SMU BIG named world’s best accelerator/incubator programme
When SMU’s Business Innovations Generator (BIG) was named the world’s Best Accelerator/Incubator Programme at the 2026 Global Startup Awards (GSA) 11th edition in May this year, it marked a significant milestone for both SMU and Singapore’s innovation ecosystem.
This is the first time a Singapore-based accelerator or incubator has received the global title as “the best” global title in this category for this competition, and BIG was recognised from a field spanning 154 countries . The achievement reflects 17 years of work mentoring founders, supporting them as they build ventures and strengthening their connections across academia, industry, and the startup community. The competition was conducted across national, regional, and global stages, culminating in the Global Grand Finale held on 7 May 2026 in Valletta, Malta, as part of the EU-Startups Summit.
A global milestone for venture creation
Established in 2009 by SMU’s Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE), BIG was created to help aspiring entrepreneurs transform ideas into operational and market-focused businesses.
Since then, the programme has incubated 632 startups, which have collectively raised more than S$902 million in funding.
Reflecting on the GSA award, Professor Sun Sun Lim, Vice President (Partnerships and Engagement), Lee Kong Chian Professor of Communication & Technology at SMU, said: "Receiving this award on the global stage is deeply meaningful, and what it truly celebrates is the remarkable ecosystem we have built together.
“At SMU, we see BIG not merely as an incubator, but as a community of conviction, where founders, mentors, industry partners, faculty and students join forces to turn bold ideas into ventures that matter."
She also expressed that the award was a testament to every individual who has invested their time, expertise, and trust in BIG, calling it their “shared mission”. It reinforces SMU’s long-standing commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation.
Selected from 17 global finalists, BIG emerged as the winner through an evaluation process combining expert jury assessment and public voting. The judges included international venture capitalists, accelerator leaders and innovation strategists from Europe, Asia, and the United States. Among the finalists were some of the world's leading accelerator programmes, including mobilityXlab, a Nordic mobility innovation hub backed by Volvo Group and Magna; SpinLab – The HHL Accelerator, which has been ranked among Europe's leading accelerators by the Financial Times and Statista; and Australia's INCUBATE, a multiple-time Startup Accelerator of the Year winner.
BIG also claimed the Southeast Asia Regional Winner title in the Accelerator/Incubator category for the second consecutive year. , underscoring the programme's sustained impact within the region.
Strengthening Singapore's position as an innovation hub
Headquartered in Copenhagen, the Global Startup Awards is one of the world's largest independent startup ecosystem competitions, bringing together founders, investors, and ecosystem builders across 19 regions.
Past winners have included leading companies and organisations that have gone on to shape industries and ecosystems globally. BIG's recognition places SMU among this international community and highlights the growing role that Singapore-based institutions play in nurturing entrepreneurship and venture creation.
Beyond the accolade itself, the award reflects the strength of the ecosystem that has developed around BIG over the past 17 years; one that is built on close collaboration among students, alumni, faculty, mentors, industry partners, and investors.
As Singapore continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation, SMU remains committed to supporting founders and creating opportunities for ideas with promise to become ventures with impact.
