Global Incubator Programme: Singapore - Cleantech

In order to be eligible for the Global Incubator Programme, you must be a small or medium sized company based in the UK, with fewer than 500 employees and a focus on the Cleantech sector. We are looking for businesses with the ambition and commitment to scale globally.  The programme best suits businesses that already have some traction and sales in the UK that are now looking to innovate their products and services through building global partnerships and collaborations to accelerate their growth and scaling journey.  A senior person from the company needs to commit to being involved in all stages of the programme.

Innovate UK is committed to improving the diversity of who we support. As such we welcome applications from those under-represented in the Cleantech sector.

The three stages of the programme are as follows:

Prepare

A two-day preparation workshop delivered to the entire cohort in the UK. You will be allocated an Innovate UK EDGE innovation and growth specialist to work with in the UK who will work with you on your strategic action plan for the programme. You will receive an overview of the innovation and sector landscape of the country’s market, a full briefing on the programme and working with the incubator, and support to better present your business and the value proposition.

Pursue

This 4-6 months stage of the programme is about working with the incubator.  A typical programme will see a visit to the market at the beginning, providing the opportunity to consider technology and market fit, preliminary customer validation and an introduction to ecosystem players.  This will be followed by regular (weekly or fortnightly) virtual sessions with the incubator team, mentors, and experts, to do a deep dive into understanding what it takes to be successful in accessing the market.  The final part is a second visit to the market, including a demo day to showcase the achievements of the cohort, continuing to raise the profile and make connections for the businesses involved.

Exploit

Work with your innovation & growth specialist to continue to exploit the programme, building on all the connections, knowledge, and expertise gained.  You should now be in a much better position with the necessary understanding and networks to accelerate your global growth and scaling journey.

The cost to participate in the programme is the time commitment of a senior person from the business.  The commitment would include at least two one-week visits, two-three hours of weekly or fortnightly virtual programming and working with mentors for 4-6 months, and time working with an Innovate UK EDGE innovation & growth specialist.

Innovate UK will fund and organise group flights, group accommodation and group in-market travel for successful applicants. One senior representative from each company will be funded and they should be available to participate in all stages.  Additional colleagues can participate in the virtual programming where relevant.

On acceptance to the programme a commitment fee of £1000 will be obtained from each participant, which will be refunded on completion of the full activities and agreed action plan. Non-completion after formal acceptance may result in forfeiting some or all the commitment fee.

An advanced digital economy and consistently ranked as one of the world’s most innovative cities, Singapore can serve as a gateway to Asia due to its high GDP per capita, healthcare, transport, infrastructure quality and technology adoption, plus an attractive tax system, a familiar legal framework, and the ease of doing business in English.

Launched in February 2021, the Singapore Green Plan 2030 seeks to galvanise a whole-of-nation movement and advance Singapore’s national agenda on sustainable development. With ambitious and definitive targets over the next 10 years to achieve its long-term net zero emission aspiration by 2050, Singapore is taking firm actions to do its part to build a sustainable future.

Applicant Briefing: 13 Feb 2024 – register for a place

Applications close: 11th March 2024

Shortlist Interviews: 20th – 22nd March 2024

Market visit: 13th – 17th May 2024

Incubation period: May – November 2024

Market Visit Showcase: 21 – 31 Oct 2024

For more information, assistance with your application or to discuss accessibility needs, please contact Gail Cherry at Gail.Cherry@innovateukedge.ukri.org.