(Left-right) Enterprise Singapore Managing Director, Cindy Khoo; Microsoft ASEAN President, Mayank Wadhwa; and NUS Vice President (Ecosystem Building), Associate Prof Benjamin Tee officially launched the AI Accelerate collaboration at SWITCH 2025.
Singapore, 29 October 2025 – Singapore’s position as a hub for AI innovation will be supercharged by a new collaboration between Microsoft, Enterprise Singapore and NUS Enterprise – the entrepreneurial heart of the National University of Singapore (NUS), which will offer up to 150 qualified AI startups with more streamlined access to funding through the Startup SG Tech grant over the next three years. This was officially announced today by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) flagship conference, with the aim of catalysing tech development and business growth in the local AI ecosystem.
The new collaboration builds on the AI Accelerate programme, jointly run by NUS Enterprise’s BLOCK71, a global network of physical accelerators across 11 cities, and Microsoft. The existing programme features a 10-week incubator for startups, where they can build on Microsoft Azure, refine their AI products, and tap on expert guidance for business strategy and fundraising. Participating startups can also access mentorship and networking opportunities with venture capital investors and AI ecosystem players. The 2025 cohort saw a total of 26 startups across a wide range of sectors.
Microsoft, Enterprise Singapore and NUS Enterprise have now joined forces to expand the AI Accelerate programme beyond helping founders refine their technology and prepare products for market, to now enabling them to launch effectively and grow commercially, both in Singapore and abroad. Under the new tripartite collaboration, this enhanced edition introduces a Go-To-Market (GTM) programme, with Microsoft experts providing startups with practical guidance for achieving product-market fit and commercialisation, enabling them to scale more effectively in regional and global markets.
Enterprise Singapore, through the Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) joint office, will also work with Microsoft to fast-track access to the Startup SG Tech grant for qualified startups. This leverages Microsoft’s expertise in AI to jointly select high-potential startups for grant funding as part of a panel comprising of experts representing industry and venture capital. Grants can be used to support key activities that contribute towards the development and commercialisation of the innovative AI solutions, including for the filing of IP, use of cloud and AI to build their products, talent acquisition, and more.
Participating startup Addlly AI Co-founder and CEO, Tina Chopra said: “As a startup building enterprise-grade AI marketing agents, having access to resources that accelerate growth is invaluable. This programme connects us directly with BLOCK71’s incubation network, Microsoft’s technical expertise, and Enterprise Singapore’s funding support. It has given us access to a powerful ecosystem for scaling Generative AI solutions for enterprise marketing. Presenting to a panel of leaders from Enterprise Singapore, Microsoft, venture capitals, and industry experts felt like a different version of Shark Tank and was a milestone moment for our team.”
Microsoft ASEAN President, Mayank Wadhwa said: “This collaboration will make a real difference to startups, actively shaping the future of AI and innovation in Asia. With support from NUS Enterprise and Enterprise Singapore, combined with Microsoft’s platforms, expertise, and unmatched sales and distribution ecosystem, entrepreneurs will have the tools and resources they need to build their ideas, reach customers, and scale beyond borders.”
Enterprise Singapore Managing Director, Cindy Khoo said, “There’s no question that AI is a game-changer for industries and businesses. But we need to be proactive to unlock its transformative potential, and establish the right platforms and partnerships to drive AI innovation. We are excited to be working with Microsoft and NUS Enterprise to accelerate funding and commercialisation opportunities for cutting-edge AI startups, and grow not just the next generation of companies but also deepen Singapore’s AI ecosystem.”
NUS Senior Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise), Dr Tan Sian Wee said:
“At NUS Enterprise, our mission goes beyond nurturing startups. We are shaping ventures that can create lasting impact and drive meaningful change. This collaboration strengthens that ambition by giving AI startups access to world-class technology, networks, and expertise, helping them grow from strong ideas into globally competitive companies. Together with Microsoft and Enterprise Singapore, we aim to connect research, talent, and industry in new ways that will accelerate innovation and position Singapore as a leader in the AI economy.”
Applications are now open for the upcoming AI Accelerate programme, and with the recent surge in interest, the application deadline has extended to 14 November 2025. To qualify for AI Accelerate 2026, startups must be Singapore-based and post-MVP, with traction such as users, pilots, or revenue. They must operate in B2B or scalable B2C markets, have AI at the core of their product, be rooted in Asia with global ambitions, and be privately held. The 10-week sprint begins in January 2026, culminating in an Investor Day in May 2026, where graduating startups will pitch to venture capitalists and corporate partners. For more information and to apply visit BLOCK71 Global.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
About NUS Enterprise
Guided by its mission to make the National University of Singapore (NUS) a magnet for talent and an engine for global innovation, NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial heart of the University, seeds ideas, sparks innovations, and scales ventures into global companies. Since 2001, NUS Enterprise has nurtured nearly 4,300 students and supported over 3,000 start-ups, including 10 unicorns, enriching innovation and start-up ecosystems globally. Through experiential learning, ecosystem building, technology translation and commercialisation, and strategic global partnerships, NUS Enterprise equips the next generation of changemakers to address humanity’s most pressing challenges. Its ambition: to improve the lives of 1 billion people within the next decade. For more information on NUS Enterprise, please visit enterprise.nus.edu.sg.
About Enterprise Singapore
Enterprise Singapore is the government agency championing enterprise development. We partner committed companies to build capabilities, innovate and go global. We drive growth – empowering local businesses and shaping industries, anchoring Singapore as a trade and startup hub, and establishing trust in our products through quality and standards. We’re here, for wherever you’re growing. Visit enterprisesg.gov.sg for more information.
About Digital Industry Singapore
Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) is a joint office between the Economic Development Board (EDB), Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), with a vision to create a great technology ecosystem in Singapore that people and companies want to connect with. We tap on our parent agencies’ complementary resources and networks to promote growth in the sector by working closely with global technology leaders and fast-growing local companies, and shape policies as well as guide investments in areas such as data, talent, trade, and digital infrastructure. Our mission is to make it easy for technology companies and talent to grow and thrive with Singapore, where they have access to strong digital infrastructure and a vibrant ecosystem of local and global enterprises, from which new products, services, business models, and partnerships are created for Asia and beyond.