Singapore Management University (SMU) announced the launch of the Urban SustaInnovator (USI) Fund, a US$10 million investment program created to support startups focused on urban solutions and sustainability across Singapore and Asia. The fund is designed to back ventures emerging from SMU’s flagship Urban SustaInnovator accelerator program, which began incubating its inaugural cohort in February 2026.
According to SMU, the USI Fund is believed to be Southeast Asia’s first university-anchored co-investment fund dedicated specifically to urban solutions and sustainability. The program is focused on helping early-stage deep-tech startups tackle major urban challenges, including decarbonization, energy transition, mobility, circularity, and the built environment.
The fund will invest in startups sourced through the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition, which attracted more than 1,500 applications from over 90 countries. Seven startups were selected for the inaugural accelerator cohort and are currently participating in the 12-month hybrid, non-residential, zero-fee, equity-free program.
SMU said the USI Fund will co-invest alongside established venture capital firms under market terms, with first investments from the inaugural cohort expected to begin by the fourth quarter of 2026. The university noted that the strategy is intended to provide catalytic early-stage capital while leveraging the expertise and commercial discipline of experienced venture investors.
