Thales has signed two Memorandums of Understanding with Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) to deepen its involvement in the country’s startup ecosystem and support local companies seeking international expansion.

The agreements were announced on 29 April at the Milipol TechX Summit in Singapore. They centre on Thales’ Trust My Tech (TMT) global startup business acceleration programme, which the company will deploy through both government partnerships to connect Singapore startups with real-world commercial challenges and overseas market access.

Two distinct partnership tracks

Under the EDB agreement, Thales will partner with Plug and Play Tech Centre through EDB’s Corporate Venture Launchpad to run a one-year programme for startups across deep-tech domains including AI, cybersecurity, quantum, digital identity, aerospace, fintech, and regulatory technology.

The EnterpriseSG partnership, signed under the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) framework, enables selected Singapore startups to work directly with Thales’ global businesses to develop proof-of-concepts aligned to real-world business needs. Thales will also support participant startups through overseas learning expeditions, providing access to its expert networks and facilities to accelerate international expansion.

“These partnerships are key in helping to connect startups to opportunities within Singapore and to markets beyond. We welcome more companies to partner our local startups in driving innovation and unlocking new growth frontiers.” — Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development

Thales’ long-term Singapore footprint

Thales has operated in Singapore since 1973, initially through aerospace activities. The company now employs more than 2,000 people across four Singapore locations, covering aeronautics, defence, public security, cybersecurity, and digital identity. It launched cortAIx, its AI accelerator, in Singapore in 2025.

“The support and partnership from EDB and EnterpriseSG are invaluable, and these two new agreements will enable us to extend our support to Singapore’s fast-growing startup scene.” — Emily Tan, Chief Executive and Country Director, Thales in Singapore

Globally, Thales employs more than 85,000 people across 65 countries and reported revenue of €22.1 billion in 2025. The company allocates €4.5 billion annually to research and development across AI, cybersecurity, quantum, and cloud technologies.