Singtel Innov8, the corporate venturing division of Singapore-based telecommunications firm Singtel Group, launched a program this week that will invest up to S$75,000 ($50,000) in startups that tackle business challenges faced by the company.
The Singtel Innov8 Connect initiative will enable startups to test and validate their technologies with the firm and, if successful, may provide assistance to bring the product to market. Startups may also apply for funding fom Singtel Innov8 and its global co-investors.
Singtel Innov8 will publish briefs on its online portal and select one startup per brief following a pitching session. The company has listed an initial 10 briefs so far:
- Enterprise cloud services that enable users to move applications across providers;
- Technologies to prevent drones entering certain areas;
- Real-time data capture and analytics of pedestrians and traffic;
- Improved surveillance video quality;
- Energy saving products for data centres;
- Internet traffic management to ensure all users receive the best connectivity during peak times;
- Technologies that enable better wifi connectivity at home;
- Early or real-time detection and management of telecoms network or infrastructure failures;
- Communications platforms to keep enterprise clients updated on incidents; and
- Customer support services that provides staff with the latest information about products.