Stellarate 3.0 offers SGD $130K grants for start-ups

Stellar Lifestyle has announced the launch of Stellarate 3.0, a technology accelerator programme developed in collaboration with Japan's JR East Group and Singapore Management University (SMU), targeting new retail and advertising concepts in train stations.

This third edition of the annual Stellarate initiative aims to support the development of technology-based ideas designed to enhance retail, advertising and food and beverage operations within transit environments. The programme is designed to promote the development of solutions that leverage technology to enhance interactions between commuters and retailers, as well as streamline operational efficiency for businesses.

Winners of Stellarate 3.0 will be eligible for grants from a pool of over SGD $130,000 and the opportunity to test their solutions in prime transit retail spaces within the SMRT network. In addition, participants will have the chance to access the Japanese retail market through JRE Ventures, explore exclusive support from UOB in financing and business solutions, and participate in publicity and networking activities designed to support business growth.

Tony Heng, President of Stellar Lifestyle, said, "Stellarate 3.0 reflects our unwavering commitment to shaping the future of transit retail and supporting SMEs through open innovation. By co-creating with start-ups, tech enablers, and forward-thinking brands, we are not only enhancing commuter experiences but also unlocking new value across the retail and media ecosystems. These collaborations bring to life real-world solutions with scalable potential—both in Singapore and regionally. Through Stellarate 3.0, we empower SMEs to grow and innovate, unlocking new opportunities, fuelling economic vibrancy, and reshaping the business landscape."

The investment arm of Japan's largest passenger railway operator, JR East, JRE Ventures, will collaborate with Stellarate to provide up to four start-ups with a range of support options, including the opportunity to pilot their concepts not only within SMRT's retail ecosystem but also potentially in the Japanese transit market. The partnership reflects a broader goal of fostering the cross-border development of technology-driven retail and advertising solutions.

UOB will also play a role in supporting successful applicants through a range of business services. These include a waiver of annual and facility fees for financing over two years, access to increased profiling and networking opportunities, consultation on business operations and digital transformation, and exclusive credits valued at up to SGD $10,000 under the UOB BizSmart programme.

The accelerator has entered into a strategic partnership with the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Southern Methodist University (SMU IIE). Successful start-ups accepted into the programme will benefit from access to incubator space and mentorship from experienced industry figures, university faculty and venture capital firms, through SMU IIE's Business Innovations Generator (BIG). The BIG programme has supported over 560 start-ups, which have collectively raised more than SGD $740 million.

Since its inception two years ago, Stellarate has attracted over 150 start-up proposals addressing a range of areas, from robot-based retail to data-driven advertising technologies. These projects aim to demonstrate a process that pairs early-stage innovation with rapid real-world testing.

Last year's winner, UNISTOP, exemplifies the possible outcomes of participation in the accelerator. UNISTOP has expanded its room-sized vending machines in Singapore from five to ten units, each using a robotic arm to retrieve goods from shelves. The company is preparing to enter multiple international markets, including Australia, Japan, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

The 2025 programme is targeting submissions in four specific areas: the use of technology to generate actionable insights from Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising to drive conversions; real-time data utilisation to support sales for merchants and advertisers in the rail network; technology-enabled productivity improvements for retail and food businesses; and solutions that facilitate easier discovery and interaction for commuters with merchants and brands in the transit system.

Applications are open to companies and start-ups worldwide that have an annual gross turnover of at least SGD $120,000 as of 2024 and a paid-up capital of SGD $50,000. There is a submission fee of SGD $109, which will be refunded to the winners.