MEDIA FACTSHEET
Singapore, 15 July 2024
NUS collaborates with SGInnovate and Plexal to accelerate cybersecurity innovation and propel start-up growth
The National University of Singapore (NUS) has forged strategic partnerships through Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with SGInnovate and Plexal to drive innovation and growth in Singapore's cybersecurity ecosystem. The MOUs were exchanged at the official opening of the CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth (TIG) Collaboration Centre (The Centre) on 15 July 2024.
The collaboration with SGInnovate and Plexal will enhance the effectiveness and reach of the Centre, bringing together diverse expertise and resources to support more cybersecurity companies to establish their presence in Singapore, as well as to develop Singapore-based cybersecurity products, and to help Singapore-based cybersecurity companies to scale up and to expand market reach. This will deepen cybersecurity capabilities, build a thriving cybersecurity ecosystem, and strengthen Singapore’s defence against cyber threats.
MOU with SGInnovate
The partnership with SGInnovate encompasses these areas:
- Build national champions in the cybersecurity sector
- Identify and invest in promising cybersecurity companies; and provide resources and mentorship to help them scale and expand their market reach.
- Develop and grow Singapore’s cybersecurity talent pipeline
- Leverage SGInnovate’s Deep Tech Central platform to connect students and cybersecurity professionals with access to events, courses, and jobs across various emerging technology domains.
- Joint promotion and development of talent programmes to grow cybersecurity talent pool through traineeships with local start-ups. This includes leveraging platforms such as SGInnovate’s PowerX, a 12-month traineeship designed to create Deep Tech career opportunities for working professionals through bespoke training and industry exposure.
- Joint tech community events
- Strengthen Singapore's position as a cybersecurity hub through engaging, community-driven events and collaborate on events to vitalise Singapore’s cybersecurity ecosystem, and foster knowledge sharing, innovation and collaboration among industry experts, stakeholders and the tech community.
MOU with Plexal
The collaboration with Plexal, a UK based innovation company that is recognised for its government led innovation programmes, cyber accelerator programmes and innovation work with industry leads, covers three key areas:
- Co-delivery of the CyberBoost Catalyse programme
• The CyberBoost Catalyse programme supports cybersecurity companies to develop their growth strategies, seek investment opportunities, and scale business footprints.
• Gain peer support network of fellow innovators that share ambitions for scaling in new markets.
- Joint Innovation and Enterprise Initiatives
• NUS and Plexal will develop joint initiatives to address global cybersecurity challenges and market needs.
• Cultivate an innovation hub where industry pioneers, start-ups, and experts converge to spark ideas, share insights, and co-create cutting-edge solutions.
• Co-organise events that vitalise Singapore’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
- Market Access and Business Development
• CyberBoost participants can gain privileged access to extensive networks in the UK and US, unlocking new markets, customers, and strategic partnerships while ensuring smooth international expansion. This tailored approach empowers cybersecurity companies to rapidly scale their business footprint and capitalise on global opportunities.
Annex – Quotes by Spokespersons
1. Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Ecosystem Building), NUS
“We are excited to mark the official opening of the CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre. NUS Enterprise is committed to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and entrepreneurship to develop a thriving cybersecurity innovation ecosystem from Singapore. This Centre will synergise and leverage the combined expertise and resources of academia, industry, government, local and international industry partners. Our partnerships with Plexal and SGInnovate are a step forward to further support promising start-ups that drive global innovation and business opportunities towards a more secure digital future in Singapore and beyond.”
2. Mr Hsien-Hui Tong, Executive Director – Investments, SGInnovate
"This partnership between SGInnovate and the CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre is a vital step in our journey towards building innovative national cybersecurity champions. Working closely together ensures that both our early-stage cybersecurity start-ups and promising talent will be able to access resources and opportunities across the emerging tech ecosystem, at every stage of their development.”
3. Mr Saj Huq, CCO and Head of Innovation, Plexal
"Cybersecurity challenges are global, necessitating international cooperation and creating global opportunities for innovators and adopters alike. Singapore stands as a crucial nexus for this progress. We are proud to extend our international reach by collaborating with the CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre, established by CSA and NUS. Together, we aim to address critical challenges and accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies by nurturing cybersecurity companies at various growth stages. The CyberBoost programme will enable companies to both establish themselves in Singapore and expand into high-growth global markets."
