CATALYSE 2020: Startup with a Heart was a six-month initiative done in collaboration with Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), People’s Association Indian Activity Executive Committees Council (Narpani Pearavai) Youth (NPY), SINDA Youth Club (SYC), Tamils Representative Council Youth Wing (TRC YW) and Young Sikh Association (YSA). The event sponsors were Aspiring Entrepreneur Network (AEN) at SICCI and Lee Foundation.

The objective of the initiative was to instill an entrepreneurship culture in youths, specifically Indian youths, so that they can develop socially relevant enterprises that creates community resilience. The event was jointly curated to enable young entrepreneurs to embark on an entrepreneurial journey with CATALYSE 2020.

There were four phases to the engagement. The first was a series of masterclasses that funnelled the selection of teams and equipped them for the eventual competition. This was followed by a mentorship phase which helped potential contestants to curate their pitch with the help of serial entrepreneurs and innovators. The third phase was an e-competition organised on 20th December 2020 which was attended by some 150 youths online where 16 teams pitched their ideas to renowned judges. This preceded an e-conference graced by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communication and Information, Ministry of Health. Dr Janil, together with panellists, mentors, and participants discussed about “the future of” start-ups and social enterprises.

20 February 2021 marked the culmination of the fourth and final phase of the initiative – the prize presentation ceremony. The event was held at Global Indian International Smart Campus and it was live streamed on SICCI’s Facebook page. There were six Business Plan Excellence and six Merit award winners of the competition – Category A for those from 12 to 17 years of age and Category B for those above 18 years of age.

Our sincere thanks to Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr Alvin Tan for gracing this occasion. In addition, thanks to those who attended the event physically and virtually. Once again we will like to congratulate all the winners of this competition.

Information and Photos:  SICCI