Facebook and IMDA kick off Startup Station Singapore

• Facebook's first data innovation startup programme in Asia
• 11 startups from Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia

FACEBOOK and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) welcomed 11 startups to Startup Station Singapore, a six-month programme to support innovative data-driven startups from Asia including Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia.

“We are honoured to support the next generation of startups in Asia through the Facebook Startup Station in Singapore. These 11 startups represent a diverse cross-section of industry, from tourism and hospitality to health and education. What sets them apart is the way they are helping people through the innovative use of data and technology.

“In collaboration with IMDA, we are proud to provide these startups with the infrastructure, mentorship and support they need to grow and scale their operations ethically and sustainably,” said Facebook global deputy chief privacy officer Stephen Deadman.

“IMDA is committed to creating a trusted data ecosystem, in support of Singapore's journey to become a leading Digital Economy. Through our collaboration with Facebook, we will be able to support innovative startups build data-driven businesses, adopt sound data practices and springboard into new markets,” said IMDA assistant chief executive (Data Innovation and Protection) Yeong Zee Kin.

Following the official launch of the program in October 2018, 11 startups have been selected from across the region:

1. Jumper.ai (Singapore): An AI enabled software that helps businesses connect with consumers on social media platforms to purchase their products or services.
2. Peoplewave (Singapore): An employee management and HR solutions provider that turns employee performance into data points.
3. Envolve (Singapore): An intuitive end-to-end sensing and analytics service connecting retailers with FMCG manufacturers.
4. Vouch (Singapore): A digital concierge service for hotels that helps alleviate the load on concierge, front desk staff, and call centres by providing instant, accurate answers to common requests.
5. Waitrr (Singapore): An ordering and payments app, enabling diners to order and pay through the app platform in any restaurant, by using their smartphone.
6. Allied World Healthcare (the Philippines): Social enterprise, sustainably delivering basic healthcare services in underserved communities; filling the gaps where traditional healthcare services don't reach.
7. DRVR (Thailand): Fleet analytics platform connects vehicles to the Internet using smart IoT sensors. Covering fleet, Cold Chain and bike tracking and recently vessels, DRVR can use Big data centered on transport operational patterns to help businesses.
8. GigaGigs (Malaysia): A mobile app that crowdsources people to perform multiple (Giga) micro-tasks (Gigs).
9. Newswav (Malaysia): News aggregator that lets users stay up to date with current news stories from news publications around Malaysia.
10. Qlue (Indonesia): A social media app which allows users to report problems directly to the city government and businesses, as well as share information with neighbours in order to help create a Smart City.
11. QSearch (Taiwan): Provides Facebook search and audience analytics to support digital marketing

The programme will also provide the startups with:

• Mentorship: Good mentors provide important support and guidance for startups. Participants will be connected to Facebook experts, industry leaders, and specialists in product innovation, business growth, and data protection throughout the program.
• Regulatory Sandbox: Startups will have the chance to develop new approaches and innovative ideas through the use of data in a live environment, with guidance and support from IMDA.
• Co-working Space: A conducive space in Singapore for participating startups which encourages collaboration while connecting them to the innovation community. The space (IMDA’s PIXEL) is well equipped with prototyping labs, studio productions, and incubation facilities that are built around design, data, engineering, ICT and media.
• Connections: Opportunity to network with regional venture capitals and investors via demo day at the end of the programme. The startups that graduate from the program will be invited to join Facebook’s startup alumni programme that will connect them to a global network of startups.
• Facebook Programs & Resources: Startups will be given the opportunity to be part of FbStart, a Facebook global programme designed to help startups build and grow with access to free tools and services.

Startup Station Singapore by Facebook is aimed at encouraging Asia’s spirit of entrepreneurship and startup growth. Through these initiatives, Facebook connects startups with investors, accelerators and venture capitalists through an array of grassroots initiatives or networks.

This programme, powered by Rainmaking, is Facebook's second data innovation startup programme globally, after France, and the first in Asia. In addition to Startup Station, Facebook launched Developers Circles Singapore in November 2018. Developers Circles is a program for developers to connect, collaborate, and encourage community learning and coding through local meet-ups and online groups. There are currently 17 Developer Circles across Southeast Asia.