IDA Singapore - Programmes - Infocomm Start-up Programme (iSTART)

You are here:Home

Programmes

Infocomm Industry

Infocomm Start-up Programme (iSTART)

Infocomm Start-up Programme
(iSTART)

Infocomm Business & Engineering Start-up Programme (iBEST)

Technology Enterprise Commercialisation Scheme (TECS)

For all local infocomm start-ups looking to increase business viability and growth

For global venture capital-backed start-ups looking to base engineering activities in Singapore

For local early stage infocomm start-ups seeking funding for the development and commercialisation of innovative technologies and business ideas

Back to Start-Ups Overview

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.

Run by the US Market Access Centre, which has worked with more than eight hundred companies from fifty countries to do business in Silicon Valley, the programme provides entrepreneurs the tools they need to plan, manage and run their companies and expand their business into the global market place. Two FastTrac modules will be conducted during the programme:

FastTrac® NewVenture - For entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development. This course provides the tools to develop a business concept, determine the viability of the business concept, and outline the critical steps to a successful business launch.

FastTrac® GrowthVenture - For existing entrepreneurs to improve their business. FastTrac GrowthVenture provides the tools and support to carefully review and evaluate important aspects of a business, explore next stage growth and opportunity, as well as to reshape existing business for future profitability and improved business performance.

Each course consists of 10 sessions, run over two weeks, and includes facilitated discussion and activities, networking, small peer groups, guest speakers and coaching sessions. Participants work on their own business ventures throughout the programme.

Each class is limited to 20 students.

There programmes will be held between July to August 2011. Click here for a full schedule.

Application ends 1 July 2011. There is a fee of $500 SGD for the class. Successful applicants will be provided with instructions on how to pay once they have been accepted into the programme.

To apply and find out more about the Kauffman FastTrac® programme, email ida_startup@ida.gov.sg.

To find out more about Kauffman FastTrac®, visit fasttrac.org.

To find out more about the US MAC, visit the US MAC homepage at www.usmarketaccess.com

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.

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@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
IDA Overseas Offices
For start-ups looking to access the Middle East, China, India and US through IDA's overseas offices

To learn more, email ida_startup@ida.gov.sg.

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: ACE (Accelerate & Catalyse Entrepreneurship)
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 ida_startup@ida.gov.sg.

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 ida_startup@ida.gov.sg.