SINGAPORE (Sept 13): Singtel Group’s venture capital arm, Singtel Innov8, on Tuesday announced it is opening applications to the second instalment of its Innov8 Connect programme.

Innov8 Connect is a programme for start-ups to work with Singtel on solving real-world business challenges faced by the telecommunications group.

This call follows the launch of the inaugural programme in January, which saw over 120 submissions from start-ups across 22 countries. Singtel shortlisted 14 start-ups for potential proof-of-concepts, including Moogsoft, Opmantek and Zinier for enterprise operations.

In this second edition, Innov8 Connect has identified 14 business challenges for start-ups to find solutions to, ranging from Internet of Things (IoT) to augmented reality and artificial intelligence as well as automation and cyber security.

Start-ups that are selected will receive up to S$75,000 to test and validate their solutions with Singtel and its Australian subsidiary Optus, with solutions potentially being commercialised with the Group. Selected start-ups may also have the opportunity to seek funding from Singtel Innov8 or tap into its network for further investments.

“We hope to uncover more innovative answers for real emerging business challenges with start-ups in this latest installment of the programme,” says Tay Soo Meng, group chief technology officer, Singtel.

Singtel Innov8 CEO Edgar Hardless hopes to replicate the success of the first installment of the programme.

“Through these real challenges that businesses face, we hope to spur greater innovation while identifying and supporting viable solutions that meet the Group’s needs,” says Hardless.

Applications close on Oct 31, 2016.