SLINGSHOT Deep Tech Startup Pitch Competition 2026: $1.7M Grants

The SLINGSHOT Deep Tech Startup Pitch Competition 2026 is more than a startup contest. It is one of Asia’s largest platforms for deep technology companies looking to raise their global profile, attract investors, and secure non-dilutive grant funding. If your startup is developing breakthrough solutions in artificial intelligence, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, health technology, cybersecurity, or other emerging technologies, this competition could open doors that are difficult to access through traditional startup programmes.

Celebrating its 10th edition, SLINGSHOT continues to attract thousands of applications from around the world, making it one of the most recognized innovation competitions for ambitious founders.

What Is the SLINGSHOT Deep Tech Startup Pitch Competition?

Organised by Enterprise Singapore as part of the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH), SLINGSHOT is designed to discover and support startups developing commercially viable deep technology solutions. Rather than focusing solely on business ideas, the competition looks for founders who are solving real-world problems through science, engineering, and cutting-edge innovation.

This year’s competition features five innovation domains:

• Advanced Computing and Artificial Intelligence
• Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Systems
• Digital Technologies and Cybersecurity
• Environment, Energy and Sustainability
• Health and Biomedical Technologies

Successful applicants progress through several evaluation stages before the strongest startups are invited to Singapore to pitch live during SWITCH 2026. Last year, more than 6,800 startups from over 150 countries applied, highlighting the competition’s international reputation.

Who Can Apply?

The competition welcomes startups from around the world that are developing innovative deep tech solutions with strong commercial potential.

Applicants should generally:

• Be a startup with a technology-driven product or solution.
• Operate within one of the five competition domains.
• Demonstrate innovation, scalability, and market potential.
• Be prepared to pitch their solution before an international panel if shortlisted.

The organisers are particularly interested in startups capable of addressing global challenges through technology while demonstrating a clear path to commercialization and international growth.

What Will Selected Startups Receive?

One of the biggest attractions of the programme is the combination of funding and international exposure.

Participants will compete for more than S$2.2 million in Startup SG grant prizes, including:

• Grand Winner: S$400,000 Startup SG Grant.
• First Runner-up: S$300,000 Startup SG Grant.
• Second Runner-up: S$200,000 Startup SG Grant.
• Top 10 Global Startups: S$80,000 Startup SG Grant each.

Beyond the grant funding, startups selected among the Top 50 Global Startups will receive:

• A sponsored trip to Singapore for one founder or co-founder.
• An opportunity to pitch live at SWITCH 2026.
• Meetings with international investors, corporates, and innovation leaders.
• Site visits and networking sessions across Singapore’s startup ecosystem.
• Exposure to potential partners and customers from around the world.
• Eligibility to explore Singapore’s EntrePass pathway for international founders who meet the requirements.

For many startups, these connections can prove just as valuable as the grant funding itself.

Deadline and How to Apply

Applications for the SLINGSHOT Deep Tech Startup Pitch Competition 2026 have been extended until 27 July 2026, giving founders additional time to prepare their submissions.

Applications must be completed through the official SLINGSHOT platform, where founders will be asked to provide information about their company, technology, market opportunity, team, and business model.

Official Application Portal: SLINGSHOT Deep Tech Startup Pitch Competiton

If your startup is solving difficult problems with breakthrough technology and you are ready to take your innovation onto the global stage, the SLINGSHOT Deep Tech Startup Pitch Competition 2026 offers a rare opportunity to gain funding, international recognition, and direct access to one of Asia’s most vibrant innovation ecosystems.

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