Two weeks in theheart of innovation
An immersive introduction to entrepreneurship in Singapore and Southeast Asia — lectures, founder conversations, and a practical hackathon.
A melting pot of nationalities, languages and cultures. Singapore has birthed a wide array of home-grown enterprises that leave footprints across the region and beyond — among them Carousell, ShopBack, Rotimatic and Patsnap. This programme brings together high-calibre students from all over the globe to learn and grow together.
You'll learn a lot through lectures, talks with startups, brainstorming and pitching ideas, and visits to different organizations. Along the way, you'll also make friends with students, speakers, and people in the ecosystem from around the world.
What you'll do
A blend of classroom, conversation and on-the-ground immersion across the Singapore ecosystem.
- [01] Lectures & masterclasses Taught in English by NUS faculty and industry experts.
- [02] Conversations with startups Candid sessions with founders building in the region.
- [03] Ideation & pitching From idea to pitch, ending in a practical hackathon.
- [04] Organisation visits On-site at startups, corporates and ecosystem hubs.
- [05] Singapore & ASEAN context Experiential introduction to the Little Red Dot.
- [06] Bonds that last Social and academic networks across 28 countries.
What the programme covers
-
Business & socio-cultural context of Singapore & ASEAN
-
Singapore's economic development model and the changing role of entrepreneurship and innovation
-
The heart of Singapore's and ASEAN's startup ecosystem
-
Understanding IP and innovation in Singapore and ASEAN
-
The ASEAN relationship, language and culture
-
Experiential introduction to Singapore
-
-
Practical insights & skills for aspiring entrepreneurs
-
How to be an entrepreneur: opportunity recognition and entrepreneurial mindset
-
Business model innovation
-
Value proposition and business model design
-
New venture creation
-
Pitching and fund raising
-
-
Themes in entrepreneurship
-
Technology entrepreneurship
-
Social entrepreneurship
-
Corporate intrapreneurship
-
-
What you'll walk away with
-
Core concepts from opportunity recognition to value proposition, team formation and lean launch
-
Knowledge of the diverse startup ecosystems and socio-cultural environment of the region
-
Hands-on experience taking an idea from ideation to pitch through a practical hackathon
-
Students who meet the programme requirements receive a Certificate of Participation from NUS Enterprise.
-
Photo / video break — media TBC
-
Programme dates
6 – 17 July 2026
-
Application period
1 February – 31 March 2026
-
Programme fee
SGD 5,600 (before 9% GST)
-
Fee includes
On-campus accommodation and selected meals at NUS for the programme duration. Excludes airfare, transport, insurance and other personal costs.
-
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 | ||
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.
