Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition invites young innovators from around the world to showcase deep-tech solutions in Singapore

Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition invites young innovators from around the world to showcase deep-tech solutions in Singapore

Are you ready to be part of something groundbreaking? The Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) is calling young innovators from universities across the globe to leverage deep-tech solutions to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

This competition is your chance to step into the future and showcase your ideas on a global stage.

What’s at Stake for Top Teams

The top 50 teams of the competition will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Singapore, including airfare and accommodation, to participate in this prestigious event.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to meet influential business leaders, potential co-founders, and other key players in the innovation ecosystem.

Plus, you’ll be in the running to win exciting prizes at the World’s Largest University Startup Challenge!

A Visionary Legacy

Inspired by one of the world’s most forward-thinking leaders, the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition honors Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, who masterminded the country’s rise to prominence.

Since its inception in 2002, the competition has grown into one of the largest deep-tech university startup challenges globally, with university startups from all corners of the world coming together every two years to showcase their cutting-edge innovations.

Powered by Innovation at Singapore Management University

Organized by Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE), the competition has built a global community of young innovators who are dedicated to solving real-world problems through technology.

Over the years, countless successful ventures have emerged from the competition, impacting industries and improving lives globally.

The Evolution of the Competition

The Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition started as the first-ever international business plan competition aimed at university undergraduates, attracting students from universities, colleges, and polytechnics worldwide.

Since 2002, it has grown significantly, with the number of submissions increasing from 200 in its inaugural year to over 1,000 submissions from 1,100 universities in 2023.

Today, it’s a highly anticipated event in the global youth innovation space, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators for an exciting week of pitches, networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing.

Areas of Focus for Your Innovation

This competition isn’t just about any business idea—it’s about deep-tech solutions that can make a real difference.

Here are some of the key areas you can focus your innovation on:

  • Carbon Tech
  • Climate Tech
  • Energy Transitions
  • Food & Land Use
  • Green Buildings & Construction
  • Homeland Security
  • Public Health
  • Water Solutions & More

Incredible Prizes and Opportunities

What do you stand to gain by participating in the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition?

  • Over S$1 million in prizes
  • An all-inclusive trip to Singapore
  • Exclusive access to top investors
  • A global stage to showcase your deep-tech innovation

This is your chance to take your solution from concept to reality and connect with the right people to help bring your vision to life.

Apply Before the Deadline

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025.

If you’re passionate about deep-tech innovation and ready to make an impact on global challenges, apply now and be part of a community of forward-thinking entrepreneurs.

Get ready to take your idea to the next level and join us in Singapore!