The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) today unveiled A*StartCentral (A*SC) 2.0, to better help founders translate research into commercial opportunities and scale their ventures.

Officiated by Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), A*SC 2.0 provides founders with more integrated support across the venture-building journey, from technology development to commercialisation and growth. Over the past decade, A*SC has supported more than 100 ventures with access to infrastructure, mentorship, networks and venture-building support. These ventures have collectively raised over S$1.6 billion in capital and created more than 1,800 jobs.

Deep tech ventures are expected to play an increasingly important role in Singapore's growth by translating research and innovation into new products, companies and industries. Yet bringing these innovations to market can be challenging, as they often involve longer development timelines, higher capital requirements and more complex pathways to market adoption than conventional startups. A*SC’s first decade focused on helping founders bridge the gap between research and commercialisation. Building on these foundations, A*SC 2.0 will strengthen support for ventures as they scale, access global markets, and build globally competitive businesses from Singapore.

"Many founders begin with strong technologies and deep technical expertise, but building a successful company requires much more than a breakthrough innovation. A*StartCentral'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 A*STAR to transform innovations into globally competitive businesses, and bring Singapore-grown technologies to the world,” said Ms Irene Cheong, Assistant Chief Executive, Innovation and Enterprise, A*STAR.

Expanded infrastructure and sector-specific pathways for technology translation

 A*SC 2.0’s footprint has expanded from 10,000 square feet to 18,000 square feet, and now includes:

• Life sciences and chemistry facilities that have doubled in size, from 4,000 square feet of open bench space to 8,000 square feet of dedicated laboratory suites and open benches. These new facilities provide dedicated space that strengthen intellectual property protection and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
• Engineering workshop that has evolved from supporting basic prototyping to enabling advanced prototype development and pre-compliance testing. For instance, the space includes a radio frequency shielding room, the first of its kind available to startups in Singapore, allowing them to conduct pre-compliance testing on-site and reducing the cost, complexity and delays associated with external testing. Startups can also access specialised equipment that supports capabilities such as metal 3D printing, printed circuit board fabrication, metal laser cutting and material testing

Startups developing technologies in areas such as decarbonisation can also tap on A*STAR Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment’s (A*STAR ISCE²) facilities and expertise on Jurong Island. This gives founders access to capabilities that can help them test and refine technologies for the energy and chemicals sector, to support the translation of promising innovations towards real-world application.

Similarly, healthcare ventures can tap co11ab Novena, a partnership between A*STAR, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and the National Healthcare Group that supports the translation of biotech, medtech and digital health innovations through access to clinical expertise, partners and test-bedding opportunities.

A decade of building deep tech ventures

Established in 2016, A*SC is A*STAR's venture-building platform for researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs, supporting the creation and growth of deep tech ventures.

This support is delivered through structured venture-building programmes that help founders at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Early exposure initiatives such as Open Mike encourage researchers to explore entrepreneurship and test ideas, while capability-building programmes like Essentials Bootcamp help them assess commercial opportunities, validate customer needs and develop venture-building skills. Founders also gain access to mentors, industry partners, investors and overseas networks that support their growth ambitions.