Plug and Play programme seeks second batch of prospective startups

SINGAPORE - Singapore Press Holdings' Plug and Play accelerator programme is looking out for its second batch of prospective startups from Singapore and around the region.

This is a joint venture between media group SPH, Silicon Valley-based global startup accelerator Plug and Play, and Infocomm Investments, the venture capital subsidiary of Infocomm Development Authority (IDA).

Established in 2015, the programme is backed by the three partners' combined networks as well as their industry knowledge and resources. It aims to help start-ups that have innovative tech ideas that will transform and revolutionise the media industry.

Each successful startup will be entitled to $30,000 seed funding, as well as perks and services such as cloud hosting, analytics, and video support worth up to $200,000, said a press statement by SPH.

The startups will also receive three months' worth of office space in BASH (79 Ayer Rajah Crescent). Up to ten startups will be selected for a three-month-long immersive programme, where they can acquire in-depth domain and industry knowledge through SPH stakeholders and properties.

They will also get business development and partnership opportunities through SPH regional partners, as well as market access in the United States and Europe though Plug & Play and IIPL offices worldwide.

The inaugural SPH Plug & Play accelerator programme ran from April to October last year, attracting over 280 applicants from more than 10 countries.

It culminated in a Demo Day held in October which saw the first batch of eight startups participating in a pitch to early-stage investors and key industry players from Singapore's media and start-up scene.

Mr Rudy Lim, Head of SPH Plug and Play said: "SPH presents a rich resource of networks, domain expertise and media assets, which could serve as the ultimate ingredient for media startups to accelerate growth. We welcome any startups innovating in the media space to come and speak with us."

Please refer to https://www.sphplugandplay.com/startup for profiles of the inaugural batch of eight startups.

Application closes on 22 February 2016. For more information on the SPH Plug and Play accelerator programme, visit

Website: www.sphplugandplay.com Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/SPHxPnP