IDA's iStart – Helping Entrepreneurs, Developers, Startups

If you have attempted to go global but found yourself fumbling around, this iStart project by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) might interest you. iStart is multi-pronged approach designed to help entrepreneurs and developers build talent and go global with their companies. Through some of the initiatives under iStart, startups can be connected to potential customers, partners and investors. You will also be able to participate in pitching events and have consultation sessions with industry practitioners.

During a chat with the Entrepreneurship & Start-Up team at IDA, I learned that while iStart as an official initiative was only just conceptualized. Much of the work done by the office over the past year or so had all been fulfilling iStart’s goals.

What is iStart?

Aimed at ICT start-ups, IDA has undertaken a series of programmes to provide stronger assistance, facilitation and nurturing of start-ups in Singapore.

A multi-pronged approach, iStart aims to (1) increase business viability and growth in overseas markets, (2) enhance entrepreneurial capabilities and (3) train developers.

1. Increase Business Viability and Growth in Overseas Markets

The key aspect of iStart is the focus on people and connections amongst people. Under this first prong, IDA’s focus is on helping companies enter new foreign markets. By connecting and introducing companies to key organizations, mentors and industry practitioners in the foreign market, IDA hopes to help companies bridge the knowledge and network gap.

Under this goal, IDA will be bringing a pioneer group of about 10 companies from Singapore to Silicon Valley this October 2010 and January 2011.

This programme is split into three parts:

(1) First trip to Silicon Valley (18-29 Oct 2010) – meetings, pitching sessions, workshops, mentoring.
(2) Singapore – Product refinement/enhancement, offline mentoring.
(3) Second trip to Silicon Valley (10-21st Jan 2011) – meetings, events.

IDA will arrange the sessions in Silicon Valley and help connect startups to players there.

The startup just needs to cover airfare, accommodation and daily expenses. IDA will cover workshop costs, pitching costs and all other mentoring/consultation costs.

The next group trip will take place in early 2011. Locations are currently being defined. Contact IDA at IDA_Startup@ida.gov.sg if you would like to find out more.

2. Enhancing Entrepreneurial Capabilities