SMU Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship organised the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan competition last week, which saw 36 student teams being shortlisted from among 550 startups, representing 300 universities in 68 countries, compete in the week-long, all-expenses-paid event in Singapore.

RVS Rubber Solutions, the startup founded by Case Western Reserve University junior Pavel Galchenko and his best friend, Yohann Samarasinghe, were among the teams who competed in the invitation-only business competition last week.

"While we did not win the grand prize, we had an amazing time and have new direction for how we should approach our company. Speaking with our mentors was invaluable – we learned more from them in the 45-minute meeting we had than we did throughout the past year,” said Mr Galchenko.

He added, "We have had incredible experiences speaking with executive industry experts, with Michael Seibel, the Y Combinator CEO, and especially the other teams. We learned so much about problems around the world and made friendships that will outlast this event. It was an incredible event."