Stellar Lifestyle Launches Stellarate 3.0: Innovations in Retail and Ad-Tech for Commuters
Stellar Lifestyle, the commercial division of SMRT, has unveiled Stellarate 3.0, the latest iteration of its retail and ad-tech accelerator programme. Co-developed with Japan’s JR East Group and Singapore Management University (SMU) Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the initiative is focused on harnessing technology to enhance the retail and advertising landscape within train stations.
Since its inception, Stellarate has garnered significant interest, attracting over 150 start-ups in previous editions. The programme showcases innovative solutions, ranging from robotic retail formats to data-driven advertising, aimed at enriching the commuter experience across SMRT’s network.
Stellarate 3.0 offers successful participants access to over S$130,000 in funding and the opportunity to pilot their innovations within SMRT’s transit ecosystem. Partnerships with JRE Ventures pave the way for entrants to tap into Japan’s robust transit retail market. Additionally, UOB is offering invaluable support, including waivers on financing fees for the first two years and access to digital tools through their UOB BizSmart initiative.
Through a strategic collaboration with SMU IIE, selected start-ups will receive incubation support under the Business Innovations Generator (BIG), which has already facilitated over 560 start-ups, raising more than S$740 million in funding.
Tony Heng, President of Stellar Lifestyle, emphasized the programme’s role in reshaping the future of transit retail and promoting SME growth through collaboration and innovation.
Notable success stories, such as UNISTOP, which has expanded its robotic vending units in Singapore and is eyeing global markets, underscore the potential of Stellarate to deliver practical, tech-driven solutions.
Applications for Stellarate 3.0 are open from May 26 to June 30, 2025, welcoming both local and international start-ups. Details are available at https://stellarlifestyle.com.sg/stellarate.
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