📌About the Event

Dimension X Cohort 8 – Open Innovation Challenge 2026 is a global deep-tech innovation programme organised by Hatch, Singapore. The challenge invites startups, university spin-offs, and technology innovators worldwide to develop solutions addressing real-world public safety and security challenges faced by Singapore’s Home Team. Selected startups will receive S$100,000 in non-dilutive funding to develop and validate their technologies through a four-month Proof-of-Concept (POC) programme. Participants will collaborate with public safety agencies, technical experts, and industry stakeholders, gaining opportunities for technology validation, networking, and potential real-world deployment.

---

ℹ️ Event Details

• Event Type: International Deep-Tech Open Innovation Challenge
• Mode of Conduct: Hybrid
• Online application submission and virtual selection rounds.
• Mostly remote proof-of-concept development.
• Programme Duration: Four months of proof-of-concept development.
• Focus Areas: Public safety, security, autonomous systems, drone technologies, maritime systems, advanced sensing, and related emerging technologies.

---

📅 Important Dates

• Application Opening Date: 12 October 2026
• Registration Deadline: 6 November 2026
• Online Pitching and Assessments: January–February 2027

---

🎯 Eligibility & Rules

• Eligibilty:
• Open to deep-tech startups, university spin-offs, and scale-ups worldwide, including applicants from India.
• No restrictions on company size, geographical location, or funding stage.
• Applicants should possess a working technology prototype, generally at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4–7.
• Participants must own the intellectual property rights to their proposed technology or hold a valid licence.

---

🏆 Benefits for the Participants

• S$100,000 Prize Funding: Each selected startup receives SGD 100,000 in non-dilutive funding to support POC development and required travel.
• 100% Equity Retention: Hatch does not take equity or ownership of participants’ intellectual property.
• Real-World Technology Validation: Opportunity to develop and test solutions with Singapore’s public safety agencies.
• Expert Collaboration: Direct engagement with Home Team challenge owners and technical experts.
• Demo Day Exposure: Opportunity to showcase technology to government stakeholders, investors, and industry leaders.