Are you an AI-driven innovator ready to redefine the future of venture capital?
Look no further! The DueAI Challenge ("DueAI") is calling on innovators to reshape the future of venture capital. This first-of-its-kind global hackathon challenges you to revolutionize how startups are evaluated and funded. Compete with the best, showcase your AI solution, and gain recognition on an international platform.
Join us now to drive change and innovation in startup evaluation!
REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
30 APR 2025
About DueAI Challenge
The DueAI Challenge ("DueAI") is a global initiative that empowers AI startups and enterprises to transform the investment landscape. Held in conjunction with 12th LKYGBPC, DueAI Challenge serves as a platform to empower human-AI collaboration by allowing AI-driven startups to evaluate pitch decks of participants for 12th LKYGBPC. By leveraging cutting-edge algorithms, DueAI Challenge aims to automate and enhance startup assessments, making investment decisions smarter and more inclusive.
Be part of a movement that bridges the capital gap in deep tech innovation!
Your Innovations, Rewarded
Winners of the DueAI Challenge will gain:
- Monetary prizes for top-performing AI solutions.
- Recognition during the 12th LKYGBPC Grand Finals.
- Global media exposure and networking opportunities with investors and industry leader.
This isn’t just a competition—it’s your launchpad to global recognition.
- The competition is open to individuals or teams, including students, professionals, and researchers, who are passionate about leveraging AI to automate startup evaluation and enhance due diligence for corporate investors. All participants must be a registered startup, and must submit a fully developed and functional AI solution.
- For clarifications about eligibility, contact us by emailing valencesim@smu.edu.sg
From Registration to Recognition
Participating in the DueAI Challenge is simple:
- All participants must attend a mandatory pre-event briefing to understand the rules, judging criteria, and available resources.
- Eligible participants will receive an email containing registration instructions.
- Upon onboarding, all participants are able to access anonymized datasets of startup pitch decks, and are required to build and submit your AI algorithm or LLM.
Results will be benchmarked against top-tier judges and historical success data, and 1 team will emerge as the winner at the 12th LKYGBPC Grand Finals.
Unlock Opportunities, Drive Impact
- Gain exposure to venture capitalists.
- Connect with industry leaders.
- Demonstrate the power of AI in reshaping venture capital.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your profile or drive real-world impact, the DueAI Challenge is your platform to succeed.
- Participants are free to use any programming language and AI tools, though common choices include Python, R, and frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn.
- More details will be shared in the competition rules.
You will retain IP rights for your AI solution, but the design and deployment of your AI solution must adhere to PDPA and SMU security guidelines.
Tools to Propel Your Success
The DueAI Challenge equips participants with a suite of resources, including:
- Anonymized datasets of startup pitch decks.
- Complimentary cloud credits and AI tools from Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and AWS.
- Access to technical advisors for support.
- The competition may allow external datasets but may also provide specific datasets for participants to use.
- Any external data used should comply with copyright laws and any terms and conditions specified by the organizers.
Expert Alignment [50%]
- How closely the startups shortlisted as finalists by the AI solutions for the 12th LKYGBPC align with the collective choices of the LKYGBPC International Judging Panel (IJP).
The number of overlapping top startups between those shortlisted by AI and those chosen by IJP, is calculated as the AI alignment score. A higher score implies greater alignment with the experts from IJP.
Explainability & Transparency [25%]
- How clearly the AI solutions justify the evaluation of the startup through facts, analysis, and insights.
The AI must provide a one-page write-up (maximum 500 words) for each of the shortlisted startups, outlining key criteria such as innovativeness, commercial feasibility, impact, and execution capability.
Flying Below the Radar [25%]
- The extent to which the AI solutions are able to identify startups that could be potential winners, but may be overlooked in the early rounds by the IJP. Recognizing these participants that “fly below the radar” motivates the AI to explore truly novel possibilities rather than simply aligning with the majority.
- The top five (5) rated "below the radar" startups identified by the AI solutions will be considered for the 12th LKGYBPC Finals and will contribute to the final AI score. Bonus points may be further attributed when shortlisted "below the radar" startups proceed to the Grand Finals.
Meet Our Judges
The DueAI Challenge brings together a distinguished panel of judges of leading venture capitalists and AI experts. Learn from their expertise, receive valuable feedback, and showcase your innovation to the best in the business. Participating in DueAI Challenge means becoming part of a global community of innovators, investors, and startups. Connect through virtual networking sessions, engage in discussion forums, and build relationships that go beyond the competition.
This is your chance to collaborate, innovate, and grow.
LIN Maoyu
Director, Investment (AI)
Temasek
Lin Maoyu is the Director of Investment (Artificial Intelligence) at Temasek. He focuses on advancing AI capabilities for Temasek and its portfolio companies through strategic investments and venture building. His professional background includes roles in government, investment banking, private equity, and leadership positions at minden.ai and Grab.
LIN Maoyu
Director, Investment (AI)
Temasek
Michael REHFELD
Managing Director
Accenture Strategy
Michael leads Accenture's Strategy GenAI efforts across Growth Markets, specializing in AI-driven business transformation with a focus on ethical innovation. As part of Accenture's Global and Regional leadership teams, he drives strategy, data and AI, technology, and operations.
Michael REHFELD
Managing Director
Accenture Strategy
YONG Soo Ping
Vice President
Walden International Singapore
YONG Soo Ping is the Vice President at Walden International. With 26 years of venture capital experience, she has been involved in several successful exits, including Brandtology, JobStreet, and YFind. She focuses on the software, Internet, and digital consumer spaces in South Asia.
YONG Soo Ping
Vice President
Walden International Singapore
Ian SIKORA
Head of Startup BD, ASEAN
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Ian Sikora is the Head of Startup Business Development for ASEAN at Amazon Web Services (AWS). He is passionate about fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of technology pioneers. Ian plays a key role in events like SLINGSHOT at SWITCH, where he helps showcase groundbreaking AI innovations.
Ian SIKORA
Head of Startup BD, ASEAN
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Laurence LIEW
Director
AI SIngapore
As the Director of AI Singapore, Laurence Liew has built a high-performing team of AI engineers and driven the rapid growth of AI and Deep Learning, partnering with over 100 organizations to accelerate their AI adoption. He co-developed AI Singapore's AI Readiness Index (AIRI) and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) Innovation and Commercialization working group. His extensive experience and leadership are testament to his deep expertise in the AI field.
Laurence LIEW
Director
AI SIngapore
Dr Joel LEONG
Director, Research & Analytics
XORA
Dr Joel Leong is the Director of Research and Analytics at Xora. He supports the investment team with thesis development, market landscaping, and due diligence. With over two decades of experience in applying AI to physical and life sciences, Joel has held senior roles in global companies and government research.
Dr Joel LEONG
Director, Research & Analytics
XORA
Dr SZE Tiam Lin
Senior Licensing Advisor
Institute of Innovations & Entrepreneurship, Singapore Management University
Dr. Sze Tiam Lin is the Senior Licensing Advisor at the Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE) at Singapore Management University (SMU). He brings extensive experience in technology transfer and commercialization, focusing on IP management, early-stage translational projects, and industry engagement. Before joining SMU, Dr. Sze was the founding Director of IPI, a subsidiary of Enterprise Singapore. He was Senior Vice President at A*STAR Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd (ETPL), now A*STAR Innovation & Enterprise. He holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Sheffield, UK.
Dr SZE Tiam Lin
Senior Licensing Advisor
Institute of Innovations & Entrepreneurship, Singapore Management University
Timeline
Stay ahead of the competition with these key dates:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the DueAI Challenge? We’ve got you covered!
If you have further questions, contact Valence at valencesim@smu.edu.sg
The use of pre-trained models is allowed. Participants should check the guidelines for any restrictions on using pre-trained models, frameworks, or libraries.
Submission instructions will be provided by the organizers. This typically involves uploading your code, model, or report to a designated platform or portal. Specific file formats and submission deadlines will be communicated.
Late submissions and updates will not be allowed after the deadline. It’s important to ensure that your final submission meets the competition’s rules and deadlines.
Winners will be announced via email. All participants will be notified of the results and can celebrate the achievement of the top teams or individuals.
