Could you share more about your internationalisation programs and how they support tech businesses expanding globally?
Founded as a one-stop shop for all startups in Flanders, Startup.Flanders – an initiative of Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) – provides advice and support on how to take the next step and scale internationally. Startup.Flanders works closely with leading programmes and partners – such as imec.iStart, Hubs4Growth, and Scaleup Flanders – to help startups accelerate their growth through exploring new markets and partnerships. At the same time, startups can also rely the network of FIT located in technology hotspots around the world to offer combine expert insights, local know-how, and on-site prospection to increase the chances of success in new markets.
Can you share some success stories of startups you’ve helped enter the Singapore market? What factors contributed to their success?
Newly arrived in late 2025, ADLC established its presence in Singapore to solve the inefficiencies that still plague logistics by providing an innovative transportation service using drones. The company, which decided on Singapore as its hub for the Asia Pacific region, got a headstart in the market with support from FIT and Startup.Flanders which provided local knowledge and connections to the ecosystem. ADLC has since settled at the PIER71 Landing Pad and developing business leads in the maritime and offshore sectors. We are looking forward to new success stories in 2026 as more startups make their foray into Singapore.
Are there specific programs, partnerships, or events that have proven particularly beneficial for startups from your country looking to understand and tap into Singapore’s business ecosystem?
Through the participation of FIT and Startup.Flanders at SWITCH, startups from Flanders have benefitted from the exposure and networking prospects presented by the event. It provides a firsthand understanding on the business environment in Singapore, and facilitated meaningful connections with stakeholders and potential collaborators. Pitching competitions such as SLINGSHOT have proven to be useful as well, serving as a litmus test for startups seeking to validate their solutions in the market and attract investors. Past SLINGSHOT finalists from Flanders in particular have benefitted from the comprehensive immersion programme that takes a deep dive into Singapore’s dynamic startup ecosystem.
When startups approach you for guidance on expanding into Singapore, what’s typically their biggest priority—finding local partners, securing funding, or building brand awareness? And from your perspective, what more can be done in Singapore to make market entry smoother for startups?
When expanding into Singapore, startups from Flanders often are confronted with twin priorities – securing funding and regional scaling. The priorities also reflect the allure of Singapore as a strong hub for venture capital and as a base for Southeast Asia. While there are good initiatives such as Stage One to help global founders with their initial entry into the local startup ecosystem and community, there remain some gaps for growth-stage firms especially for those in sectors requiring large, long-term investments (e.g. biotech) and/or hoping to navigate the market and cultural diversity in the region, which hopefully can be addressed.
Why should Singaporean startups explore your market as part of their own global expansion journey?
Flanders is becoming one of Europe’s most efficient science-driven tech hubs and boasts of a tech ecosystem that has grown more than three times in value since 2020. The region is strong in deep tech and life sciences, with leading R&D and skilled talent. You also gain access to the EU market, practical support and the right partners to scale sustainably and confidently. For ambitious Singaporean startups, Flanders is a strategic home base in the heart of Europe – a place to scale, innovate and succeed. Discover the opportunities in Flanders today and be a part of our exciting growth!
