Main image source: SWITCH 2026 event photograph supplied in the contributor’s document.
SWITCH 2026, organised by Enterprise Singapore, brings together an estimated 25,000 participants from 100 countries, with more than 400 startups and exhibitors and over 30 global pavilions. The focus spans AI, climate and energy technology, MedTech and biotechnology, quantum and advanced computing, advanced materials, and digital connectivity.
Companies from Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Europe, and across Southeast Asia were not just exhibiting products—they were actively seeking partners, distributors, corporate clients, and investors.
AI, Climate Tech and MedTech Take Centre Stage
This year’s programme had a clear emphasis on applied innovation: climate tech, medtech, AI, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability.
Four conference stages covered developments in AI, quantum, health and biomedical sciences, sustainability, and startup scaling topics such as capital, talent, and market access.
Singapore also used SWITCH to launch new national initiatives to help companies adopt and scale AI. The Champions of AI cohort includes 24 major organisations such as DBS, OCBC, UOB, Singapore Airlines, Singtel, Keppel, Sembcorp, ST Engineering, PSA International, and Seatrium—signalling that AI adoption is being treated as an economy-wide transformation agenda, not merely a technology trend.
Innovation You Can See and Experience
One Korean company, INSPHERE, showcased AI software that turns museum visitors’ photos into personalised souvenirs—enhancing cultural experiences and creating new revenue for heritage institutions.
Another Korean firm demonstrated facial-expression analysis to help retailers gauge customer engagement and purchase intent, raising important questions around privacy and responsible AI use.
Buildable (Startup Showcase) stood out with an AI tool that captures senior experts’ workflows on video and turns them into step-by-step training guides for junior staff.
It was also great to see students from leading institutions, including Nanyang, showcasing their innovations—proof that ecosystem building starts with giving young talent early exposure to industry and investors.
The Highlight: Building the Next Sustainability Ecosystem
For us, the highlight was “Building the Next Sustainability Ecosystem,” organised by Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Centre for Environmental Sustainability (CfES).
Marking 20 years of CfES, the session explored how organisations can connect challenges, capabilities, and opportunities to drive co-development and stronger sustainability outcomes.
CfES, part of NP’s Sustainability Education & Ecosystem Development (SEED) initiative, plays a vital role in connecting corporates, startups, researchers, policymakers, and talent.
Sustainability transitions need more than promising technologies—they need credible connectors who can turn ideas into partnerships and real-world solutions.
The Director of CfES, Dr. Jason Tang, opened by sharing the centre’s vision, followed by partner organisations discussing how they are developing and scaling solutions together.
The key message was clear: sustainability is not just an ESG agenda, but an innovation agenda requiring partnerships, market access, talent, and commercial validation.
Why SWITCH Matters
SWITCH’s broader contribution is ecosystem development. The event combines exhibitions, keynote sessions, market-access programmes, roundtables, and SLINGSHOT, its startup pitching competition that connects emerging companies with investors and international networks.
That is how regional innovation ecosystems mature: not through isolated breakthroughs, but through repeated moments of connection.
Overall, it was an energising day of keynotes, exhibitions, and meaningful conversations. If you could not attend SWITCH today, it is well worth heading down tomorrow or the day after.
And if you are reading this from outside Singapore and looking for partners or opportunities to set up here, do reach out—we would be happy to connect.
Where to verify: This article is general editorial information, not legal, immigration, medical or financial advice. Requirements can change. Check the relevant Singapore government agency or a qualified professional for advice about your situation.