How Singtel Supports Health Startups Through Tech Innovation
In 2015, Asia's foremost communications technology group, Singtel, embarked on a mission to boost social innovation in Singapore and Australia via the Singtel Group Future Makers (SGFM) programme.
This initiative aims to invigorate the sector by embracing technology's potential to solve social challenges. Since its inception, it has channelled over US$4mn into assisting 85 social startups.
In July 2025, the conglomerate published its Singtel Group Future Makers Impact Report 2025, which shares insights into the work undertaken by 13 enterprises and innovations within the region.
“In the 10th anniversary of the Future Makers programme, I would like to celebrate and showcase the impact and growth of some of these SGFM start-ups across the region,” says Andrew Buay, Vice President, Group Sustainability at Singtel.
“I am pleased to note that many of them have gone on to create greater social impact in more than 10 countries globally and secured over S$20m (US$15m) in additional investment since joining the SGFM programme.”
Understanding Singtel Group
Singtel, headquartered in Singapore and primarily owned by Temasek Holdings, is a dominant name in telecommunications.
Its operations extend from Singapore to Australia through Optus, with investments in India via Bharti Airtel, and partnerships in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
In 2023, the group set out its net zero target to 2045 and gained Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation for its improved greenhouse gas reduction aims.
Singtel's current commitments envision cutting absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 55% and Scope 3 emissions by 40% by the year 2030, starting from a 2023 baseline.
The company also works towards sourcing 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030, expecting 20% of it to come from renewable energy between 2025 and 2029.
Singtel Group Future Makers
Initiated in 2015, the SGFM programme aims to tackle the insufficient use of digital technology in the social and healthcare sectors.
Over the past 10 years, SGFM has directed more than US$4mn in grants and over 600 hours of mentoring to 85 social impact ventures across Asia-Pacific and Africa.
The report highlights the cumulative achievements of the showcased startups: educating over a million underserved youth, advancing health screening and education to 6.7 million individuals, providing mental health support to 420,000 people and training 30,000 persons on inclusive hiring and disability awareness.
Environmentally, the initiative contributes to cutting 4,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions and imparts sustainability education to 16 million individuals.
The startups spotlighted
The report reviews 13 enterprises that have expanded operations thanks to SGFM's backing.
Singapore's Aevice Health, developing a wearable stethoscope for asthma and COPD care, gained US FDA approval and secures US$7mn in 2024, facilitating its extension to the US and Japan.
Reach52, another health technology enterprise from Singapore, has amplified its annual revenue by fifteenfold post joining SGFM.
It now delivers essential medicines and health education across multiple regions, including India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Africa.
Digital mental health provider, Virtual Psychologist from Australia, reaches 420,000 individuals through its services.
The use of AI and wearable technology bolsters accessibility, especially in remote areas.
Meanwhile, Indonesia's myECO enables up to 55% energy savings, implementing IoT-driven smart efficiency solutions.
In Thailand, MuvMi offers 15 million affordable electric Tuk-Tuk rides, curtailing 4,000 tonnes of CO₂.
