FAQ

Urban SustaInnovator (USI), a spin off of the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), is Singapore's first global accelerator dedicated to scaling breakthrough solutions in Urban Solutions and Sustainability. USI supports high-potential ventures through access to deep expertise, capital and tailored mentorship, to transform and accelerate visionary ideas into scalable, impactful solutions. 

Launched by Singapore Management University's Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE), USI is powered by a consortium of leading public, private, and philanthropic partners. USI's Programme Management Committee (PMC) includes A*STAR, Antler, Building Construction Authority, Energy Market Authority, ST Engineering, The GEAR by Kajima, TRIREC and Wavemaker Partners.

Through a 12-month hybrid programme, founders receive structured support through monthly mentor check-ins and quarterly in-person engagements strategically aligned with major industry events to maximise access to customers, corporates, investors and market opportunities.

Beyond pilot opportunities, capital introductions and tailored 1:1 mentorship, startups accelerated through USI are eligible for investment from the newly launched USI Fund, helping high-potential ventures translate market validation into sustainable business growth.

Urban SustaInnovator (USI) is designed for deep tech startups from around the world who are developing solutions in Urban Solutions and Sustainability that are looking to accelerate their growth, commercialisation, and regional expansion. The programme is primarily intended for pre-seed to Series A startups.

However, applications from startups at other stages are also welcome where there is a strong strategic fit and the programme can provide meaningful value. All applications are assessed holistically based on their innovation, growth potential, and alignment with USI's objectives.

Participation in the USI Cohort involves zero-equity and zero-fee — startups are not required to give up equity or pay programme fees to take part. Separately, should the right opportunity and strategic alignment arise during or after the programme, participating companies may also be considered for investment by the USI Fund. Separately, the USI Fund managers may choose to make an investment in selected USI accelerator startups where there is strategic alignment. Any such investment is independent of Cohort participation and is not a condition of, or requirement for, joining the programme.

Four core pillars

1. 1. Fundraising access: introductions to VCs, corporate VCs and family offices spanning pre-seed to later stages

2. 2. Industry access: introductions to potential clients for pilots, proof-of-concepts, R&D partnerships and licensing

3. 3. Dedicated mentorship: guidance from experienced individuals within the partner network

4. 4. Networking opportunities: mixers, socials, and flagship quarterly events.

No. USI draws from the LKYGBPC pipeline and also accepts direct applications from other eligible startups. LKYGBPC startups will be considered for the accelerator where there is strong fit. Startups that have not participated in LKYGBPC may also apply directly to USI.

The key milestones for USI Cohort 2 are:

• Applications close:15 August 2026 

• Evaluation & Selection:September – November 2026 

• Onboarding:December 2026 

• Programme duration:January – December 2027

USI is purpose-built to help startups bridge the gap between early/seed-stage traction and growth-stage financing. The goal is to position graduating companies for their next round of capital — whether from venture capital, corporate venture capital, debt financing, or infrastructure platforms — and, where alignment exists, for potential follow-on investment from the USI Fund itself.

To express you interest in joining our program, please apply via https://bit.ly/usi-cohort2 before 15 August 2026.

Yes. The USI Fund has completed its first closing in H1 2026 and is on track to make its first investment in Q4 2026.

No. Being part of the Cohort does not guarantee investment from the USI Fund. Any investment decision follows its own independent evaluation. The Fund may also consider opportunities beyond the current Cohort where strategic alignment exists. 

The Fund's focus mirrors USI's own thematic scope — carbon tech, energy transition, clean water and sanitation, green building & construction, urban mobility and urban solutions, sustainable materials and circularity, emerging tech, climate tech, public health … and more

The Fund is oriented toward early-stage companies — from pre-seed through Series A — consistent with its role in helping startups bridge from acceleration into growth-stage financing. 

No — LKYGBPC and USI's pipeline is explicitly global, drawing applicants from dozens of countries, and the Fund's intended scope for investment is global as well, with Singapore serving as the base for scaling into Asia. 

The USI programme team is the first point of contact for any questions about the Fund — whether general curiosity or something more specific to a startup's own situation. You can contact us at: iie.smu.edu.sg/usi/contact-us

Startups are encouraged to contact the USI team early in the fundraising process while run their fundraising process as they normally would.

The Fund's mandate isn't limited to a single point in time — a startup that was not ready for investment consideration earlier in its journey may still be of interest later, if its trajectory and fit with the Fund's focus areas evolve.

Investment ticket size is up to US$250,000 per round.

No. USI Cohort selection is based on a startup's fit with the programme's mission and target sectors, not on fundraising readiness for the Fund. Many participants join primarily for the mentorship, market access, and Asia go-to-market support the Cohort provides.