“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 advisors, and offering exclusive masterclasses from leaders across our portfolio.”
GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
The goal is to foster meaningful conversations, build trust and inspire more people and businesses to unlock AI’s transformative potential, said Lee, whose portfolio includes 21 companies valued at more than US$1 billion each.
SUTD’s deputy president and chief innovation and enterprise officer Tai Lee Siang 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.”
He 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 director for AI Innovation Laurence Liew; and Professor John Ochsendorf, founding director of MIT Morningside Academy for Design.
Said BT’s 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,” she noted.
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 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 here.