The global supply chain and logistics industry has been evolving from a cost centre backroom operation to a highly engaged and strategic function within many organisations today. With the advent of new automation and digital technologies, the industry is poised for further evolution that is set to transform the way processes, solutions and technological solutions are being adopted and applied. 

The Supply Chain Innovation - Boot Camp Program, is an initiative of Supply Chain Asia as we seek to uncover new solutions that will bring efficiencies and effectiveness to the supply chain and logistics operations. This could cover the following areas of operations, including: 

• Logistics operations encompassing warehousing, storage and distribution 
• Last mile and urban logistics solutions 
• Cross border trade and compliance management 
• Supply chain optimisation and design 
• Analytics and effective use of big data 
• Process enhancements and integration with technologies 

Teams participating in the Boot Camp Program can opt to tackle any ONE area of the supply chain and logistics industry. 

A 3-person team must be formed to meet eligibility. Teams can be from tertiary institutions (formal business registration is not required), working professionals (senior professionals either in employment or career transition), established startups (must be registered as a business and less than 5 years on date of registration.

All direct costs related to participation in the event will be borne by the team.

Application fees to join are as follows:

• Tertiary student team/Working Professionals - FREE
• Startups (less than 5 years since start of formation).S$250 per team

Participation fees are only due when teams are selected to proceed to the July event.

Teams can also opt to meet specific problem statements such as: 

• Developing solutions to tackle picking and putaway challenges in warehouse using robotics 
• Augmented IOTs to support warehouse operations such as the use of sensor technologies and mixed reality solutions 
• App or Cloud based solutions to streamline warehouse, freight and transportation operations 
• Drones to enhance warehouse operations 

Teams are expected to comply to the following participation format: 

• Submit an initial 3-page concept paper &/or 3-min video and the details of its team members (by 31 March 2020). 
• For teams selected, there is a COMPULSORY participation in the 1-day BOOT CAMP on 25 April, whereby a team of mentors will be made available to assist the start-ups in aligning and improving their business propositions (participation is free)
• Present their CONCEPT/SOLUTION on 8-9 July. This will comprise a stage presentation pitching (5 mins per team) as well as presenting a showcase in an allocated posted panel display at the event. Those who opt for a booth will need to pay a nominal fee.

Three top winners will be selected from the following and presented with a trophy during Supply Chain Asia annual Awards & Gala Night that will be held at the Mandarin Orchard Hotel on 8th October 2020. The winners will be from the following categories: 

• SC Innovation Boot Camp Award (Student) 
• SC Innovation Boot Camp Award (Professional) 
• SC Innovation Boot Camp Award (Startup Winning Pitch)

Startup SG Founder provides mentorship and startup capital grant of S$30,000 to first-time entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. Startups are required to raise and commit S$10,000 as co-matching fund to the grant. 

Enterprise Singapore has appointed Supply Chain Asia as an Accredited Mentor Partners (AMP). Besides providing mentorship and advisory support, we will also assist in identifying qualified applicants based on the uniqueness of business concept, feasibility of business model, strength of management team, and potential market value. Upon successful application, we will assist the startups with advice, learning programs and networking contacts. 

The grant is open to all Singaporeans/Permanent Residents who are first-time entrepreneurs. In addition, the applicant would need to adhere to the following conditions at the time of application: 

1. Applicant(s) must hold or propose to hold at least 30% equity in the underlying company; 
2. The company must have at least 51% of local shareholding and not be incorporated for more than six (6) months at the point of application to AMP; 
3. The applicants must not have registered or incorporated any business entity; 
4. The applicants must not have received any funding for the proposed business idea from another government organisation. 

Approved applicants must dedicate a reasonable amount of their time on the business and must be a key decision maker in the company. The applicants must also commit full-time to the company and not be in any other employment from the time they accept the terms and conditions of the Letter of Offer. Please note that a key criterion for assessment is on how different or novel the idea/product/service/business model/process is compared to what is available in the market.