New global innovation nodes link Dutch and Singaporean Startups

By Team IO

Enterprise Singapore has launched two new Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) nodes in Amsterdam and Eindhoven, strengthening the collaborative ties between the Netherlands and Singapore in advanced tech innovation. This development, announced at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2024 by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, marks a new step for Singapore-based startups aiming to gain traction in Europe, and particularly in the Netherlands’ high-tech ecosystem.

Through these GIA nodes, Singaporean startups will gain streamlined access to the Dutch market, encompassing sectors like advanced manufacturing, health tech, and sustainability. The initiative will support these companies in understanding the European startup landscape, connecting with local partners, and establishing pathways for co-innovation, testing, and commercialization. The goal is to create a two-way flow of technological collaboration, fostering innovation between Asia and Europe.

Amsterdam and Eindhoven are strategic hubs within Europe. Eindhoven’s High Tech Campus hosts over 300 companies and more than 12,500 innovators who focus on next-generation technologies. Singapore-based startups working through the Eindhoven node will have the opportunity to collaborate with top-tier companies like ASML, NXP Semiconductors, and Philips. HighTechXL, a leading venture builder, will partner with Enterprise Singapore to run a specialized 22-week acceleration program in Eindhoven. This program, focusing on deep tech domains, will include mentorship on market validation, financial modeling, and pricing strategies, helping startups address long-term global challenges.

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“Even with the best start-ups, things tend to go really wrong somewhere along the line”, HighTechXL CEO John Bell told about 40 attendees during the Level Up event.

HighTechXL CEO John Bell looks forward to the collaboration: “The announcement immediately created momentum among startups from both ecosystems. We will actively help startups from the Netherlands to get introduced to the right people in Singapore and vice versa.”

GIA Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s GIA program will be facilitated by Startupbootcamp, an accelerator that connects startups with industry experts, investors, and corporate partners. The program is designed to provide Singaporean startups with a comprehensive understanding of the Dutch market, offering both virtual masterclasses and in-market experiences, including meetings with potential clients and partners.

EnterpriseSG will partner with accelerator Startupbootcamp to run the 12-week GIA Acceleration Programme in Amsterdam, enabling Singapore-based tech startups to participate in a series of virtual masterclasses and coaching sessions to accumulate market knowledge and refine market entry strategies. This will be followed by an in-market immersion component comprising business meetings and pitching to Startupbootcamp’s network of corporate partners like Alliander and Shell.

The partnerships will also allow Dutch startups to explore opportunities in Singapore and Southeast Asia, reflecting the program’s two-way focus.

The Netherlands’ reputation as a leading innovation hub in Europe is underscored by its eighth place on the Global Innovation Index and a robust ecosystem with more than 2,700 startups. Singaporean startups, such as smart robotics firm Lionsbot and cultivated meat company Umami Bioworks, already have a presence in the Dutch market, setting a precedent for future collaboration.

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The long-standing issue of Europe’s limited ability to convert technological inventions and advancements into thriving new businesses is well-documented.

“Small but impactful”

Dutch Ambassador to Singapore, Anneke Adema, emphasized the alignment between the two nations in fostering global partnerships. “Both countries are small but impactful, with a global mindset and a shared belief that growth opportunities extend beyond borders,” she noted. This initiative, she added, would encourage more Singaporean and Dutch entrepreneurs to join forces in addressing global challenges. “The Netherlands and Singapore are all about strong partnerships with entrepreneurs, startups, network partners, research institutes, and government agencies. We know that opportunities for inclusive growth are borderless.”

With the new GIA nodes, Enterprise Singapore’s network now includes 23 international innovation hubs. Since its inception in 2019, GIA has assisted over 600 startups, driving business outcomes such as partnerships, investments, and market traction. Through the Amsterdam and Eindhoven nodes, the alliance aims to enhance the startup ecosystems of both Singapore and the Netherlands.