Startup Challenge 2024

2024 - A-STAR Startup1

The A*STAR Advanced Manufacturing Startup Challenge is back for its 5th cycle, focusing on the transformative power of AI in manufacturing. This year’s challenge targets critical areas such as industrial automation, predictive maintenance, operations optimisation, and quality assurance.

Join us in redefining the future of manufacturing. Click below to download the briefs and submit your proposal!

If you are interested in Robot Operating System (ROS)-based challenges, visit the ROS-I Startup Challenge here. 

Problem Statements

Problem Statement 1

Problem Statement 1:
Optimising Safety for Human-Robot Interactions 

Problem Statement 2

Problem Statement 2:
Optimising Bearing Production Through Dynamic Automation

Problem Statement 3

Problem Statement 3:
Effective and Accurate Video-Based Defect Detection

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Problem Statement 4:
Enquiry management and customer segmentation for streamlined sales operations & decision making

How might we enhance human-robot interaction for mobile manipulators in dynamic environments while maintaining the safety of human operators?

Download your challenge brief* here.

Submit your ideas here (login required).

How might we develop a dynamic automation solution that integrates with existing production lines to perform multiple tasks efficiently with a high level of precision, while enhancing worker productivity and safety?

Download your challenge brief* here. 

Submit your ideas here (login required).

 

How might we develop a flexible solution for video-based defect detection that can successfully detect defects based on limited image and video data input?

This problem statement is backed by two different problem statement owners, each with distinct use cases for the potential solution. When submitting your proposal, please indicate clearly which challenge owner you are addressing. If your solution is capable of addressing both use cases, you are welcome to indicate both.

Download your challenge brief* here. 

Submit your ideas here (login required).

How might we develop an enquiry management system to assess and segment customers to support sales decision-making, improve customer retention, and streamline internal operations?

Download your challenge brief* here. 

Submit your ideas here (login required).

*The challenge brief serves as a guide, and we welcome submissions from companies whose technologies address the outlined industry pain points. We are open to evaluating all hardware and software solutions, regardless of their technological maturity. Each submission will be thoroughly evaluated based on its potential to meet industry needs and drive innovation.

Prizes

Prize money

S$50,000 Cash

Membership

2 years ARTC Tier 3 Membership

Innovation voucher

S$150,000 A*STAR funding for technology development

Accelerator program

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

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Business and Technical Mentorship from leading industry experts

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1 participant to be fast-tracked into slingshot top 50 + $20,000 startup grant

Timeline

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Winners of 2024

kinetix

Problem Statement: How might we enhance human-robot interaction for mobile manipulators in dynamic environments while maintaining the safety of human operators for Bosch? 

Winner: Kinetix Pro (Spatial Labs Pte. Ltd)

KinetixPro is a computer vision company that leverages AI to automate the detection and prevention of safety and security risks while streamlining operations. We integrate with existing CCTV infrastructure and offer 24/7 operation monitoring with real-time risk detections, instant alerts for high-risk events (via IoT or mobile), and advanced analytics for proactive risk management. 

Kookree

Problem Statement: How might we develop a flexible solution for video-based defect detection that can successfully detect defects based on limited image and video data input for aircraft engine inspection for SAESL?

Winner: Kookree Pte Ltd

Kookree is dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) to serve the broader good of humanity. Our mission is to harness the potential of AI to solve complex challenges and improve life globally. We strive to develop safe and beneficial AI technologies that are accessible to everyone and support equitable outcomes across all sectors of society.

tictag

Problem Statement: How might we develop a flexible solution for video-based defect detection that can successfully detect defects based on limited image and video data input for drill bit inspection for Kennametal?

Winner: TicTag (Tagteam Technologies Pte Ltd)

Tictag aims to build the future of the AI economy. Founded in 2019 by a team of AI veterans, this Singapore-based startup, with an operational base in South Korea, has developed a user-friendly, fully integrated, mobile-first platform. It leverages cutting edge AI augmentation and scalable human-in-the-loop crowdsourcing achieve the highest quality in the collection and annotation of image, text, or audio datasets for the training of LLMs (for generative AI), or machine learning, as well as the fine-tuning and deployment of AI and machine learning models. 
factorem

Problem Statement: How might we develop an enquiry management system to assess and segment customers to support sales decision­ making, improve customer retention, and streamline internal operations for Tru-Marine?

Winner: Factorem Pte Ltd

Founded in 2020, Factorem has developed a cutting- edge cloud platform that uses advanced pricing and matching algorithms to automate a slow and costly process of sourcing custom manufactured parts. It primarily operates a transactional marketplace with 150+ pre-qualified manufacturers in Southeast Asia to fulfil jobs and handle end-to-end order management efficiently by leveraging AI-driven processes. Factorem services clients across Singapore, USA, Europe and Australia, with suppliers across Southeast Asia. 
tictag

Problem Statement: How might we accurately automate the inventory scanning process to allow for early error detection, and improve efficiency for outbound distribution?

Winner: TicTag (Tagteam Technologies Pte Ltd)

Tictag aims to build the future of the AI economy. Founded in 2019 by a team of AI veterans, this Singapore-based startup, with an operational base in South Korea, has developed a user-friendly, fully integrated, mobile-first platform. It leverages cutting edge AI augmentation and scalable human-in-the-loop crowdsourcing achieve the highest quality in the collection and annotation of image, text, or audio datasets for the training of LLMs (for generative AI), or machine learning, as well as the fine-tuning and deployment of AI and machine learning models. 

 

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