IN CONVERSATION WITH: Global Incubator Network Austria (GIN)

The Global Incubator Network Austria (GIN) is a internationalization program supporting startups through its GO ASIA and GO AUSTRIA initiatives, offering market access, mentoring, and funding while connecting Austria with leading Asian innovation hubs including Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Mainland China, South Korea, and Israel.

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Could you share more about your internationalisation programs and how they support tech businesses expanding globally?

GIN Austria designs high-impact acceleration programs connecting Austrian startups with leading Asian ecosystems, including Singapore, Japan, China, Korea and Hong Kong. We provide curated market discovery trips, business meetings, networking/pitching events and long-term ecosystem partnerships.

At the same time, GO AUSTRIA serves as Austria’s flagship soft-landing gateway for global deep-tech startups. During a fully supported 1–2 week acceleration program in Vienna – including covered travel costs – founders receive tailored mentoring, investor and corporate meetings, and access to Austria’s research and innovation landscape.

Our focus is strategic positioning, not just short-term exposure.

Can you tell us about some of the startups you’re working with at the moment, and which ones you think could do well in Singapore?

We currently work with high-growth startups across deep tech, climate tech, medtech, AI and advanced manufacturing. Austria has particular strengths in quantum technologies, green hydrogen, industrial AI, lifescience and digital health.

Startups with scalable B2B solutions, strong IP and clear regional expansion strategies tend to perform especially well in Singapore. Companies in sustainability, smart city technologies, logistics optimisation and medtech are particularly well-positioned, given Singapore’s focus on urban innovation and climate resilience.

Singapore is an excellent gateway for Austrian deep-tech ventures expanding into Southeast Asia.

Singapore is known for its strong innovation ecosystem. Have you seen that in action?

We have experienced Singapore’s innovation ecosystem as highly structured, globally connected and execution-driven. Organisations such as Enterprise Singapore and SGInnovate play a central role in connecting startups to corporates and investors.

Programmes run by NUS Enterprise and flagship events like Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology (SWITCH) provide valuable exposure to regional stakeholders.

Early engagement with local partners is key to navigating regulatory frameworks and accelerating market entry.

When startups from your country enter the Singapore market, what are some of the most common challenges or support needs they face?

Austrian startups entering Singapore often face challenges around market positioning, procurement structures and building trusted local networks. While Singapore is highly international, strong relationship-building remains essential.

Regulatory clarity – particularly in medtech and fintech – is another important factor. Early pilot opportunities with corporates significantly accelerate traction.

Further expanding facilitated access to industry-specific stakeholders and structured pilot frameworks could ease entry and shorten time-to-market. Continued collaboration between Singaporean agencies and international ecosystem partners plays a crucial role in reducing early-stage risk.

Why should Singaporean startups explore your market as part of their own global expansion journey?

Austria offers Singaporean startups a strategic gateway to the European Union, providing access to 450+ million consumers and a strong deep-tech and research-driven ecosystem.

Through GO AUSTRIA – our structured soft-landing program – selected deep-tech startups can explore Vienna during a curated 1–2 week acceleration stay with travel spport, high-level mentoring and direct introductions to corporates, investors and research institutions.

Austria is particularly strong in quantum technologies, green tech, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. For Singaporean founders seeking a credible, low-risk European entry point, Austria combines access, stability and long-term partnership potential.

Learn more about GIN Austria
View their session at the SWITCH Global Stage

‘In Conversation With’ is a weekly series that celebrates global collaboration and innovation by exploring exciting tech ecosystems from around the world that have participated at SWITCH.

This series is brought to you by the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) and Tech Singapore Advocates. SWITCH and the SLINGSHOT Finals will take place from 27 – 29 October 2026, and startups may also apply for SLINGSHOT from now to 30 June 2026. Learn more at www.switchsg.org

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