What is GIST Business Incubation?
As a U.S. Department of State initiative, GIST's Business Incubation brings together the best science and technology innovators and American businesses to increase cross-market access and to create opportunities for collaboration. While in residence at an American incubator, entrepreneurs have opportunities to make connections with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and build business relationships for potential partners and investors. GIST Business Incubation also helps American businesses gain awareness of global entrepreneurs, innovations and markets.
Important Dates
(All dates subject to change)
- Applications open 5 August, 2024 - 13 September, 2024
- Application review 13 September - 4 October, 2024
- Interviews of finalists and notifications by 25 October, 2024
- Program start date Mid-January, 2025
Who Should Participate?
This program is perfect for startups that are looking to take their innovations to the next level by getting mentoring, U.S. market expertise, and valuable business model training. All science and technology startups from the following ASEAN member countries whose founder is 18 - 40 years of age are eligible to apply.
- Brunei Darussalam
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Lao PDR
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Viet Nam
- Timor-Leste innovators are also included.
NOTE: If you applied previously to the 2024 Global Business Incubation, you do not need to reapply for the ASEAN Business Incubation.
Please read the full eligibility requirements before applying.
Want to learn more?
Watch this info session!
Innovators From Across Southeast Asia, All Meeting in One Incredible Place
Powered by the entrepreneurial expertise of leading venture development expertise of VentureWell and partners, embark on a transformative entrepreneurial journey with our 6-week Business Incubation program, where innovation meets guidance.
Here's some of what you can expect from the incubation part of the program:
Orientation & Ideation
Step into a world of possibilities with an immersive program overview. Get your creative side working with an ideation workshop and an introduction to design thinking. Follow that by crafting compelling business models and understanding your customer base.
Market Research & Validation
Master market dynamics as you explore cutting-edge research methodologies and dive into insightful customer interviews. Develop a robust value proposition, refine your cost structure, and identify the markets where your venture will truly shine.
Prototype & Development
Transform ideas into reality by learning the art of prototyping and delving into Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development. Craft a pitch deck that captivates investors and understand effective investor relations.
Maker Space & Business Growth
Embark on a hands-on journey through the Maker Space, where innovation takes tangible form. Navigate the intricacies of intellectual property, legal considerations, and master the art of contract negotiation. Propel your venture forward with insights into business growth strategies, financial projections, and exploring funding avenues.
Investor Pitch & Graduation
Pitch your vision to a panel of investors and mentors, showcasing the culmination of your hard work. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony, enlightening discussions about the next steps, and a plethora of ongoing support resources.
Throughout the Program, experience the advantage of a dedicated workspace, personalized one-on-one consultations with seasoned mentors, and exclusive access to state-of-the-art Maker Space facilities. Engage in speed networking, collaborate with experts, and experience in the entrepreneurial spirit that permeates our community.
Join us on this exhilarating ride, where innovation thrives, connections flourish, and success becomes a tangible reality. Your entrepreneurial journey begins here!
Business Incubation Success Stories
Vamekh Kherkheulidze of Elven Technologies
Elven Technologies is a high-tech personal protection equipment (PPE) company. Our first product is a technologically-advanced full body fire-proof suit with a cooling system to keep firefighters safe in the line of duty and help save lives.
Rituparna Das of Hydrotech Solutions
Hydrotec Solutions Private Limited has designed a Smart water ATM Kiosk that purifies and dispenses clean drinking water on pay per use basis, using sustainable energy.
Yakau Buta of StringersHub
StringersHub is a marketplace that connects stringers—freelance videographers and eyewitnesses—and media outlets, globally. Top media outlets can purchase “hot” material from these stringers.
Participating Incubators
The following incubators have participated in the prior Business Incubation programs:
Georgia Tech - Atlanta, Georgia, USA
TechTown Detroit - Detroit, Michigan, USA
Purdue Foundry - West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
1871 - Chicago, Illinois, USA
mHub - Chicago, Illinois, USA
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation - Phoenix, Arizona, USA
University of Arizona Center for Innovation - Tuscon, Arizona, USA
The Station - Houston, Texas, USA
DuBose and DuBose - Cleveland, Ohio, USA
University of Memphis Research Foundation, Research Park- Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Project UK - Kansas City, USA
GIST Business Incubation | Resources
Our 2024 Cohort's D.C. Experience
Learn more about what to expect from the Washington D.C. visit.
U.S. and Ukraine Unite Around Innovation in D.C.
Out of the forge of inordinate challenges comes a new era of connection between the innovation ecosystems of Ukraine and the United States. The GIST Initiative and the U.S. Department of State are proud to be a part of building this deeper connection and are working to support Ukrainian innovation as it builds a new, ever brighter future.
Business Incubation Breaks New Ground
A cohort of founders from Bhutan is soon beginning their entrepreneurial journey in the United States, building experience and gaining insights that will take their ventures to the next level.
Business Incubation Innovator Receives Highest Award
Business Incubation participant Alyona Glushko who spent three weeks at the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation in Phoenix, AZ, developed a novel innovation for heart safety.
Global Entrepreneurs Conclude Business Incubation Program
The GIST Business Incubation Showcase and Reception held on November 21 at the Halcyon incubator in Washington, D.C. included networking and pitches in front of investors and U.S. business experts.
Behind the Scenes of the First GIST Business Incubation Program
Nearly 30 innovative science and technology entrepreneurs representing startups from emerging economies worked at 10 U.S.-based incubators to learn how to expand their businesses into the United States market.
Ukrainian Innovation Rises to The Challenge
GIST has supported Ukrainian innovation across multiple fronts, including direct support of multiple Innovation Hubs spread throughout the country, as well as supporting Ukrainian innovators in attending global ecosystem events.
What is Business Incubation?
Learn about incubation programs and how to get the most out of them.