From innovation to expansion: Why Singapore is rising up the ranks for a new swathe of Australian tech start ups

30 May 2025

Singapore’s strategic and business location, co-government initiatives, and access to funding is attracting a new generation of Australian innovators. We take a look at what’s afoot in the start-up space with a deep dive on some sectors.

Singapore is building its investment case for Australian firms

As Australia deepens its business relationships with Singapore, the shift from traditional exports to more sophisticated models of co-innovation, co-investment, and joint ventures represents a strategic move to stay competitive in emerging industries.
For Australian businesses looking to expand in Singapore, these partnerships offer opportunities to co-develop cutting-edge solutions and capitalise on new market opportunities in agritech, cleantech, medtech and more.

What SMEs can do to capitalise on growing industries

To succeed in these emerging sectors, Australian businesses should forge strong local partnerships, leverage Singapore’s business-friendly environment, and align with sustainability trends. These collaborations will provide enhanced market access, shared resources, and a scalable pathway into Southeast Asia.

Conduct in-depth market research to understand the demands and regulations of your industry
Establish partnerships with local firms or government agencies such as Enterprise Singapore and A*STAR
Build networks and brand visibility by participating in industry expos like the Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia or attending networking events hosted by AustCham Singapore

Spotlight on fuelling medtech growth

Asia Pacific’s rising demand for quality healthcare is catalysing medtech growth, with the sector projected to reach US$225 billion by 2030, according to estimates by Singapore’s Economic Development Board. In response, cross-border collaboration is increasing. Global medtech players can now leverage MedTech Catapult, a S$38 million initiative by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) that aims to speed up medical device commercialisation.

Investments in cleantech and agritech

Investors in Singapore have been long-time champions of Australian innovation. In 2024, Temasek Holdings co-led a US$65 million Series A+ fund round in Samsara Eco, an envirotech startup pioneering “plastic-eating enzymes”. Meanwhile in agritech, local farms adopting technology to be more productive and resilient to climate change can tap on schemes such as the Agri-food Cluster Transformation Fund.

This five-part series explores how SMEs can unlock growth by tapping into stronger Australia–Singapore ties and shared momentum in innovation, AI and smart cities. The insights are powered by Via Communications Group: a communications agency focused on supporting international businesses with their cross-border communications needs across Asia. You can check them out at wearevia.com

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