The headline isn’t clickbait. If you are building in deep tech – specifically in AI infrastructure, advanced materials, or semiconductors – there is one room you need to be in this year.
It’s not in a hotel ballroom in Marina Bay Sands. It’s in Fremont, California.
Lam Capital, the venture arm of semiconductor giant Lam Research, has just opened applications for its 2026 Venture Competition. For Singaporean startups, this is more than just a pitch event; it is the most direct bridge to the heart of the Silicon Valley hardware ecosystem.
The “Who’s Who” Factor
The biggest challenge for Singapore deep tech startups isn’t technology; it’s access. You can build world-class tech in One-North, but selling it often requires shaking hands in the Bay Area.
This competition solves the access problem in one afternoon. When you pitch at this event, you aren’t just facing Lam Research executives. The room is historically packed with decision-makers from the giants of the US tech world – think Intel, Microsoft, and NVIDIA – along with top-tier deep tech VCs who rarely fly 16 hours to Singapore for a demo day.
The Opportunity: You are not just competing for the $250,000 investment prize (though that helps). You are competing for the business cards of the people who sign POs (Purchase Orders) and Series B checks.
The 2026 Theme: “Building the AI Backbone”
This year’s theme is tailor-made for Singapore’s current R&D strengths. They are looking for startups that enable the AI revolution from the hardware up:
- AI for Materials Discovery: (A huge focus for our local universities)
- Smart Manufacturing & Digital Twins: (Right in the Industry 4.0 wheelhouse)
- Advanced Packaging: (The sector where Singapore is already a global leader)
Why This Matters for Singapore
We talk a lot about “ecosystem building.” But a true ecosystem isn’t an island. Singapore has successfully attracted Lam Research to build manufacturing capacity here (like their facility in Batu Kawan and partnerships with local suppliers). Now, it’s time for the flow to go the other way.
This competition is a rare “fast lane” for Singaporean IP to get validated by US standards. A finalist spot puts a stamp of approval on your tech that is recognized globally, instantly de-risking you for other investors.
The Details
- Event Date: May 21, 2026
- Location: Fremont, California
- Application Deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2026
DeepTechSG Verdict: If you have a prototype and a passport, applying is a no-brainer. The application takes a few hours; the network you build in that room could define your next decade.
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