Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) and Tribe have announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to establish the Ignition AI Accelerator, a new global AI startup accelerator based in Singapore. The accelerator is strategic and a first in Southeast Asia, supported by the Singapore government, with a focus on enhancing AI value discovery, creating a vibrant ecosystem for AI startups and pushing the boundaries of what AI is capable of.
Launched at the Asia Tech x Enterprise 2024 event last week, with an initial combined investment of USD$3 million, the Ignition AI Accelerator features a public sector collaboration with Tribe, a leading startup ecosystem builder, and NVIDIA to foster a best-in-class support platform for AI startups to thrive.
The Ignition AI Accelerator will launch with an initial cohort of 15 high-potential startups, equipping them with well-rounded support covering business and technical needs, with a special focus on providing best-in-class deep AI development guidance to accelerate the production of market-ready AI products and assist in accelerating access to market.
Eligible startups in the program may also apply for EnterpriseSG’s Startup SG Tech grant which supports the development and commercialisation of proprietary technology through innovative proof-of-concept (POC) and proof-of-value (POV) projects. Successful applicants will receive up to S$250,000 and S$500,000 respectively in additional support to sustain the growth of their startups.
Starting 29th May 2024, applications to the Ignition AI Accelerator are open for founders of new startups and for AI leads of existing startups.
Chan Ih-Ming, Executive Director and Head, Digital Industry Singapore
Our collaboration with NVIDIA and Tribe to launch the Ignition AI Accelerator reaffirms DISG’s commitment to establish Singapore as a leading global AI hub. The accelerator showcases Singapore’s strengths as a confluence of global technology leaders, emerging innovators and world-class infrastructure. We look forward to deepening our partnership with leading partners to drive our local AI ecosystem.
Susan Marshall, Global Head of Startups and Senior Director of Developer Relations, NVIDIA
Building on the success of the NVIDIA Inception program, which provides startups with access to cutting-edge technology, venture capital connections, and technical resources, this collaboration with Tribe and DISG will leverage our combined expertise in identifying high-potential AI startups and helping them push the envelope on what AI is capable of, maximize the technology's impact and bring their innovations to market quicker.
