Trade and Connectivity Challenge 2021

We have received nearly 230 Global Startups offering their innovative solutions to the challenge statements for TCC 2021! 

24 startups were selected to go through to the next round. They were given the opportunity to network and be individually mentored by the respective corporate sponsor appointed mentors to refine their pitches. They were also invited for site visits to learn more about their corporate sponsor’s operational procedures and circumstantial challenges faced. These are new initiatives launched to help increase the commercial viability of the proposed solutions.

A Welcome Day event was also organised by ESG on 22 February 2022, in collaboration with their innovation partners, to shed light on the various support mechanisms in place for both local and foreign startups.

Mr Law Chung Ming, Executive Director (Transport and Logistics), Enterprise Singapore shared in his opening remarks on why Singapore remains well-positioned as a global hub for innovation and test bedding opportunities. Mr Law also shared observations that corporates in the trade and connectivity sectors are accelerating along their innovation and sustainability journey. He noted that local investments by corporates in 2021 have remained unhindered despite the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Mr Teh Kai Feng, Deputy Director (Land Transport and Urban Logistics), Enterprise Singapore also provided an introduction to Singapore’s Startup Ecosystem, being home to 22 unicorns, over 200 accelerators/incubators, venture capital (VC) investors, and numerous corporate innovation labs. Singapore has been the leading investment destination in South East Asia for the past 7 years and remains an attractive location for businesses, even throughout the pandemic. There is also robust support that deserving startups can tap on through the Startup SG programme.

Robust accelerators such as Rainmaking Venture Studio, Starburst Aerospace, and Goldbell Investments (MoveSG) were invited to present their insights on the local VC funding landscape, and showcase how their programmes can provide support to startups in a bid to strengthen the local innovation system. These ranged from helping companies identify new growth opportunities, to providing end-to-end support, and mentorship.  

At the Q&A segment, questions were posed on Singapore’s main assets for innovation and entrepreneurship. The panel shared about existing support being provided through sandbox environments that encourage the testing of technologies to ensure safety and reliability. In addition, they emphasised the importance of having a bias for action; to have a desire to experiment, implement and succeed. Singapore provides companies with the foundation and springboard to expand beyond the shores of Singapore, into regional and international markets.  

On 3 March 2022, the top 13 finalists presented their final pitches to the jury panel during the Trade and Connectivity Challenge (TCC) 2021 Pitch Day. More than 170 representatives from the government, corporates, and key stakeholders from the global startup ecosystem attended the hybrid event.  

The 11-member jury panel were -

• Dr Alex Lin, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Legend Logistics
• Mr Altaf Hossain, Head of Production Control and Development, Sembcorp Marine
• Mr Desmond Ho Sern Hou, Head of Customer Services, Innovation, Dnata
• Mr Edwin Lim, Commercial Director, PLG
• Mr Law Chung Ming, Director (Transport and Logistics), Enterprise Singapore
• Ms Marina Neo Hwee Lee, Vice President, Operations and Facility, GKE
• Mr Michael Goh, Chief Operating Officer (COO), IPI Singapore
• Ms Michelle Ho, President, Asia Pac Region, UPS
• Mr Richard Schubert, Group Chief Operating Officer (COO), GKE
• Mr Ryan Tan, Director, Lumens Auto
• Mr Teo Hong Hai, Deputy Vice President, FOP PMO, SingPost

 

 

In his opening remarks, Mr Lee Pak Sing, Assistant Chief Executive, Enterprise Singapore, highlighted how businesses in the trade and connectivity cluster face multiple challenges. This includes manpower shortage, an increasing demand by customers for lower-cost solutions and longer-term challenges such as responding to the global agenda on sustainability and digitalisation. New ideas are needed to address these issues, and this would require a conducive environment where innovation can flourish.

 

 

After an intense round of pitches and deliberation by the judges, Blixify (Malaysia) was eventually crowned as the Grand Winner of TCC 2021 and walked away with a Startup SG grant of $30,000. Bitskout (Estonia), Carmen Automation Pte Ltd (Singapore), and Ent-Vision Pte Ltd (Singapore) emerged as the Commendation Winners, while Reachbots Automation Pte Ltd (Singapore) clinched the title of Merit Winner. These startups will continue to work with the challenge corporate sponsors to bring their innovation to life and address actual on-the-ground operational needs. Congratulations to all our winners!

 

 

Blixify (Malaysia) and their Challenge Sponsor, Legend Logistics Limited

Bitskout (Estonia) and their Challenge Sponsor, Legend Logistics Limited

 

Carmen Automotive Pte Ltd (Singapore) and their Challenge Sponsor, Lumens Auto Pte Ltd

 

Ent-Vision Pte Ltd (Singapore) and their Challenge Sponsor, GKE Corporation Limited

Reachbots Automation Pte Ltd (Singapore) and their Challenge Sponsor, Sembcorp Marine Ltd

 

Mr Peter Ong, Chairman, Enterprise Singapore concluded the event by sharing that the cornerstone of a successful innovation ecosystem is the connection and collaboration fostered among key stakeholders. He also commended the commitment made by the TCC 2021 corporate sponsors to support the startups in launching paid trials to validate the commercial viability of their proposed solutions. With key initiatives such as Startup SG and the Global Innovation Alliance, Enterprise Singapore will continue to enable the growth of Singapore’s startup ecosystem.

 

 

The fourth edition of the Trade and Connectivity Challenge will be taking place again this year. If you are a startup, corporate, or accelerator that is keen to make a difference and be part of this global innovation network, do keep a lookout for when we announce the start of TCC 2022!