In the tech scene, participating in startup competitions or hackathons has plenty of benefits. These events open the door to a wider network, fresh pool of product ideas from potential talents, and boost your resume or company brand. In this article, KrASIA gathered a list of tech and startup competitions in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
1. Slingshot
Organized by Enterprise Singapore, Slingshot returns for the fourth year with its first full virtual challenge. A key highlight is the new track focused on solutions that help businesses tackle issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and challenging them to create the “new normal”.
This year’s competition will focus on five sectors:
- Healthtech, Biotech, and Medtech
- Foodtech and Agritech
- Manufacturing, Logistics, and Transportation
- Urban Solutions, Sustainability, and Energy
- Digital Solutions, Consumer Products, and Services
Other than grants and cash prizes, the winners will receive an opportunity to embark on co-innovation projects with the event’s corporate partners in Singapore.
Date and time: August 24 (application deadline)
Location: Online
Prize: SGD 200,000 grants from Startup SG and cash; SGD 10,000 from L’Oréal for winners.
Founders can apply here.
2. Singapore Mobility Challenge 2020
Jointly organized by the Land Transport Authority of Singapore (LTA), SBS Transit, SMRT, and Enterprise Singapore, the Singapore Mobility Challenge aims to address Singapore’s Land Transport Master Plan 2040 goals.
Startups that have developed solutions suitable for adaptation to Singapore’s needs, and with an interest in developing solutions for the public transportation sector are welcome to join.
The top 6 startups will work closely with the challenge owners to execute proofs-of-concept during the incubation period. The top 3 finalists will win an SGTech membership, cash prizes, and a Startup SG grant matching the value of their cash prize.
Date and time: August 11 (application deadline)
Location: Online
Prize: Cash prize up to SGD 30,000 for three finalists.
Startups can apply here.
3. She Loves Tech
The world’s largest startup competition for women and technology are now open for Cambodian startups for the first time. The event is co-organised by She Loves Tech and Raintree, authors of the Startup Kingdom, in partnership with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Khmer Enterprise, and Global Shapers Phnom Penh Hub.
Founded in 2015, the event aims to create a diverse global tech sector, where more women occupy technical roles and positions of leadership. To qualify, entrepreneurs—men or women—must represent a technology startup that has a minimum viable product, that is currently seeking funding of under USD 5 million, and that fulfills one of the following criteria:
- Founded or co-founded by a woman
- Have women as a significant proportion of end-users or consumers
- Have products designed with women users in mind
- Have products that address a problem disproportionately affect women.
The first-place winner of She Loves Tech Cambodia is set to represent the Kingdom and compete in the international finals for an equity-free cash prize from the She Loves Tech affiliate fund, mentorship, fast track access to She Loves Tech’s partner funds and accelerator programs, plus in-house advisory services.
Date and time: August 31 (application deadline)
Location: Cambodia
Prize: Cash prize up to USD 15,000.
Women-led or focused startups can apply here.
