The world’s most pressing challenges – rising inequality, climate change and social fragmentation to name a few — have become too interlinked for a single organisation to tackle alone. Lasting positive change requires robust collaboration between communities, corporations, governments, and other stakeholders. And a collective approach often empowers those who face these problems firsthand, with creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit to develop revolutionary solutions that address root causes.
Creating meaningful impact through collaboration at the grassroots has hence always been a part of the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC)’s purpose. Over past editions, LKYGBPC has formed a vibrant ecosystem that unites student founders, industry veterans, investors, and mentors, and government stakeholders, to reshape how technology can ignite transformative social change — from creating inclusive employment opportunities for marginalised communities, to advancing smart-city solutions that enhance daily life.
In an era often overwhelmed by buzzwords, the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) transcends the usual noise by anchoring its very ethos in social innovation. Far more than a platform for impressive pitch decks, it stands as a vibrant ecosystem, uniting student founders, industry veterans, investors, and mentors, committed to tackling pressing global challenges through market-driven yet deeply purposeful ventures.
A Legacy of Meaningful Impact
Social innovation has long been a key pillar for LKYGBPC, with past winning entries proving that social progress can be simultaneously driven alongside financial viability. Some of these examples of entrepreneurial ingenuity include :
- Eyelight.Tech: By harnessing cutting-edge assistive technologies, this venture removes barriers for individuals with visual impairments, proving that inclusive design can transform more than just bottom lines—it can change lives.
- sentinelTech: Co-founded by Zhiyin (an LKYGBPC alumna) and SMU collaborators, sentinelTech highlights the transformative potency of melding academic rigor with entrepreneurial spirit to address real-world problems.
- Pic-A-Talk: Under the leadership of Uma, pic-a-talk revolutionizes communication, ensuring that accessibility and human connection remain central goals in the evolving tech landscape.
- tratificare: A standout from previous competitions, Stratificare merges data-driven diagnostics with healthcare solutions, spotlighting the potential of innovation to deliver life-saving interventions that can be scaled globally.
Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Social Change
LKYGBPC’s commitment to fostering social ventures through technology and urban innovation has been further amplified for its 2025 edition through our collaboration with the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise, raiSE, a national ecosystem builder that looks to seed and nurture new and existing Social Enterprises in Singapore. The partnership aims to equip participants with essential resources and expertise to unlock new, innovative ways to further develop the Social Enterprise sector:
- Extended Funding and Grants
Bolstered by raiSE’s support, aspiring teams can secure the capital to evolve from fledgling concepts to operationally sound, high-impact startups. - Expert Mentorship and Capacity Building
The synergy between LKYGBPC and raiSE connects founders with social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and sector specialists, granting practical insights essential for refining both the social and commercial aspects of their ideas. - Cross-Sector Collaborations
By leveraging their combined networks, LKYGBPC and raiSE streamline engagements with governmental bodies, corporations, and nonprofits, thereby creating fertile ground for rapid pilots, real-world validation, and broader societal uptake.
Driving Systemic Change Through Inclusive Innovation
The competition’s foundational principle is that true social impact can, and should, coexist with profitability. From accelerating social innovation initiatives to democratizing digital literacy, LKYGBPC is a clarion call for visionary minds intent on reshaping business as a force for good. Founders gain access to:
- Seed Funding to mitigate the upfront costs that can hinder growth.
- Capacity Building programs that refine business acumen and reinforce a responsible, mission-first mindset.
- Mentorship from global experts, which can be the difference between a promising idea and a breakthrough enterprise.
Answering the Call: How You Can Join
For aspirants who recognize that purpose and profitability are not mutually exclusive, the LKYGBPC presents a singular opportunity to accelerate their ventures:
- Apply to gain access to a community of international thought leaders, valuable capital, and direct industry feedback.
- Collaborate with raiSE and other forward-thinking partners eager to nurture inclusive entrepreneurship.
- Contribute to a transformative movement where every unmet need sparks an innovation, and each invention propels meaningful, long-lasting societal gains.
In a time marked by interlinked crises and complexities, LKYGBPC’s focus on social innovation is not just timely — it is urgently needed to better align profitability with purpose, forging new paths where ventures grow, and communities thrive in equal measure. Join us in redefining what businesses can, and should, achieve for society and for a shared future.
