Networking platform set up to help SMEs leverage technology

SINGAPORE — As the start-up scene here continues to pick up pace, a group comprising 21 companies, venture capitalists, StarHub and a government agency has come together to form a networking platform to support and help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grow.

Launched yesterday, the Innovators Network aims to help SMEs progress further through innovation and technology. Participating organisations include venture capitalist firm Red Dot Ventures, Nanyang Technological University, the National Environment Agency and the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore.

Mr Charlie Ang, founding president of the Innovators Institute, which is leading the overall effort, said: “As we journey towards becoming a global hub for innovators to create world-class innovations and solutions, it is critical to have a national-level platform for innovators to share ideas, technologies and experiences.”

This networking platform will be supported by agencies such as SPRING Singapore, the Infocomm Development Authority and the Singapore Business Federation which, among other bodies, will take turns to host its monthly events, said Mr Ang.

Mr Ang said it aims to connect companies of all backgrounds because innovations today often happen at the intersection of different industries and disciplines. Although each industry already has its own networking platforms and events, he said: “They are all on their own.”

“Sharing among a larger community is beneficial. Local enterprises and SMEs are among the segments that need the most help. Big MNCs are already investing in innovation; it is the local companies that don’t have capabilities in-house,” said Mr Ang.

Every networking session will have a different theme and be tailored to different industries, from healthcare to retail. But a common thread will be technology and sharing best practices to help companies innovate, said Mr Ang. “Technology is a game changer, so whether you are a technology company or a retailer, whatever industry you are from, you must look at technology to innovate,” he said.

Mr Christopher Lo of the Institute of Business Analytics is among those keen to take part in the new networking platform, as he feels big data is one aspect that businesses are not tapping sufficiently.

“Having a network of collaborators is important as it is not humanly possible to catch up with the speed of technology if you go it alone,” he said.