TS2 accelerator programme and new BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub provide boost for social impact start-ups

TS2 accelerator programme and new BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub provide boost for social impact start-ups

To foster the growth of innovative social ventures tackling social issues and environmental challenges, NUS Enterprise and the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE) have jointly committed S$3.5 million to support tech-based social enterprise (SE) start-ups in Singapore through the 10-week Technology for Sustainable Social Impact (TS2) accelerator programme.

This fund will nurture 16 promising social enterprise start-ups participating in the TS2 accelerator programme over the next two years, providing them with essential resources and comprehensive support. As part of this commitment, NUS Enterprise launched the BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub on 25 July 2024, a dedicated space designed to empower purpose-driven ventures and amplify their impact.

The TS2 accelerator programme supports growth stage start-ups that adopt social enterprise models, with varying levels of technological engagements - ranging from deep tech to light and low tech. The programme, which held its first run from end-April to July 2024, combines a structured curriculum and a customised development plan tailored to the needs of each participating start-up.

TS2 accelerator programme start-ups also enjoy access to mentors, investors, and impact professionals, who will help them scale and amplify their social impact. These start-ups will also gain access to overseas markets and commercial opportunities by leveraging BLOCK71's offices in nine cities across the globe.

Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, NUS Vice President (Ecosystem Building), said, "Our collaboration with raiSE supports more purpose-driven ventures with essential resources and further fosters an entrepreneurial ecosystem dedicated to positive social impact. The TS2 accelerator programme expands upon our experience in nurturing technology start-ups to social impact endeavours. This new initiative, along with the establishment of BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub is our commitment to develop innovations that achieve greater social impact via entrepreneurship."

Inaugural TS2 accelerator programme cohort

At the Demo Day on 25 July 2024, which was opened by Professor Chen Tsuhan, NUS Deputy President (Innovation & Enterprise), the TS2 accelerator programme's inaugural cohort of seven start-ups showcased their social impact technologies which focused on human-centred social impact innovations.

1. Active Silvers: A digital wellness platform tailored for the elderly, Active Silvers provides personalised fitness regimens based on evidence-based functional movement principles to improve the quality of life for seniors. The platform uses sophisticated algorithms to create exercises that cater to the specific needs of elderly communities.

2. FingerDance: A deep-tech start-up, FingerDance develops AI infrastructure to create more inclusive communication solutions. Their flagship product, the AI Sign Language large models, provides 24/7 sign language translation services, enhancing accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

3. MADCash: A socially conscious fintech company from Malaysia, MADCash blends education and Shariah-compliant microfinance to support underbanked women entrepreneurs. They offer financial literacy education and zero-interest microfinance loans to help women in marginalised communities break the poverty cycle.

4. MangaChat: An innovative tech company focusing on children's emotional well-being, MangaChat offers an AI-powered platform that uses comic graphics to help children express their emotions. This gamified approach, based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, makes emotional learning accessible and engaging.

5. School On Cloud: An edutech start-up offering a personalised learning experience for young children including those with special learning needs and challenges. School On Cloud uses advanced technologies like machine learning and augmented reality to scale inclusive education. Their platform adapts to each child's learning style, making foundational literacy skills fun and accessible to all.

6. StratifiCare: This medical diagnostics company developed StratifiDen, an AI-powered tool that predicts severe dengue cases, enabling timely and targeted healthcare interventions. Beyond creating social impact in Singapore, Stratificare aims to improve public health outcomes in the Global South, where dengue is endemic.

7. Tech Up Advance: Specialising in enhancing STEM education, Tech Up Advance provides a gamified robotics simulation tool, GoTechUp, which uses "digital twin" technology to create safe, virtual learning environments. This tool has already benefitted over 8,000 users globally, making STEM education more accessible and engaging.

Describing the benefits of the TS2 accelerator programme, Mr Lionel Choong, co-founder of Active Silvers shared, "The programme has helped us in many facets of our business, from practical decision-making skills to scaling our impact." This sentiment was echoed by other participants, who lauded the mentorship, and resources provided which helped them to refine their approaches and expand their reach.

Continuing to empower purpose-driven start-ups

The TS2 accelerator programme is the latest addition to NUS Enterprise's continued efforts to support purpose-driven start-ups. Since 2011, NUS has incubated and supported close to 400 societal impact start-ups, of which 70 per cent address human-centred social impact issues and 30 per cent focus on environment and sustainability.

To further nurture the next generation of social impact start-ups, NUS Enterprise has also established the BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub to provide a dedicated space for purpose-driven ventures that address issues pertaining to societal well-being and environmental sustainability.

The hub offers a suite of services that support and accelerate impact ventures including tailored capacity-building programmes, mentorship services, and global networking opportunities. Pioneer occupants of this new hub comprise the seven start-ups from the inaugural TS2 cohort, as well as start-ups from NUS Enterprise social impact ecosystem.

Four start-ups from the NUS Enterprise social impact ecosystem also showcased their products at the opening of the BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub. The four start-ups were:

1. The moonbeam co.: Founded in 2021, the moonbeam co. is an impact start-up that aims to tackle byproducts like brewer's spent grains through food technology to encourage responsible human consumption and promote circularity in the food value chain.
2. Boost VitaliTEA: Boost VitaliTea modernises Traditional Chinese Medicine by transforming it into functional beverages that naturally support mental health management, through various products such as their Lavender TranquiliTea and their essential oil Rose NeuroHarmony.
3. Cityscape Farms: Specialising in urban agriculture, Cityscape Farms offers solutions like the Smart Crop Wall, integrating the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence to enhance sustainable food production in urban areas.
4. Creo.Works: This start-up focuses on sustainable manufacturing practices, providing maker machines and eco-friendly materials to support local production and reduce reliance on mass-produced goods. The exterior signage and interior showcase pieces of the BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub were designed and 3D printed by Creo.Works!

Reflecting on his journey so far, Mr Kong Qi Herng, co-founder of themoonbeam.co (or the moonbeam company) remarked, "NUS Enterprise has provided platforms that created opportunities for us to learn from seasoned entrepreneurs. Through these engagements, Moonbeam has enhanced our capabilities and expanded our professional network to grow our business and collaborate with other businesses. We are excited to continue this partnership, driving positive change and fostering innovation.

Looking ahead

To ensure the continued success of TS2 start-ups, NUS Enterprise and raiSE are planning the next iteration of the TS2 accelerator programme, set to be announced in the third quarter of 2024, as well as follow-up support for the recently graduated first cohort. This includes developing a comprehensive post-accelerator support system, featuring targeted expert peer learning sessions and strategic mentoring check-ins. The continued support will further empower start-ups to address critical social and environmental challenges, driving positive change both locally and globally.

The TS2 accelerator programme and the BLOCK71 Social Impact Hub represent NUS and raiSE's shared commitment to fostering a vibrant community of social entrepreneurs. As these start-ups continue to grow and evolve, they pave the way for a future where technology and social impact go hand-in-hand, addressing some of the most pressing issues facing society today.

By NUS Enterprise