HyperSpark reignites focus on sustainability amidst COVID-19

10 startups creating innovative sustainable solutions set for virtual pitches

Amidst the COVID19 pandemic, HyperSpark’s Demo Day cruises ahead on Wednesday 6 May, with 10 startups sharing real stories about their challenges and commitment to tackling global sustainability issues.

HyperSpark’s Demo Day will feature early-stage sustainability-driven companies in the first cohort of the ten-week long pre-accelerator programme. This is the first sustainability-focused startup programme in Asia that works with early-stage companies to define their product-market fit and gain traction.

The cohort includes teams working on zero-waste organic toothpaste, a tech-enabled hiring platform that cuts out the middleman for migrant workers, and a social learning platform for kids.

StartupX’s CEO Durwin Ho shared that the first cohort of HyperSpark shows that there is still much work to be done to help sustainability-focused startups grow in Asia’s ecosystem. “We have seen so much potential in the first cohort, and are excited for them on their next stage of the journey. These companies are working to improve education, achieve zero-waste in different industries and provide greater access to underserved communities, to name a few. But the 2030 timeline to achieve the sustainable development goals is looming and more needs to be done to support founders and innovators in this space.” he shared.

Over the course of ten weeks, the HyperSpark teams worked with mentors and coaches on various aspects of their business, building up their product and acquiring their first users and customers. Each team is also provided with a $10,000 grant to support them in their product development and user adoption.

The programme pivoted to an online format midway through as the teams adjusted to the circuit breaker measures that were introduced in early April. With the impact of COVID-19, some teams shared about finding increased interest and opportunities in their space, while other teams acknowledged the need to adapt to operational shutdowns and slowed growth.

The teams will pitch to an audience of nearly 500 invited guests, made up of investors, corporate chiefs, and leaders from the tech and startup ecosystem.

HyperSpark is part of HyperX, the global hackcelerator programme launched by StartupX and Temasek to propel innovative solutions that can help shape a better, smarter and more sustainable world. he programme aims to provide a platform for sustainability-driven startups to get support, mentorship, resources and funding regardless of the stage they are at.