● One of Asia’s most globally representative and exciting deep-tech startup competitions, the 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), has opened its call for applications
● Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is LKYGBPC’s first official Scientific Knowledge Partner, joining hands with Singapore Management University (SMU) to foster deep tech entrepreneurship in the region
● 50 finalist teams of brilliant young founders will be flown to Singapore from 29 September to 2 October 2025 for BLAZE - a week-long innovation festival culminating in the LKYGBPC Grand Finale – to compete for a growing prize pool of over S$1 million
Singapore, 14 January 2025 – Applications are now open for the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), one of Asia’s most exciting university-led startup challenges, Singapore Management University’s (SMU) Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) announced today.
Now in its 12th edition, the biennial competition is focused on Urban Solutions and Sustainability, challenging the brightest young founders from around the globe to revolutionise cities with cutting-edge solutions for a sustainable future.
This year’s LKYGBPC is going above and beyond to connect participating founders with the right business networks. The 12th edition will connect finalists with Southeast Asia’s eminent business families to explore collaborations in Southeast Asia. They will also gain exclusive access to a powerhouse lineup of senior venture capitalists at the biggest Venture Capital Office Hours in Southeast Asia.
The competition welcomes the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) as its first official Scientific Knowledge Partner, bringing a new level of expertise to the competition. A*STAR’s Innovation & Enterprise (I&E) group, alongside Professor Yeoh Lean Weng, Chief Sustainability Officer at A*STAR and Chief Scientist for LKYGBPC, will evaluate applications for scientific excellence, mentor startups, and collaborate with teams to transform their groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions.
“A*STAR has developed deep technological capabilities critical for a sustainable future, driving Singapore’s sustainability goals through innovation. We are excited to support and nurture young founders in creating transformative solutions that address global urbanisation and sustainability challenges while fostering the growth of a thriving deep-tech startup ecosystem,” said Ms Irene Cheong, Assistant Chief Executive (Innovation & Enterprise) at A*STAR.
Growing from Strength to Strength
LKYGBPC, held since 2002, is one of Asia’s most exciting and most globally-representative startup competitions. Its 11th edition held in 2023 attracted over 1,000 entries from 1,100 universities spanning 77 countries, including Argentina, China, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Ukraine and the United States. Competition alumni have successfully gone on to raise US$1 billion over the last five years, including some startups with solutions related to industrial biotechnology, circular economy and medtech which have recently chosen Singapore as a base for further expansion in the region.
Professor Lim Sun Sun, SMU’s Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement, and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Communication & Technology, said:
To address critical challenges facing the next generation, the upcoming edition will focus on Urban Solutions and Sustainability. As SMU consistently strives to translate research and entrepreneurial endeavours into real-world solutions that benefit society, we are confident that LKYGBPC’s global reach and impact will enable us to drive concrete, positive change for a better tomorrow.
LKYGBPC's popularity among global founders stems from several key factors: a substantial and escalating prize pool exceeding S$1 million, a platform for worldwide exposure, and unparalleled access to a vast network of international industry leaders and entrepreneurs who serve as judges and mentors. They include Singapore’s former Minister for Communications and Information Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Executive Director of the Centre for Liveable Cities Mr Hugh Lim, and Chief Impact Officer of abc IMPACT Ms Sughandi Matta.
BLAZE - a week-long innovation festival culminating in the LKYGBPC Grand Finale – is also a huge draw for founders.
BLAZE Week - A Nexus of Opportunity
Attended by representatives from the 50 finalist teams (RVLT50) who will receive a fully sponsored trip to Singapore, BLAZE includes innovation showcases and networking opportunities. In 2025, BLAZE will take place during one of the most electrifying weeks in Singapore’s events calendar, coinciding with the Singapore Grand Prix night race.
Ms Shirley Wong, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at SMU IIE, Managing Partner of TNF Ventures, and Chairperson of the 12th LKYGBPC Advisory Committee said:
The 2025 LKYGBPC unfolds amidst a unique confluence of milestones: Singapore's 60th anniversary, SMU's 25th anniversary, and the Singapore Grand Prix 2025 – an event magnet for high net-worth individuals and top minds. This dynamic backdrop, combined with other major youth-focused festivals that are taking place simultaneously, creates an extraordinary platform for startup founders to connect with global business leaders and emerging talent in and outside of the competition at the epicentre of innovation in Asia, i.e. Singapore.
Key events during BLAZE include:
● Southeast Asia’s Largest VC Office Hours: Exclusive one-on-one consultations with managing partners from leading venture capital firms in Asia.
● Networking with Southeast Asia's Business Families: Direct access to some of the region's most influential business leaders.
● Grand Finals: Live pitches by Grand Finalist teams for the top prizes in two categories in the Beta and Infinity categories.
● Fireside Chats & Changemaker Conversations: Inspiring intergenerational dialogues featuring established thought leaders and emerging stars from the public, private and philanthropic sectors
● Mixer Night: One of the largest young changemaker parties in SE Asia.
This year, winners will share a prize pool supported by partners including Kajima, Lee & Lee law firm, TRIREC and Wavemaker.
LKYGBPC participants, who must be university student founders or recent alumni, can enter individually, or as part of a team, and compete in one of two categories:
● 0 to 1: For pre-revenue teams developing disruptive technologies or innovations.
● 1 to Infinity: For revenue-generating early-stage startups, up to Series A funding.
