Organization · Government VC
Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore)
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) is a government agency in Singapore responsible for formulating and implementing economic, trade, and industry policies. It aims to foster a competitive and innovation-driven economy while supporting enterprises and job creation.
Overview
What Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore) does
What Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore) is
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) is a government agency in Singapore responsible for formulating and implementing economic, trade, and industry policies. It aims to foster a competitive and innovation-driven economy while supporting enterprises and job creation.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder and event host capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Government VC
- Founded
- Founded in 1979
- Approximate age
- About 47 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder · Event host
- Last reviewed
- May 4, 2026
Official channels
Find Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore) elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore) as a funder
Investment thesis
MTI aims to position Singapore as a leading global city of enterprise and talent by fostering a competitive, innovation-driven economy, with a focus on deep tech sectors such as AI, quantum computing, and climate technology.
Focus narrative
MTI focuses on enhancing trade relations, developing competitive industries, and supporting Singapore's transition to a low-carbon economy. Through various programs, MTI aims to create opportunities for enterprises and ensure that Singapore remains competitive in the global market.
Value beyond capital
MTI adds value to portfolio companies by providing access to funding, mentorship, and market connections through its various programs. Initiatives like the Startup SG Equity and the Global Innovation Alliance facilitate structured market access and support for innovative business concepts.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $20,000–$12,000,000
- Sweet spot
- $400,000
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed · Growth Equity
- Sectors
- AI · Biotech · Climate · Energy · Advanced Materials
- Regions
- Asia
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
Portfolio context
While specific portfolio companies are not publicly disclosed, MTI, through EnterpriseSG, has co-invested in numerous Singapore-based deep tech startups via the Startup SG Equity program. This initiative targets early-stage and growth-stage companies in sectors such as AI, quantum computing, and climate technology.
Capability profile
Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore) as an event host
Event focus
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) focuses on fostering trade and international economic relations, developing competitive industries, and supporting Singapore's transition to a low-carbon economy. It aims to create opportunities for enterprises and good jobs for the population by driving innovation and increasing productivity across key sectors.
Format narrative
MTI organizes and participates in various events related to trade and industry, including the annual SWITCH (Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology) conference and the SLINGSHOT global deep-tech startup pitching competition.
Participant value
MTI provides a supportive ecosystem for startups through various initiatives, funding opportunities, and access to resources that facilitate growth and innovation.
Format and cadence
- Event types
- conference and pitch-night
- Recurrence
- annual
- Modality
- in-person
- Typical attendance
- 25,000
- Startups can present
- Yes
Availability
- Registration state
- Accepting
- Next recorded event
- October 27, 2026
- Next event location
- Singapore
Audience and fit
- Selection criteria
- open and application
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed · Seed+ · Series A · Growth Equity
- Audience
- Founders · Investors · Corporate Innovators
- Sectors
- Artificial IntelligenceClimate & SustainabilityEnergyQuantum ComputingBiotech & Life Sciences
- Regions
- Asia
Speakers and past editions
Speakers
Notable speakers include Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, and Dr. Beh Swan Gin, Permanent Secretary.
Past editions
SWITCH 2025 attracted 25,000 attendees from over 100 markets, showcasing innovations in deep tech and sustainability.
Common questions
What to know about Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore)
Upseed classifies Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore) under the Government VC organization type. Its current public profile includes funder and event host capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.