Define the future
Define
the
future
About
Dedicated To Early-Stage Sustainability-Driven Founders
As the world works towards achieving our global sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030, it is inspiring and heartening to see more change-makers and innovators step up to take action.
It is clear that more support needs to be given to these people who are working hard at tackling the sustainability crisis. We believe in working hand-in-hand with these global talents and providing them with the support and resources needed to drive action in sustainability.
As part of the HyperX Sustainability Hackcelerator, the HyperSpark programme aims to help early-stage startups with sustainability-focused innovations build their business models, validate and implement faster, find product-market fit and get connected to global sustainability leaders.
Tackling The Sustainability Crisis For A Better Future
We need to create a better, smarter and more sustainable future for everyone.
To do that, we need to truly design a better and more inclusive world, use data to drive our next level of innovations, and put sustainability first in everything we do. These are the challenges we have identified:
Design a Better World
Inclusive Technology
Developing innovations that govern our everyday lives with inclusivity in mind
Underserved Communities
Bridging gaps through technology to allow everyone to fully participate in the digital age
Urban Living
Mindful innovations that rethink how future generations can meet their living needs
Create a Smarter World
Data for Good
Data-driven solutions to empower sustainable development
Sustainable Impact
Creating measurable sustainable impact through technology to bring about real change
Sustainable Economy
Innovations that balance environment and economic considerations for long-term sustainability
Build a More Sustainable World
Environmental Impact
Minimising negative impact of human activities on the environment through technology
Clean Energy
Combating climate change through innovations to produce clean and renewable energy
Sustainable Cities
Designing sustainable innovations for society that can help bring about societal and economic opportunities
Embarking on a world-changing idea? Passionate about bringing about real change? Let’s move the world forward, together.
Programme
T he 10 week HyperSpark programme will provide a balance of weekly masterclasses, mentorship, industry engagement as well as time to work on and build your startup.
30 startups will enter the programme and go through Pitch Day where only ten shortlisted startups will make it through to phase II of the programme and have the chance to pitch at Demo Day.
Benefits
We know the struggles of being an early-stage startup, so we will provide a SGD 10,000 grant to the top ten startups that pass the internal evaluation on week 5 of the programme. (Eligible startups will also be able to apply for the SGD30,000 StartupSG Founder Grant to receive a total of SGD40,000 in funding.)
You will work from the StartupX incubation space at One North, which will give you the opportunity to build your startup within an exciting ecosystem!
Mentorship
Through the programme, you will get to meet with excellent mentors that will work with you through your startup challenges.
You will be supported by a programme team who will check in with your startup weekly and support your growth.
The programme will culminate in a Demo Day where you will have the opportunity to pitch to our network of investors and corporate partners to take your startup to the next stage.
Be Mentored by Changemakers
Johanan Sen
Chief Strategy Officer
One Singapore Media Group at Dentsu Aegis Network
Jenni Risku
Founder
Women in Tech
Arndt Husar
Senior Advisor
Global Centre for Technology, Innovation & Sustainable Development, UNDP
Peter Browne
Founder
Intangible Communications
Sang Shin
Director
Digital Innovation, Temasek
Paul Meyers
Investment Advisor
Asian Development Bank
Alan Hellawell
Venture Partner
Alpha JWC Ventures
Michael Blakey
Managing Partner
Cocoon Capital
Carmen Yuen
Partner
Vertex Ventures
Jordan Dea-Mattson
Site Director
Indeed.com
What We Offer
Equity-Free Grant
SGD 10,000 grant for selected startups to help you take your startup off the ground. There will be no equity taken.
Build Your MVP
10 weeks fast-paced, hands-on programme to validate your startup and build your MVP.
StartupSG Founder Grant
Fast-track and application support for the SGD 30,000 grant for eligible startups.
Vibrant Workspace
Incubation space at StartupX for duration of programme.
World-Class Mentorship
Access to a global network of leading mentors from diverse industries.
Domain Expertise
Dedicated panel of sustainability domain experts.
Programme Benefits
Over SGD 30,000 worth of credits and resources from programme partners.
Investor Network
Access to further capital and investors to support your company.
Join the Programme
Interested to apply for HyperSpark? Here’s what we are looking for:
- You are an early stage pre-seed startup. You may or may not have launched your MVP in market but you have a sample prototype of your startup idea.
- Your company has at least two co-founders.
- You are available to attend the programme in Singapore (in person) for the duration of the programme if you are shortlisted.
- Your startup is focused on one of the sustainability verticals and your business model has potential to scale (preferably structured around tech).
Note: Joining HyperSpark is a commitment so we will need you to show up for weekly check-ins, masterclasses and mentor sessions.
Join the Programme
Interested to apply for HyperSpark? Here’s what we are looking for:
- You are an early stage pre-seed startup. You may or may not have launched your MVP in market but you have a sample prototype of your startup idea.
- Your company has at least two co-founders.
- You are available to attend the programme in Singapore (in person) for the duration of the programme if you are shortlisted.
- Your startup is focused on one of the sustainability verticals and your business model has potential to scale (preferably structured around tech).
Note: Joining HyperSpark is a commitment so we will need you to show up for weekly check-ins, masterclasses and mentor sessions.
Timeline
The HyperSpark Journey
15 November 2019
Applications Open
Your application will help us better understand whether you will be a good fit for the programme. There will be three rounds of interviews, and if you should hear from us within three weeks if you get shortlisted for the first interview.
19 January 2020
Applications Deadline
You will be invited for an in-person or online interview for us to assess the team and the product that you are building. You will be notified at least a month before the programme begins on your acceptance into the programme.
24 February 2020
Programme Kickstart
The programme kickstarts with mentor madness and the opportunity for the cohort to get together and be introduced to the working team and your fellow founders. In the first 4 weeks, you will go through a series of masterclasses and work towards the internal evaluation day.
23 March 2020
Pitch Day
At Pitch Day, only an estimated ten teams will successfully make it to the next 6 weeks and receive SGD10,000 in funding. If you don’t make it, you are still welcome to apply for the next cohort and we will continue to support you outside of the programme.
30 April 2020
Demo Day
The programme culminates at Demo Day, where the top ten teams will showcase their stories of growth and success on stage to a curated audience made up of investors, corporates venture funds, collaboration partners and government agencies.
Our Partners
Apply Now
Join the Sustainability Revolution!
In the News
SUSTAINABILITY need not be at odds with profitability, and it can be a good catalyst for new ideas and business opportunities.
The Business Times
Nov 11, 2019
Temasek
Durwin Ho, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of StartupX and hackathon enthusiast, shares his journey and an insider’s perspective.
Nov 5, 2019
e27
Participants will stand a chance of winning prizes worth up to US$114K and an invite for a fast-track entry into the HyperSpark pre-accelerator programme.
Nov 4, 2019
“This time is different.” – these four words are considered by many to be among the most dangerous in Finance.
Temasek
Oct 22, 2019
Singapore Business Review
Building on the city’s sustainability push, Temasek and StartupX have jointly launched HyperX, a 12-month impact-driven hackcelerator programme that aims to bring sustainable ideas to life.
Sep 30, 2019
TechStartups
Building on the city’s sustainability push, Temasek and StartupX have jointly launched HyperX, a 12-month impact-driven hackcelerator programme that aims to bring sustainable ideas to life.
Sep 19, 2019
In the News
SUSTAINABILITY need not be at odds with profitability, and it can be a good catalyst for new ideas and business opportunities.
The Business Times
Nov 11, 2019
Durwin Ho, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of StartupX and hackathon enthusiast, shares his journey and an insider’s perspective.
Temasek
Nov 5, 2019
Participants will stand a chance of winning prizes worth up to US$114K and an invite for a fast-track entry into the HyperSpark pre-accelerator programme.
e27
Nov 4, 2019
“This time is different.” – these four words are considered by many to be among the most dangerous in Finance.
Temasek
Oct 22, 2019
Building on the city’s sustainability push, Temasek and StartupX have jointly launched HyperX, a 12-month impact-driven hackcelerator programme that aims to bring sustainable ideas to life.
Singapore Business Review
Sep 30, 2019
Building on the city’s sustainability push, Temasek and StartupX have jointly launched HyperX, a 12-month impact-driven hackcelerator programme that aims to bring sustainable ideas to life.
TechStartups
Sep 19, 2019
Frequently Asked Questions
Programme Applications
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What type of startups should apply?
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Can I apply and get accepted as a solo founder?
You can apply as a solo founder and we do accept solo founders from time to time. However, that is usually an exception and your odds of getting accepted are much higher if you have a team of co-founders with complementary skills.
I am not based in Singapore. Can I apply? Will my travel expenses be covered?
Startups will settle their own travel and accomodation, which can be paid out of the $10,000 grant if shortlisted as one of the top ten startups.
When will the selected teams be announced?
The announcement of the shortlisted startups accepted into HyperSpark will be made in early Jan 2020.
Who runs HyperSpark?
HyperSpark is part of the HyperX Global Sustainability Hackcelerator launched by StartupX in partnership with Temasek. While we are determined to support startups working on sustainability innovations, the world has ambitious sustainability goals to achieve, and we cannot do it alone. HyperSpark will also be supported by global organisations who are keen to bring opportunities for startups in the HyperSpark programme.
Programme Participation
Can everybody from my team join the programme?
We encourage at least two co-founders of your team to be full-time to get the most value out of the programme. However, if that is not possible, it is acceptable for only one founder to attend the programme.
Our mentors get excited to work with teams who upon the completion of a session, are able to immediately take what they’ve learned and execute on it. The programme can be more valuable if at least two co-founders are present as additional time is not lost when relaying information to other co-founders.
Does it cost money to participate in the programme?
No. HyperSpark is free of charge for all startups that get accepted.
Does StartupX or Temasek take equity in my startup if I participate in HyperSpark?
Neither StartupX or Temasek will take equity in your startup.
What is the structure of the HyperSpark programme?
HyperSpark is a hands-on, mentorship program that consists of weekly masterclasses, check-ins and mentors sessions for 10 weeks.
How does Mentorship work?
We set up an experience for you as a founder that enables you to work with mentors in both group settings and one on one so you can dig deep on the product or strategic challenges your startup is facing.
Programme Benefits
Will my company receive any funding from the programme?
Startups who come into the programme will stand to receive SGD10,000 grant. The grant money will be disbursed in tranches based on mutually agreed milestones.
Will my team get any perks?
On top of incubation space, mentorship and access to our investor network, startups accepted into HyperSpark will also stand to receive up to SGD30,000 in credits and benefits from our partners.
Does HyperSpark provide a workspace to the startups?
Yes, you will have a dedicated space to work out of during the duration of this program. teams will be able to work out of our incubation space at One North during the duration of the programme.
Demo Day & Beyond
What happens after Demo Day?
You will continue to be a part of StartupX’s community.
Will I be guaranteed entry to HyperScale?
Startups who graduate from HyperSpark will be required to apply to HyperScale. However, preference will be given to HyperSpark alumni.
Can HyperSpark help me get into other accelerators or raise funding?
Many of our mentors and network are people who run accelerators, are involved in corporate innovation programmes, or are partners at VC firms. This is an amazing opportunity to network and build a relationship with them during the programme. Often times these relationships eventually evolve into a bigger opportunity.
HyperSpark is also partnering with a network of accelerators and investors interested in potential startups that graduate from the programme and we will provide introductions or referrals to these partners. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to pitch to accelerators and seed investors at Demo Day!
Imagine, define and change the future.
