Startup Challenge 2023

The much-awaited A*STAR Advanced Manufacturing Startup Challenge returns to the stage with enthusiasm this year! With a steadfast commitment to driving sustainability within the advanced manufacturing industry, this year's contest takes center stage in addressing crucial challenges and seizing opportunities in creating sustainable solutions through environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and the principles of the circular economy.

Embark on a journey of transforming ideas into reality to reshape the future of advanced manufacturing today!

Problem Statements

Problem Statement 1:
Driving energy efficiency for sustainable manufacturing

Problem Statement 2:
Energy-efficient cooling for thermal comfort

Problem Statement 3:
Waste-to-Resource marketplace to promote circular economy

Problem Statement 4:
Decision Support System for Sustainable Packaging Design

Problem Statement 1: Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Manufacturing

How might we develop a smart energy management system to measure, monitor and control energy consumption throughout the manufacturing process to provide recommendations to optimise energy efficiency and reduce consumption?

Download your challenge brief* here.

*The challenge brief is meant to serve as a guide, and we remains open to evaluate submissions should your company's technology be able to address the outlined industry pain-points. All submissions of hardware and software solutions in various technological maturity will be evaluated

Submit your ideas here (login required).

Problem Statement 2: Energy-efficient Cooling for Thermal Comfort

How might we optimise energy efficiency in air-conditioning for thermal loading, while still delivering thermal comfort?

Download your challenge brief* here.

*The challenge brief is meant to serve as a guide, and we remains open to evaluate submissions should your company's technology be able to address the outlined industry pain-points. All submissions of hardware and software solutions in various technological maturity will be evaluated.

Submit your ideas here (login required).

Problem Statement 3: Waste-to-Resource Marketplace to Promote Circular Economy

How might we promote circular economy by facilitating the adoption of industry symbiosis and encouraging B2B exchange of waste materials for reuse?

Download your challenge brief* here.

*The challenge brief is meant to serve as a guide, and we remains open to evaluate submissions should your company's technology be able to address the outlined industry pain-points. All submissions of hardware and software solutions in various technological maturity will be evaluated.

Submit your ideas here (login required).

Problem Statement 4: Decision Support System for Sustainable Packaging Design

How might we provide decision support to help the company to achieve sustainable packaging design without compromising its functionality?

Download your challenge brief* here.

*The challenge brief is meant to serve as a guide, and we remains open to evaluate submissions should your company's technology be able to address the outlined industry pain-points. All submissions of hardware and software solutions in various technological maturity will be evaluated.

Submit your ideas here (login required).

Prizes and Benefits

$50,000 (SGD) Cash Prize

2 years ARTC Tier 3 Membership

$150,000 Innovation Voucher

Access to IMDA's Innovation consultancies and PIXEL corporate innovation hub for prototyping and commercialisation

Business and Technical Mentorship from leading industry experts

Top 3 winners to be fast-tracked into Slingshot Top 50 + 30,000 Startup Grant

Timeline

25 Aug 2023

16:00 (SGT/GMT+8)

Submission Deadline

22 Sept 2023

A*STAR Advanced Manufacturing Startup Challenge - Pitch Day

Oct 2023 - Feb 2024

Prototype Deployment Phase

Feb/Mar 2024

Winner Showdown at Bi-Annual Technical Meeting

Winners of 2023

Problem Statement 1a: Driving Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Manufacturing

Winner: Aleph Digital Technologies

Aleph Technologies provides AI-powered software with a co-pilot functionality for manufacturing plants to simulate and optimise processes to achieve energy saving, product quality improvement and cost reduction.

Problem Statement 1b: Driving Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Manufacturing

Winner: Affirmo Technology

Utilising artificial intelligence, analytics, Big Data Management and IoT, Affirmo Technology Pte Ltd has been able to establish itself as a Singapore deep-tech company and solution provider to help organisations in their digital transformation, innovation and sustainability journey.

Problem Statement 2: Energy Efficient Cooling for Thermal Comfort

Winner: GAIA Tech

GAIA Tech is keen in advancing research in efficient Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) regulations, environmental sustainability and cost-effective solutions that prioritise human thermal comfort while reducing energy consumptions.

Problem Statement 3: Waste to Resource Marketplace to promote Circular Economy

Winner: Circular Unite

From data collection and analytics to engagement and education, Circular Unite provides an end-to-end solution that empowers businesses to effectively reduce their carbon footprint and transition towards a circular economy. Circular Unite’s N.A.T.A.L.I.E is the backbone of our solution that offers businesses that comprehensive analytics tool to monitor, visualise, and benchmark their waste management and recycling performance.

Problem Statement 4: Decision Support System for Sustainable Packaging Design

Winner: aXia AI Solutions

Offering practical solutions that empower businesses in their digital transformation journey, aXia AI Solutions’s product, StudioX is an AI-Infused sustainable packaging design tool which simplifies AI complexities. aXia does not only provide cutting-edge tools but also optimises them for maximum effectiveness.