Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has launched A*StartCentral 2.0, expanding the deep tech venture-building platform as it marks 10 years of supporting researchers and founders moving technologies toward commercialization.
A*STAR said A*StartCentral has supported more than 100 ventures over the past decade. Those companies have collectively raised more than S$1.6 billion in capital and created more than 1,800 jobs.
The expansion comes as A*STAR continues to pair venture-building programs with sector-specific research infrastructure. Earlier this year, TNGlobal covered A*STAR’s five-year materials-discovery partnership with CuspAI, another example of Singapore linking research capabilities with commercialization.
Footprint grows to 18,000 square feet
A*StartCentral’s footprint has expanded from 10,000 square feet to 18,000 square feet. Its life sciences and chemistry facilities have doubled from 4,000 square feet of open bench space to 8,000 square feet of dedicated laboratory suites and open benches.
A*STAR said the dedicated lab space is intended to strengthen intellectual-property protection and reduce cross-contamination risks for startups working on sensitive technologies.
The engineering workshop has also moved beyond basic prototyping toward advanced prototype development and pre-compliance testing. New capabilities include metal 3D printing, printed circuit board fabrication, laser cutting, material testing, and a radio-frequency shielding room that A*STAR describes as the first of its kind made available to startups in Singapore.
Sector pathways extend beyond the central facility
The platform is also connecting companies with specialized facilities elsewhere in Singapore. Startups working on decarbonization can tap facilities and expertise at A*STAR’s Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment on Jurong Island.
Healthcare ventures can access co11ab Novena, a partnership involving A*STAR, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and the National Healthcare Group. The program is intended to support biotech, medtech and digital-health projects through clinical expertise, test-bedding opportunities and partner access.
About 30 percent of the ventures supported by A*StartCentral originate outside A*STAR, according to the agency, indicating that the platform is also positioned as infrastructure for Singapore-based founders beyond research institute spin-offs.
Focus shifts toward scale and international growth
A*StartCentral was established in 2016 to help bridge the gap between research and venture creation. Its programs now cover early entrepreneurial exposure, customer validation, mentor and investor access, and overseas market development.
Irene Cheong, Assistant Chief Executive for Innovation and Enterprise at A*STAR, said the next phase is intended to help founders move beyond commercialization toward international growth through expanded infrastructure and sector-specific venture-building pathways.
Cuspai, A*STAR seal five-year partnership to accelerate AI-driven materials discovery in Singapore