Singapore Management University (SMU) has announced the 60 finalists from over 1,500 applicants worldwide for the 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), which will be held from 29 September to 2 October 2025 at the Singapore City Campus. Thai team 'MUI-Robotics' is one of the finalists.
This year marks a special milestone as Singapore celebrates its 60th anniversary, making Asia's largest university startup competition a highly anticipated event. Participants from over 1,200 universities in 91 countries have increased by 57% since the previous edition, and from Asia alone by more than 70%.
Thai Team in the Final Round
One of the finalists is MUI-Robotics from Mahidol University, which developed Sensory AI Technology that mimics the human sense of smell for use in product quality and safety control. This technology demonstrates the integration of knowledge in AI and sensing with real-world industrial problem-solving, marking another important step for Thai startups in advancing to the global innovation stage.
Finalists will compete for a total prize pool of over S$2.5 million, with startups competing across 12 key themes linked to global megatrends such as climate technology, clean energy, sustainable materials, urban mobility and public health.
Support from Thai Organizations
This year's competition also welcomes Thai company Indorama Ventures as a new partner, behind the establishment of the Future of Sustainable Materials Award, which leverages its expertise in integrated research and manufacturing to drive innovation for the future of materials, reflecting the role of Thai businesses in not only supporting the platform but also driving sustainable innovation on a global scale.
“LKYGBPC’s global network allows us to work closely with early-stage deep tech companies from around the world to accelerate innovation and create a sustainable world for decades to come,” said Yash Lohia, CEO of Petchem and Chairman of the ESG Council at Indorama Ventures.
The Strengths of the Stage
This year also saw the introduction of AI through the DueAI™ Challenge to provide a more objective and accurate assessment of startups, along with networking events like the Talent Exchange connecting students with global deep tech startups, and Blaze Mixer Night for Singaporean youth.
The inclusion of Thailand's MUI-Robotics and Indorama Ventures as key participants in this year's competition not only confirms the potential of Thai innovation and businesses to reach the global stage, but also demonstrates Thailand's strong position within the global technology and sustainability ecosystem.
Source: The Standard
