Deft at blending AI with design practices? This Singapore-based venture capitalist firm wants you

SINGAPORE - Innovators from enterprises big and small, get ready to rally.

The newly launched Design AI and Tech Awards (Daita) has a fresh backer – multi-asset investment firm Granite Asia, which is offering all finalists a golden ticket to its network and consultation hours with its senior managing partner Jenny Lee.

Jointly organised by The Business Times (BT) and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), the competition aims to stir innovators from start-ups and companies big and small into harnessing design and technology to develop ground-breaking solutions that tackle real-life business challenges.

Ms Lee said the true potential of artificial intelligence (AI) lies in its capacity to solve real-world problems and deliver meaningful value to businesses and communities.

“Daita provides a vital platform to spotlight innovations that showcase the practical impact of AI in addressing complex challenges,” she said.

“By supporting this initiative, we are not just recognising great ideas,” she continued.

“We are opening doors to capital, connecting entrepreneurs to Granite Asia’s network of operators and advisers, and offering exclusive masterclasses from leaders across our portfolio.”

The goal is to foster meaningful conversations, build trust and inspire more people and businesses to unlock AI’s transformative potential, said Ms Lee, whose portfolio includes 21 companies valued at more than US$1 billion (S$1.37 billion) each.

Professor Tai Lee Siang, SUTD’s deputy president and chief innovation and enterprise officer, said: “Granite Asia’s endorsement is significant on so many fronts, not least the fact that it immediately exposes all participants to a wide network of potential investors and partners.”

Prof Tai chairs the judging panel, which comprises BT editor Chen Huifen, DesignSingapore Council executive director Dawn Lim, GreenA Consultants senior partner Farizan d’Avezac de Moran, AI Singapore’s director for AI innovation Laurence Liew, and Professor John Ochsendorf, founding director of MIT Morningside Academy for Design.

Said BT’s Ms Chen: “Granite Asia’s dedication to supporting innovation aligns with the award’s mission to celebrate outstanding design and technology solutions that address real-world challenges.

“We are confident that its support will empower shortlisted companies, unlocking new opportunities and driving further innovation.”

There are three award categories: product design, system design and spatial design.

Each category will have three finalists, and a prize will go to the top solution in each category. Winning contenders will be invited to a presentation event.

The nine finalists will gain access to venture capital (VC) firm Granite Asia’s events, masterclasses and networking opportunities, and the final three will land additional consultation hours.

Participants have until Jan 15, 2025, to submit their entries. More information about Daita is available .

About Granite Asia

Formerly known as GGV Capital Asia, the Singapore-headquartered firm is a leading multi-asset investment platform that invests in Asia-Pacific – think South-east Asia, Japan, China, India and Australia.

The firm’s network spans more than 200 founders who are at the pinnacle of innovation across various industries, from cutting-edge AI and automation, to fintech, consumer technology and enterprise solutions.

Granite Asia organises masterclasses led by industry leaders, round-table discussions with top investors, and cross-company mentorship programmes, among other strategic activities.

With assets under management totalling US$5 billion, the firm has investments in 48 companies with valuations exceeding US$1 billion. It has facilitated 29 initial public offerings.

Its investment thesis prioritises five long-term themes: consumer growth and transformation; enterprise workflow and supply chain; food systems and sustainability; health innovation and wellness; and energy transition and automation.

THE BUSINESS TIMES