Singapore opened a new center to support both local and international startups in scaling within the country’s innovation ecosystem at JTC LaunchPad @ One-North.

Stage One is a collaborative effort by Enterprise Singapore and the Economic Development Board, which will provide masterclasses, advisory clinics and business-matching events to connect founders with investors, industry mentors and corporate partners. The Action Community manages the 2,422-square-foot space for Entrepreneurship (ACE.SG).

The center aims to serve as a hub for international founders entering Singapore, assisting them with incorporation, talent recruitment and access to co-working or office spaces. Startups can also join immersion programs to learn about the local ecosystem and explore opportunities for collaboration and fundraising.

Since its announcement in 2024, nearly 700 startups, both local and international, have expressed interest in using Stage One.

During the opening, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng said Stage One provides young companies with direct access to “the community, resources and partnerships to start and scale their ventures.” He highlighted support in three areas: starting operations, building capabilities and accessing resources to expand into new markets.

Dr. Tan mentioned that Singapore continues to attract global tech talent and founders thanks to its stable regulatory environment and strong public support for innovation, with about 1% of GDP dedicated to research and innovation efforts.

The assistant managing director of innovation at Enterprise Singapore, Emily Liew, described Stage One as a “dynamic hub” for collaboration and growth, encouraging founders to take advantage of the campus and its network.

The opening also included the ACE.SG signing partnership agreements with Finland’s startup hub Maria 01 and Switzerland’s Innovaud, aimed at strengthening ties between Singapore and European innovation ecosystems and supporting cross-border expansion.

Japan-based chemicals startup Thermalytica, among the first international companies interested in the facility, said the center will help establish a foothold in Singapore and provide workspace for early operations.

Stage One’s campus is located adjacent to event venues, co-working spaces and a food and beverage outlet within the LaunchPad district, highlighting the area’s role as a hub for early-stage tech companies emerging from Singapore.