iStart is a multi-pronged approach aimed to assist, facilitate and nurture Singapore's ICT start-ups. This is done by increasing the depth and potential of our start-ups through various programmes and initiatives.

The range of programmes include entrepreneurial education programmes to coach start-ups on building business viability and addressing market needs, in addition to building cutting-edge technology products. IDA also connects our start-ups to potential customers, partners and investors by organising pitching events and consultation sessions with industry practitioners.

Creating Business-Savvy Entrepreneurs

Through established curricula of international programs, IDA provides entrepreneurial training sessions for start-ups to develop their capabilities to build better products, create better business plans and shorten their go-to-market strategies. Such programs help our start-ups create a viable venture in the long-run.

• Kauffman FastTrac®

  The Kauffman FastTrac® entrepreneurial education programme is for Singaporean entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses into the global market place. This is the first time that Kauffman FastTrac®, which has been taught to over 300,000 students, will be conducted outside of the US.

Note : The abovementioned programmes have ended. Do look out for news on upcoming sessions.

Market Access for Start-Ups

By building smart connections with international market accelerator partners, we provide bootcamps, mentorships, business meetings, and networking sessions for start-ups to enhance their knowledge of target markets and increase their access to overseas markets.

Latest Programme:

• iSTART@Indonesia

Tailored programme for start-ups to understand market dynamics in Indonesia, and connect with key individuals with the intent of securing customers, investors, and partners.

• iSTART@Thailand

Tailored programme for start-ups to understand market dynamics in Thailand, and connect with key individuals with the intent of securing customers, investors and partners.

Past Programmes:

• iSTART@China

Is your start-up thinking of expanding to China? IDA's iSTART@China programme aims to help Singapore based start-ups enter the China market. Participating companies will be able to connect with key individuals in China with the intent of securing customers, investors and partners through meetings, events and workshops.

• iSTART@Philippines

Tailored programme for start-ups looking to access the Philippines market

• iSTART@Silicon Valley (iSTART@SV)

Tailored programme for start-ups looking to access the United States (US) market

• iSTART@Vietnam

Tailored programme for start-ups looking to access the Vietnam market

Note : The abovementioned programmes have ended. Do look out for news on upcoming sessions.

IDA Overseas Offices

For start-ups looking to access the Middle East, China, India and US through IDA's overseas offices , please email [email protected] to learn more.

Leveraging International Technologies to Accelerate Go-To-Market

More than having a good idea, start-ups have to be able to develop their breakthrough products and put them out quickly. IDA helps support them by shortening their time-to-market with the following programme(s):

• iSTART: ACT (Accelerate & Commercialise Technology)
  Grant programme to help Singapore-registered start-ups accelerate technology commercialisation and go-to-market activities by leveraging internationally proven technologies.

To find out more, email [email protected] .

Grooming the Local Developer Community

IDA seeks to enlarge the pool of talented developers to meet the hiring needs of Singapore-based ICT start-ups. To groom talent, IDA has engaged grassroot organisations, schools/universities, and MNCs to conduct courses/workshops/bootcamps that will empower fresh and experienced developers to learn latest programming techniques used by start-ups.

Creating Vibrancy and Providing International Platforms for Start-Ups

IDA holds a variety of events to allow start-ups to collectively launch and pitch to their target audience, including customers, investors and partners. Through our efforts, we have successfully placed some of our startups in major regional or international pitching events, like DEMO in the United States, or eChelon in Singapore.

IDA also supports a variety of events, including e27's Developer Series, GeekCamp, the Mobile Alliance AppVenture Challenge, and SeedCamp, among others.

To find out about upcoming pitching events, email [email protected] .

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