Singtel Innov8 has launched a US$250 million AI Growth Fund aimed at investing in high-growth artificial intelligence startups and accelerating AI adoption across the Singtel Group.
The new Singtel Innov8 AI Growth Fund will focus on growth-stage AI companies globally, particularly those developing technologies that can be deployed across the group’s connectivity, digital services and infrastructure platforms.
The fund will target areas such as customer engagement, network operations, cybersecurity, IT automation and enterprise AI platforms, as Singtel seeks to deepen its role as both a user and provider of AI technologies.
Supporting AI deployment across Singtel’s ecosystem
According to the company, the AI Growth Fund will not only provide capital but also allow startups to test and scale solutions within Singtel’s operating environment.
Singtel Singapore and Australia-based Optus will serve as live operational platforms where portfolio companies can trial AI technologies in areas including customer experience, network management and workflow automation.
Meanwhile, Singtel’s digital infrastructure arm Digital InfraCo – which includes Nxera data centres and the RE:AI cloud platform – will provide infrastructure to support AI workloads.
NCS, the group’s IT services arm, will help integrate these technologies for enterprise and government clients.
“Our AI Growth Fund gives Singtel Group strategic access to transformative AI technologies at a pivotal stage of growth,” said Edgar Hardless, chief executive officer of Singtel Innov8.
“It also enables us to test, integrate and scale AI innovations across our networks, platforms and digital infrastructure. By investing with clear deployment pathways, we accelerate applied AI adoption for enterprises, governments and consumers across the region.”
Expanding venture investment in AI
The new fund adds to Innov8’s existing US$250 million evergreen fund, bringing the venture unit’s total managed capital to US$500 million.
The investment vehicle is designed to support Singtel’s broader strategy of building an “AI Grid” infrastructure combining 5G-Advanced networks, edge computing and cloud capabilities. These technologies are orchestrated through Singtel’s Paragon platform to support AI-driven enterprise applications.
The initiative also complements Singtel’s recently announced Centre of Excellence for Applied AI, developed with NVIDIA, which focuses on providing enterprise-grade AI infrastructure and frameworks.
Regional impact and startup pipeline
Established in 2010, Singtel Innov8 has made more than 120 investments worldwide, connecting startups from global innovation hubs with the Singtel ecosystem.
Past investments include Arista Networks, Carro, Endowus, Jasper, Ruckus Wireless, Shape Security and ShopBack.
The company said the AI Growth Fund will help create a pipeline of deployable AI solutions that can be integrated into telecommunications networks, enterprise services and public sector systems.
Singtel Innov8 will begin deploying capital into growth-stage AI companies globally, prioritising technologies that can be integrated into Singtel’s network and digital platforms.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen Singapore’s position as a regional hub for AI innovation by linking startups with infrastructure, enterprise customers and large-scale deployment environments.
