An opportunity to transform media sector

Singapore Press Holdings' (SPH's) Plug and Play accelerator programme is on the lookout for its second batch of prospective start-ups from Singapore and around the region.

Plug and Play is a joint venture between SPH, Silicon Valley- based global start-up accelerator Plug and Play and Infocomm Investments (IIPL), the venture capital subsidiary of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore.

Set up last year, the programme is backed by the three partners' combined networks as well as their industry knowledge and resources. It aims to help start-ups with innovative tech ideas that could transform and revolutionise the media industry.

Each successful start-up 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.

They will also receive three months' worth of office space at BASH (79 Ayer Rajah Crescent). Up to 10 start-ups will be selected for a three-month immersive programme, during which 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 And Play and IIPL offices worldwide.

The inaugural SPH Plug And Play accelerator programme ran from April to October last year and attracted over 280 applicants from more than 10 countries.

It culminated in a Demo Day in October, where the first batch of eight start-ups participated in a pitch to early-stage investors as well as key industry players from Singapore's media and start-up scene.

Mr Rudy Lim, the 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 start-ups to accelerate growth. We welcome any start-ups innovating in the media space to come and speak with us."

Applications close on Feb 22.

yasminey@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on jan 27, 2016.
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