SINGAPORE – Singapore has advanced to fourth place in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index by StartupBlink, marking a significant jump from fifth in 2024 and 12 places higher than in 2020. Now ranked just behind the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel, Singapore is recognized as one of the fastest-growing start-up ecosystems in the world.

According to the report, Singapore’s pro-business climate, strategic support systems, and global connectivity continue to make it a standout hub for innovation. The city-state scores highly in key metrics such as investor presence, talent availability, and startup opportunity density. The growing concentration of global tech players and corporate partners, alongside the nation’s high levels of innovation and digital infrastructure, further cement its strong reputation.

Deep-Tech, AI, and Fintech at the Core

The index highlighted Singapore’s targeted positioning in deep-tech, fintech, foodtech, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence as core drivers of its ascent. Universities play a pivotal role by not only producing highly skilled graduates for R&D but also by actively promoting entrepreneurship and integrating startup programs into academic life.

Government-Backed Growth

Singapore’s leap in rankings is also attributed to decisive government initiatives. In October 2024, the government committed an additional S$440 million to the Startup SG Equity scheme, aimed at attracting more venture capital firms and fostering local deep-tech start-ups. This brings the total pool under the scheme to over S$1 billion.

Further accelerating this momentum, Enterprise Singapore and the Economic Development Board (EDB) launched SG Growth Capital in April 2025—a new joint platform that provides expanded financing and venture-building support to high-growth start-ups.

Regional Leadership in Venture Capital

Singapore’s funding landscape remains robust. As per a joint report by Enterprise Singapore and PitchBook, the nation secured nearly 60% of all venture capital deal volume in ASEAN, totalling US$4.8 billion (S$6.25 billion) in 2024. This dominance underscores Singapore’s role as the venture capital epicenter of Southeast Asia.

A Global Innovation Hub on the Rise

As Singapore continues to strengthen its global standing, the country is proving that a strategic, well-supported ecosystem can produce not just rapid startup growth, but sustainable, high-impact innovation. With continued investment and a forward-looking approach to emerging technologies, Singapore is poised to become an even more vital node in the global innovation economy. (zai)