in the region. With its commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech champions, NUS not only reinforces its role as a leader in education and research but also positions itself as a pivotal player in Asia's innovation landscape.