082 SMU Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Building Deep Tech and Talent for Tomorrow with Jay Chandran

From One North Stories by A*StartCentral

December 1, 2025 · 28 min · Season 2 · Episode 82

About this episode

Jay Chandran discusses the innovation ecosystem at SMU and the development of entrepreneurial talent.

This is One North Stories, an A*START CENTRAL Podcast Meet Jay Chandran from Singapore Management University (SMU) Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Recorded at SWITCH 2025 , this episode features Reuben in conversation with Jay as they explore his journey leading SMU’s innovation ecosystem and shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. Jay shares how SMU’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship operates on three pillars— cultivate, coach, and convene —to empower students and startups. The discussion dives into flagship programs like Protégé  Ventures , Global Innovation Immersion , and the Business Innovations Generator , which help founders gain real-world experience and scale their ventures. They also spotlight the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition , attracting global startups to tackle pressing challenges, and explore trends in tech transfer and deep tech commercialization. Plus, Jay shares his vision for future opportunities, including the rise of venture studios and the need for entrepreneurial talent. Learn more about Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at SMU, Jay and the amazing work they are doing: SMU Institute of…

People in this episode

Host: Reuben

Guest: Jay Chandran

Topics covered

innovation
entrepreneurship
deep tech
education
startup ecosystem
venture studios

Keywords

innovation
entrepreneurship
deep tech
startup
education
venture studios
global competition

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Singapore Management University, Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Protégé Ventures, Global Innovation Immersion, Business Innovations Generator, Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition