I was trawling through the Web, looking for the latest in innovation-driven tech startups. I thought my eventual destination would lead me to familiar territory, such as Silicon Valley, London’s various Tech hubs or even the increasingly relevant, German tech scene. Boy was I wrong, now that SXSW is over, there was one country that made significant buzz at the event, that I may have overlooked previously: Singapore. Sponsored by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), a showcase of the exciting innovations of eight Singapore-based technology startups showed that Singapore is taking startup tech seriously. The mission of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore is to develop information technology and telecommunications within Singapore with a view to serve citizens and companies.
IDA does this by actively supporting the growth of innovative tech companies and startups in Singapore, while working with leading global IT companies as well as developing excellent information technology and telecommunications infrastructure, policies and capabilities for Singapore. At SXSW, the startups ranged from mobile, 3D, security to sensory tech. The strategy of these Singapore-based innovation-driven tech startups is to present cutting edge tech products to serve the needs of the US market. This focussed plan, has a high chance of success since it is backed by government and it would appear that all parts of the local ecosystem, which includes investors, corporate partners and universities are actively working to ensure Singapore is a great place to create and build high growth tech product startups.
This is reason enough why existing global tech hubs should not rest on their laurels.
Here are eight innovations from Singapore that you may not be aware of:
- Affluential.com provides the world’s first DIY online survey platform to reach affluent consumers around the world. Developed by research firm Agility Research & Strategy to disrupt the market research industry, it enables clients to reach affluent panel respondents in over 20 markets in the local language.
- In the age of Wikileaks and an era where privacy is key, Digify.com helps users share their private and professional content safely, even after sending. Files are in view only mode and cannot be forwarded. Files can be set to self-destruct and the statistics will show who viewed the content. (one to watch!)
- Through Geteco.com, Eco offers an innovative way to collect feedback and engage directly with customers. Customers can scan a QR code on their smartphones or dial a number to provide feedback on the product or service by text or voice. Data is pulled from rating sites and social media channels, creating a consolidated view for customer sentiments.
- Gushcloud, an influencer network that executes advertising differently, helps brands connect to their audiences via influencers and the content they create on social media. Influencers are bloggers, social media influencers, celebrities, online publishers and YouTube channel creators.
- Using nano film structures Nanoveu’s first breakthrough product, EyeFly3D, delivers distortion free 3D videos, photos and games on smartphones and tablets.
- RecordTV allows consumers to record broadcast TV shows using any Internet-connected device – an iPhone, SmartTV or a laptop. With virtually unlimited storage, consumers can record thousands of TV shows, and are guaranteed they will never miss a show again.
- TouchPico by Touchjet is an all-in-one gadget that turns any surface into a giant touch screen for Android apps. The portable projector uses infrared detection technology to track the stylus for controlling and interacting with apps.
- Zensorium offers an innovative, easy-to-use sensing solution for fitness and relaxation to track one’s lifestyle. Their product Tinké measures blood oxygen levels, respiration rate, heart rate and rhythm of your heartbeat within seconds.
Going forward, IDA, will look to excite the startup ecosystem in Singapore through three key initiatives – the IDA Labs, Accelerator and Accreditation. The IDA Labs provides the physical environment for Singapore-based innovation-driven tech startups and talented entrepreneurs to imagine, build and experiment with ideas, supporting them from ideation to commercialisation. IDA’s Accreditation programme will provides young and promising tech startups the credentials that will speed up their go-to-market strategy and secure customers and partners.
Hayden Richards is Contributor of IntelligentHQ. He specialises in finance, trading, investment, and technology, with expertise in both buy-side, sell-side. Contributing and advising various global corporations, Hayden is a thought leader, researching on global regulatory subjects, digital, social media strategies and new trends for Businesses, Capital Markets and Financial Services.
Aside from the articles, interviews and content he writes for IntelligentHQ, Hayden is also a content curator for capital markets, analytic platforms and business industry emerging trends. An avid new media explorer Hayden is driven by a passion for business development, innovation, social business, Tech Trading, payments and eCommerce. A native Trinidadian, Hayden is also a veteran, having served with the Royal Air Force Reserves for the past 10 years.
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