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Singapore continues to solidify its position as Asia’s innovation hub. On April 24, 2025, the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) officially launched the Global Founder Programme (GFP), a comprehensive initiative designed to support high-potential entrepreneurs in establishing and scaling their ventures from Singapore. The programme offers a holistic suite of resources, from visa facilitation to business ecosystem integration, serving as a powerful catalyst for founders aiming to expand globally.

Who Is Eligible for the Global Founder Programme?

The GFP is tailored for experienced founders and high-growth companies intending to set up regional headquarters or global hubs in Singapore. According to the latest official information as of April 2025, the programme primarily targets:

• Entrepreneurs who have successfully founded and expanded startups into international markets.
• Senior executives who have led the development of new products or business lines in multinational corporations or tech unicorns.
• Deep tech founders with commercial success in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, medical technology, and green technology.

EDB assesses applicants based on proven entrepreneurial expertise and a strong execution track record, focusing on those with the potential to build high-impact ventures from Singapore.

Why Singapore Introduced the GFP?

The GFP aims to incubate globally competitive companies by attracting seasoned “repeat founders” and key tech talent. Singapore aspires to be the “first headquarters” for the next generation of unicorns and publicly listed companies.

The programme places particular emphasis on strategic sectors such as deep tech, artificial intelligence, green economy, and medical technology. By drawing talent and enterprises from these fields, Singapore seeks to enhance its role in the global innovation value chain and drive diversified, high-quality economic growth.

Unique Support Offered by the GFP

The GFP provides an unprecedented level of support, encompassing more than just visa facilitation. It offers a comprehensive system for business establishment and growth:

Business Visa and Family Relocation

• Founders endorsed by EDB can apply for the Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass, a five-year visa allowing them to start, operate, and invest in businesses in Singapore.
• Spouses and children are eligible to apply for dependent passes or work permits, enabling seamless family relocation.

Government Capital and Market Access

• EDB actively connects GFP participants with government-backed investment entities, including SEEDS Capital, EDBI, and SG Growth Capital.
• The programme facilitates introductions to local and regional corporate clients, as well as government pilot projects, aiding in market expansion and resource acquisition.

Dedicated Strategic Advisory

• Each participating company is paired with a dedicated strategic advisor or “Venture Builder” to support business validation, customer trials, and fundraising strategies.
• Advisory services cover market research, product-market fit validation, brand communication, and talent recruitment, helping businesses navigate risks and unlock growth potential.

Support for Global Expansion

• Participants gain access to international exhibitions, technology showcases, and branding activities.
• The programme connects companies to Singapore’s and the global industrial ecosystem, facilitating international expansion.

GFP’s Three-Stage Support Framework

The GFP employs a Start-Build-Accelerate model to provide tailored support at different stages of a company’s development:

1. Start: Soft Landing and Networking

• Founders can attend exclusive EDB events, join a global founder community, and receive mentorship.
• Assistance is provided for ONE Pass applications and dependent passes for family members.
• Guidance on Singapore’s education, housing, and living resources is offered to prepare for long-term development.

2. Build: Business Establishment and Team Formation

• Support is available for obtaining Tech.Pass or Employment Passes for co-founders and key staff.
• Connections to EDB’s Venture Builders and industry experts help refine product positioning and business strategy.
• Assistance is provided in connecting with local clients, corporate resources, government projects, and initial funding channels.

3. Accelerate: Market Expansion and Capital Connection

• Facilitation of pilot projects with enterprise clients and demand-side partners.
• Support for participation in Singapore’s innovation funds, technology platforms, and global roadshows.
• Assistance with publicity and brand building through EDB-hosted channels and international innovation platforms.

Enhancing Your GFP Application Success

The EDB’s evaluation team meticulously reviews applications, incorporating insights from industry experts. Key factors for a successful application include a clear, verifiable personal background and robust professional capabilities.

EDB places particular emphasis on whether the founder has personally led the development and launch of a product or technology platform with significant market impact. Applicants must demonstrate tangible entrepreneurial experience, not just aspirations.

Online professional profiles, such as LinkedIn, play a crucial role in the initial assessment. EDB uses these platforms to evaluate applicants’ entrepreneurial history, industry credentials, and professional influence.

Recommended doc list for Application:

• A comprehensive LinkedIn profile highlighting core competencies, achievements, and leadership experience.
• A live website or landing page showcasing the operational status of current projects.
• A concise project introduction document (Idea Deck/Startup Brief) clearly presenting project highlights.

The GFP particularly favors applicants in high-growth industries such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence and data science, sustainability and climate technology, and deep tech sectors like advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and quantum computing. Applicants’ commitment to establishing operations in Singapore and alignment with ONE Pass eligibility criteria are also critical evaluation factors.

Upon passing the initial assessment, EDB will request additional materials. Applicants are advised to prepare the following documents in advance to expedite the evaluation process:

• Business plan detailing intentions to establish operations in Singapore.
• Product or technology descriptions, including proof of concept and user cases.
• Founder’s resume and descriptions of previous projects.
• Information on funding rounds and investors, if applicable.

Conclusion: Seize the Opportunity to Build Global Ventures from Singapore

The launch of the Global Founder Programme represents Singapore’s commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem for global entrepreneurs. With comprehensive support spanning visa facilitation, strategic advisory, and market access, Singapore offers an unparalleled platform for founders to launch and scale their next big venture.

Embark on your global entrepreneurial journey with Singapore as your launchpad. Contact us for more information.