Turn your ambition
into founder instincts.
Learn from NUS faculty and the founders building in Singapore, work alongside students from around the world, and take your own idea to a pitch in a live hackathon.
Singapore is one of the world's smallest countries and yet one of the densest commercial and startup markets. Carousell, ShopBack,and Patsnap all started from within the NUS ecosystem. For two weeks, this ecosystem is your home.
Alongside your fellow high-calibre students from across the globe, you will move between lectures, founder conversations, company visits and a hands-on hackathon. Close out the programme having pitched an idea of your own. You leave understanding how ventures actually form, and with a network that reaches across Asia and the globe.
This programme is designed to test you.
Two weeks of long, fulfilling days and real pressure. It is the fastest you will ever move from idea to pitch. You will surprise yourself.
- [01] Lectures & masterclasses Learn from faculty + founders who’ve built real companies.
- [02] Conversations with startups Candid chats with founders, to absorb their triumphs + challenges.
- [03] Ideation & pitching The two weeks end in a hackathon, not an exam.
- [04] Organisation visits See innovation happen inside startups and ecosystem hubs.
- [05] Singapore & ASEAN context An experiential introduction to the ‘Little Red Dot’.
- [06] Bonds that last A network that follows you everywhere for the rest of your career.
Your syllabus for stepping into founder waters.
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Business & socio-cultural context of Singapore & ASEAN
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Singapore's economic development model and the changing role of entrepreneurship and innovation
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The heart of Singapore's and ASEAN's startup ecosystem
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Understanding IP and innovation in Singapore and ASEAN
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The ASEAN relationship, language and culture
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Experiential introduction to Singapore
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Practical insights & skills for aspiring entrepreneurs
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How to be an entrepreneur: opportunity recognition and entrepreneurial mindset
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Business model innovation
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Value proposition and business model design
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New venture creation
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Pitching and fund raising
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Themes in entrepreneurship
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Technology entrepreneurship
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Social entrepreneurship
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Corporate intrapreneurship
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What you'll walk away with
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Core concepts from opportunity recognition to value proposition, team formation and lean launch
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Knowledge of the diverse startup ecosystems and socio-cultural environment of the region
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Hands-on experience taking an idea from ideation to pitch through a practical hackathon
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Students who meet the programme requirements receive a Certificate of Participation from NUS Enterprise.
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Learn
Build
Become
Everything you need to know to start your founder journey.
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Programme dates
6 – 17 July 2026
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Application period
1 February – 31 March 2026
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Programme fee
SGD 5,600 (before 9% GST)
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Fee includes
On-campus accommodation and selected meals at NUS for the programme duration. Excludes airfare, transport, insurance and other personal costs.
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Who can apply
Students currently enrolled in university, any discipline, remaining enrolled throughout the summer programme.
How to apply:
Essential Preparation Steps
- 01
Public introduction video
No more than 2 minutes: introduce yourself (30s), pitch a business proposal or problem you want to solve (1 min), and share any awards, experience or study intentions (30s).
- 02
Business plan
Prepare a one-page (A4) business plan articulating an idea you're working on or plan to pursue, including the stage it's at.
- 03
Up to date CV
Submit a copy of your latest CV.
- 04
Documentation
Submit other relevant supporting documents as listed in the application portal.
- 05
Apply
Apply via the NUS Online Application Portal during the application window.
Who can apply
| NUS students | Non-NUS applicants enrolled in universities | NUS ASEAN SPARK Fellowship applicants | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all undergraduate students with a keen interest in entrepreneurship. | Open to all students with a keen interest in entrepreneurship. | Fully funds top ASEAN undergraduates currently enrolled in universities with a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA (or equivalent) and demonstrated entrepreneurial experience. |
| English proficiency | If English is not your home university’s primary language, upload an English proficiency document with your application. Minimum scores: IELTS ≥ 6.5, or TOEFL ≥ 85 (internet-based). Only scores obtained in the two years up to 15 March of the application year are considered. | ||
| How to apply | Applications are submitted via the NUS Online Application Portal. | ||
| Withdrawals and student-policy queries | necbox13@nus.edu.sg | ||
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Ready to spend two weeks in the heart of innovation?
Applications for the 2026 cohort open 1 February. Get your video, business plan and CV ready.