Urban SustaInnovator (USI) Cohort 1 officially kicked off on 25 February 2026 at the Jay & Marilyn Ng Greenhouse, hosted by the Singapore Management University Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE).

Backed by a public–private consortium that connects LKYGBPC startups to global networks, SMU’s flagship 12-month deep tech accelerator supports urban solutions and sustainability-focused ventures sourced from around the world. The programme adopts a hybrid, non-residential format designed to help founders scale while remaining embedded in their home markets. 

Selected from finalists of the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), the inaugural cohort brings together seven promising ventures. Through USI, these startups gain a unique opportunity to leverage Singapore as Asia’s gateway for scaling deep tech solutions, while contributing to the growth of Singapore’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

A dynamic start to the USI programme

Day 1 of the three-day session saw founders from Inviscid AI, Mimicrete, Pronoe, Qarbotech, Sesame Sustainability, SMART Tire, and MacroCycle Technologies gathering in Singapore to begin their journey of scaling breakthrough urban solutions.

Professor Lim Sun Sun, Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement and Chair of the USI Programme Management Committee (PMC), welcomed the founders and shared the vision behind USI and its role in advancing innovation for sustainable cities of the future.

Throughout the day, founders engaged closely with mentors from leading organisations including A*STAR, Antler, Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Energy Market Authority (EMA), ST Engineering, Kajima Corporation (The GEAR by Kajima), TRIREC, and Wavemaker Partners.

Through focused mentor–founder discussions and the Accelerator Arena, startups gained valuable insights to refine their product strategies and business models and explored new partnership opportunities.

Exploring capital and scaling opportunities

Day 2 shifted the focus to funding and market expansion. Founders and investors explored evolving capital trends while discussing growth opportunities across Asia and ASEAN. Ecosystem leaders also shared perspectives on talent development and pathways for startups to scale within Singapore.

Discussions highlighted how venture capital activity has tightened since the highs of 2021, with funding increasingly concentrated in North America and fewer deals flowing into Asia. At the same time, the sessions underscored continued opportunities in cleantech and sustainability innovation.

The day concluded with an Investor Salon, co-organised with the MIT Climate and Energy Prize (CEP), bringing together founders, investors, and partners across the climate and sustainability ecosystem.

Strengthening regional climate innovation

Day 3 focused on ecosystem networking and knowledge exchange through the partnership with MIT CEP. Singapore hosted MIT CEP’s first Asia Semi-Finals, with SMU serving as a key partner.

Eight high-potential climate startups took the stage to address pressing decarbonisation and urban sustainability challenges across the region. As the longest-running student-led climate and energy startup competition, MIT CEP’s arrival in Singapore highlights the city’s growing role as a regional hub for climate and energy innovation.

The next in-person USI session will take place in May 2026, continuing the accelerator’s programme activities and deepening engagement with industry partners.