Winners stand to win from a pool of over S$130,000 in grants, get opportunities to access the Japanese market through JRE Ventures, exclusive support from UOB for financing and business solutions, publicity and networking opportunities, and pilot their solutions with existing transit retail merchants in prime spaces within SMRT’s retail ecosystem.

Singapore, 26 May, 2025 – Stellar Lifestyle, the business arm of SMRT, today announced the third edition of its retail and ad-tech accelerator programme, Stellarate, aimed at uncovering tech-enabled ideas that reimagine advertising, retail and F&B concepts in train stations — making them smarter with technology and engaging commuters in new ways.

Tony Heng, President of Stellar Lifestyle, said, “Stellarate 3.0 reflects our unwavering commitment to shaping the future of transit retail and supporting SMEs through open innovation. By co-creating with start-ups, tech enablers, and forward-thinking brands, we are not only enhancing commuter experiences but also unlocking new value across the retail and media ecosystems. These collaborations bring to life real-world solutions with scalable potential—both in Singapore and regionally. Through Stellarate 3.0, we empower SMEs to grow and innovate, unlocking new opportunities, fuelling economic vibrancy, and reshaping the business landscape.”

This year’s programme is seeking smart, practical solutions that:

• Can generate insights from Out-of-Home (OOH) Advertising campaigns that show what works to drive conversions
• Use real-time local data to help drive sales for merchants and advertisers within the train network
• Use technology to help F&B and retail outlets enhance their operational productivity and operate in a manpower-lite manner
• Make it easier for commuters to discover and interact with merchants and brands within the transit network

For this year’s edition, Stellar Lifestyle has also partnered with Enterprise Singapore (ESG) to launch a challenge focused on enhancing productivity in the food and beverage (F&B) and retail sectors through digital and automation solutions.

In collaboration with JRE Ventures, the investment arm of Japan’s largest passenger railway operator JR East, the programme will award up to four winning start-ups with grants from a total pool of over S$130,000, and opportunities to pilot their concepts within SMRT’s transit retail merchant ecosystem, as well as the Japanese retail transit market.

In line with UOB’s efforts to connect businesses to growth opportunities across ASEAN, the Bank will provide winning start-ups the following benefits to support them in their productivity and growth plans:

• Waiver of annual and facility fees for financing support for the first 2 years
• Access to increased profiling opportunities, and new connections through networking
• Complimentary advice on optimising business operations through digital transformation and exclusive credits worth up to S$10,000 to get started under the UOB BizSmart programme, a suite of curated digital solutions to drive business efficiency and growth

In addition, Stellarate has commenced a strategic partnership with Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE), where successful startups selected by Stellarate gain access to a dedicated incubation space, and receive committed mentorship from industry pioneers, faculty advisors and global venture capital firms through SMU IIE’s flagship programme, Business Innovations Generator (BIG). The BIG programme has incubated more than 560 startups who have collectively raised over S$740 million to date.

Professor Lim Sun Sun, SMU’s Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement, and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Communication & Technology said, “SMU’s BIG programme has a formidable track record in helping scale startups and exemplifies SMU’s vision in creating meaningful impact through education and innovation. Through our partnership in Stellarate 3.0, we look forward to nurturing bold ventures that can redefine the future of urban mobility and retail experiences for Singapore and beyond.”

Since its launch two years ago, Stellarate has garnered a strong response from the innovation community, attracting over 150 start-up ideas, ranging from robotic retail concepts to data-driven video technologies. These collaborations have demonstrated the impact of pairing early innovation with real-world implementation.

UNISTOP, one of last year’s winners, has since doubled its number of room-sized vending machines in Singapore, from five to ten. Each features a robotic arm that retrieves purchases directly from shelves. The start-up is also eyeing overseas expansion, with plans to enter markets such as Australia, Japan, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

Applications open from 26 May to 30 June 2025 at https://stellarlifestyle.com.sg/stellarate

A S$109 submission fee applies, but it will be fully refunded to the winners.

Companies and start-ups from around the world, with a gross turnover of at least S$120,000 (as of 2024) and S$50,000 paid-up capital, are welcome to apply.

About Stellar Lifestyle

Stellar Lifestyle, a business arm of SMRT Corporation Limited, transforms spaces in and around MRT stations into vibrant lifestyle destinations, enhancing the daily journey for commuters. We innovate to benefit the community by reimagining the use of existing spaces and leveraging the extensive train network to introduce new business models and foster community engagement. As the largest managing agent of retail and advertising spaces in Singapore’s rail network, we bring expertise in property and retail management, media, and digital advertising solutions.

About JRE Ventures:

JRE Ventures Pte. Ltd. is the corporate venture capital arm of East Japan Railway Company (JR East). Established in 2024 and based in Singapore, JRE Ventures collaborates with startups across Southeast Asia to co-create innovative solutions that drive growth in JR East’s non-railway business domains, particularly in the retail, advertising, and logistics within and around railway stations. For more information: https://jreventures.com/

About UOB:

UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of more than 470 branches and offices in 19 markets in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

For nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.

The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to help businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.

About SMU IIE

The Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) empowers aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to create positive change. It offers tailored training programmes, an equity-free incubator, and a vibrant community that connects innovators through events and networking opportunities, including the renowned Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC). For more information: https://iie.smu.edu.sg

About Enterprise Singapore

Enterprise Singapore is the government agency championing enterprise development. The agency partners committed companies to build capabilities, innovate, and go global. It drives growth – empowering local businesses and shaping industries, anchoring Singapore as a trade and startup hub, and establishing trust in products through quality and standards. Enterprise Singapore is here for wherever businesses are growing. Visit www.enterprisesg.gov.sg for more information.