Esco Aster Equity-Free Accelerator Overview 

Esco Aster is a first-in-class, integrated equity-free bioinnovation accelerator and cGMP CRDMO. 

We operate as a factory for biotechs and as an “Idea to Exit” factory, co-creating and accelerating biotech and biomedical startups that are globally investable, retain value capture, and are anchored in Singapore. 

Singapore serves as a launchpad to the regional market for Asian diseases, particularly for platform technologies (e.g. NPC/ENT cancers, and certain autoimmune and genetic conditions). Companies also gain accelerated time to clinic in Australia through the R&D Tax Incentive, while remaining attuned to the Western market as a potential exit strategy. 

Accelerator Resident 

What We Are Looking For

We focus on platform technologies, especially in cells and their derivatives: 

  • Biosciences / biotools 
  • Disease screening 
  • Adherent cells and derivatives 
  • Immune cells and derivatives 
  • Biofluids (e.g. milk, RBCs, platelets) and derivatives 
  • Plant / plant cells and derivatives 
  • Microbial cells and derivatives 
  • Bioindustry / engineering biology 

At Esco Aster, we define platform technology broadly, including applications across market segments such as animal health, dermocosmetics, nutricosmetics, clinical nutrition and bioindustry, not just human health. 

A platform technology also includes: 

  • Discovery/development engines 
  • Cell lines with multiple applications 
  • Enabling biosciences/biotools used across discovery, delivery, manufacturing, quality, testing and drug delivery 
  • The classical definition: multiple biological assets or treatments from the same platform 

Where applicable, residents are encouraged to use superintelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and autonomy as force multipliers.

A Broader View Of "Platform"

Across market segments
What counts as a platform
  • Discovery and Development Engines
  • Patented Cell lines with Multiple applications. Multiple Derivatives.
  • Enabling biosciences / biotools, from discovery to delivery, manufacturing, quality, testing and drug deliver
  • Drug Delivery Platforms, Devices.
  • Classical Definition: Multiple biological assets or treatments from one platform

Force multiplier: residents are encouraged, where applicable, to use super intelligence / AI, machine learning and autonomy.

Single-asset plays are welcome too, provided they have a clear right to win and a focused pathway to exit.

Prerequisites

Singapore incorporation and local equity:
•The company must be incorporated in Singapore, with at least 30% of its equity held directly or indirectly by Singapore citizens and/or Singapore PRs, determined by ultimate individual ownership.1 This is required to qualify for Enterprise Singapore’s Startup SG Tech Proof-of-Concept (POC) and Proof-of-Value (POV) grants. 

First-time founder:
•Preferably, the team includes a first-time founder or co-founder, to qualify for the Startup SG Founder (SSGF) grant.2 

IP licensing model:
•We are also open to models in which IP is exclusively assigned or licensed, for a specific geography and/or market segment, in exchange for up to 40% equity in the Singapore company. Esco Aster will help find strategic capital as seed investors. 

CEO based in Singapore:
•The CEO must be physically based in Singapore. This eases communication and the acquisition of strategic capital and grants, as stakeholders often want to meet in person, and the majority of the C-suite is also based here. 

Inbound companies and JVs:
•The regional CEO must be based in Singapore and may report to the Group CEO/Chairman. 

Australian entity:
•Where applicable, you should be willing to incorporate in Australia for the R&D Tax Incentive. 

Singapore director support:
•If you are an inbound company and need a Singapore director for sweat equity, Esco Aster has fractional talent services through our network and will help facilitate matchmaking. 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Must I be physically incubated with you, or resign from my full-time public/civil service job, to be part of the accelerator?

No. You do not need to be physically with us. We accept companies whose scientific founders or co-founders hold full-time public or civil service jobs, subject to institutional approval for involvement in a spinoff/spinout.

In such cases, we recommend appointing an interim or founding CEO, who may be fractional, to take charge and drive the company as a leader among equals. A full-time CEO can then join the company full-time, subject to fundraising.

What other corporate company services can you provide?

  • Corporate secretarial services, including mailing addresses

  • Basic accounting services

  • Legal services through our external legal counsel

What if I need private space?

The following co-working offices, incubators and labs are near us at Launchpad by JTC and elsewhere in Singapore:

Is there a fixed cohort program before a company is considered a resident?

Not at this time. We do not currently run a formal accelerator program or demo day. If you are keen to collaborate with us, simply reach out.

Will you run fixed programs in the future?

Yes. We are developing a fixed cohort program with a demo day, as well as joint programs with our Launchpad by JTC collaborators, such as BioGarage with Leave a Nest (Blk 71) and Louken (Blk 71), and with partners in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and South Korea.

What are the benefits of joining MetaMorphosis?

A playbook offering a de-risked path to clinic/pilot and exit, delivering a larger return on investment for all stakeholders: public, private, shareholders, co-founders, investors, and foundations/NFPs.

What are the steps to become a member of MetaMorphosis?

  1. Introduce yourself and agree to the points above.

  2. Hold an introductory discussion, often with a company gap analysis and initial feedback. A paid consultancy package may be proposed.

  3. Sign a mutual, binding residency program agreement, including a memorandum of understanding (MOU), and become part of our program.

  4. Our marcomms team will provide a certificate/media release signed by both parties, and a plaque recognizing you as a resident of MetaMorphosis.

What happens if I am not eligible to be a resident of the accelerator?

Not being selected for MetaMorphosis does not close the door to working with Esco Aster. Eligibility for the accelerator is a question of programme fit, not a judgement on the quality of your science or your team. MetaMorphosis is an equity-free venture co-creation and acceleration platform at LaunchPad by JTC in Singapore, and it is just one of the ways we engage with innovators.

If you are not admitted as a resident, you can still work with Esco Aster as a client or partner through our commercial offerings, on a fee-for-service basis. Depending on your stage and needs, this could include:

  • Consultancy: CMC, QTPP and TPP strategy, investor and technical due diligence, pitch deck and data room preparation, fractional talent and interim leadership, and cost of goods and techno-economic analysis.

  • Development and manufacturing services: drug discovery and research services, strain engineering and cell line creation, cell banking, cGMP process development, clinical trial material, aseptic fill and finish, and testing.

  • Business and strategic support: business development (Tech-Biz) and Strategic Capital, our fundraising-as-a-service offering with accredited investors.

  • Products and platforms: our product portfolio and manufacturing technology platforms.

Our team will also happily discuss which route best suits your technology and stage, including our other accelerator programme, BioGarage. In short, whether or not you are accepted into the accelerator, there is a way to collaborate with us.

References
  1. https://www.startupsg.gov.sg/programmes/4897/startup-sg-tech/eligibility 
  2. https://www.startupsg.gov.sg/programmes/4894/startup-sg-founder