A*STAR has expanded its AStartCentral venture-building platform from 10,000 square feet to 18,000 square feet. The enlarged footprint adds laboratory and engineering facilities aimed at helping research-driven startups develop technologies and bring them to market.
Operating under the AStartCentral 2.0 model, the platform provides support across technology development, commercialisation, and business growth. Established in 2016, it has supported more than 100 ventures. According to A*STAR, these portfolio companies have collectively raised over S$1.6 billion and created more than 1,800 jobs.
Larger facilities for testing and development
Life sciences and chemistry facilities have doubled from 4,000 square feet of open bench space to 8,000 square feet, offering dedicated laboratory suites alongside shared benches. A*STAR notes that the dedicated spaces can strengthen intellectual property protection and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
The engineering workshop has also been upgraded to support advanced prototype development and testing before products are submitted for formal compliance assessments. It includes a radio frequency shielding room, which A*STAR describes as the first facility of its kind available to startups in Singapore. Companies can use the room to conduct pre-compliance testing on-site, reducing the cost, complexity, and delays associated with external testing. Other available equipment supports metal 3D printing, printed circuit board fabrication, metal laser cutting, and material testing.
These capabilities are intended to address some of the development requirements facing deep tech companies. As A*STAR notes, such ventures can require longer development timelines, more capital, and more complex routes to market than conventional startups.
Startups can draw on facilities across A*STAR’s network
Startups can also draw on specialised capabilities across ASTAR’s wider ecosystem. Companies working on decarbonisation technologies can access facilities and expertise from the ASTAR Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment on Jurong Island, where resources support the testing and refinement of technologies intended for the energy and chemicals sector.
Healthcare ventures can use co11ab Novena, a partnership between A*STAR, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, and the National Healthcare Group. The centre provides access to clinical expertise, partners, and opportunities to test biotechnology, medical technology, and digital health developments.
Programmes support companies from early ideas to overseas growth
AStartCentral runs programmes for researchers and founders at different stages of building a company, beginning with early ideation. Its Open Mike initiative allows researchers and innovators to present early ideas, gather feedback, and assess commercial opportunities. Across eight editions, the programme has led to 18 spin-offs and another 13 ventures in development, with participants securing more than S$4 million in development grants and over S$11 million in private fundraising, according to ASTAR. In addition, Essentials Bootcamp helps founding teams validate customer needs, refine their proposed products, and assess commercial opportunities.
Other initiatives focus on building founding teams and professional networks. ASPIRE connects aspiring founders with potential co-founders, while the Business Champions Network links startups to mentors, investors, entrepreneurs, and subject specialists.
For enterprises preparing to expand, Envision Global connects founders with customers, partners, and overseas markets, while Elevate links startups with customers, partners, and investors to support commercialisation. Around 30% of ventures supported by AStartCentral originate outside A*STAR, extending its programmes beyond startups emerging directly from the agency’s research institutes.
Irene Cheong, Assistant Chief Executive, Innovation and Enterprise at A*STAR, said the expanded infrastructure and programmes are intended to support companies as they pursue international growth. “Many founders begin with strong technologies and deep technical expertise, but building a successful company requires much more than a breakthrough innovation,” Cheong said. “AStartCentral’s next phase is about helping more founders move beyond commercialisation towards international growth. Through expanded infrastructure and sector-specific venture-building pathways, we aim to help promising ventures access new markets, strategic partnerships, and growth opportunities. We welcome aspiring entrepreneurs to co-create with ASTAR to transform innovations into globally competitive businesses, and bring Singapore-grown technologies to the world.”
