A SMU team comprising Mr Timothy Ong Tze Yhi (recent graduate from School of Economics) and Mr Eric Chean Yu Fei (current student at School of Accountancy) have won the E-Services category at the University Startup World Cup, and was among the six finalists in the competition’s Grand Finals.

Organised by Venture Cup, a Danish non-profit organization, this competition is for new, independent ventures in the seed, startup or early stage of development. Criteria for participation include: the startup business model is being improved for scalability, it has tested/proven a valid and solid market or first paying customers have emerged, it is ideal for angel investors and VCs.

About 50 teams from more than 20 countries participated in this competition which was held from 3-7 October. The teams participating in the six categories (Green Tech, Sharing Economy & IoT, Life Sciences & MedTech, Mobile & Web, Industry Tech & Robotics, E-Services) developed and presented their ideas, explored the Scandinavian start-up scene, met with investors and competed to be voted the best student startup in the world during their five-day stay in Copenhagen.

The SMU team defeated seven other teams representing UK, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Belarus, Slovakia and Australia to win the E-Services category and entered the Grand Finals.

Team Marine Nexus has created an online platform Marine Nexus to connect buyers and sellers of marine crafts. Buyers or charterers of assets would be able to use the site, without charge, to search for assets of their choice and connect directly with the ship-owner or shipbroker providing the asset. Viewers can use the site, also without charge, while listing of assets will require a subscription to be paid.

Mr Eric Chean said, “Growing Marine Nexus has allowed me and my business partner to be at the forefront of innovation in the way shipping business is conducted. We are at the crossroads of shipping, energy and technology, hence we are actively engaged in the growing discussion on improving the industry through commercial applications of information technology. We have also received very positive feedback from the judges who have felt that Marine Nexus is providing an innovative product in a period when the maritime industry needs it most. Marine Nexus intends to continue refining the product in order to ensure the best experience for our users and that we are the go-to platform for the best vessel options for customers’ needs.”

[Caption: Mr Eric Chean (left, with certificate) and Mr Timothy Ong (third from left, with trophy) won the E-Services category at the University Startup World Cup and entered the grand finals.]