The Llama Incubator is the first of its kind transformative partnership between Meta, Industry and Government in Singapore. In line with Singapore's Digital Enterprise blueprint, the program aims to help startups scale faster and enterprises be smarter by using responsible open source AI.
The program will empower Singapore’s SMEs and startups by supporting 40 digitally-ready businesses over a 6-month period.
The Startup Track is a capacity-building drive aimed at helping startups integrate AI into their businesses, access new markets, and secure VC funding. Participants will focus on refining their MVP concepts, validating prototypes, and preparing go-to-market strategies.
The SME Track is designed to enable SMEs to create and integrate custom AI solutions using Meta's Llama technology. Participants will engage in hands-on sessions to fine-tune Llama models, customize APIs, and develop AI-driven solutions that boost operational efficiency and competitiveness.
Apply for the Incubation program by 09 March 2025.
Foundational Workshop
Learn more about Llama and its use cases.Network with and foster connection with other like minded companies.
Incubation and Solution Development
A 20–24 week program featuring personalized 1-on-1 sessions for each business, with access to business and technical experts and resources.
For Startups:
- Registered entity in Singapore.
- Operating in Singapore for at least one year.
- Secured a minimum of SGD 250,000 in funding (angel or pre-seed).
- Launched product showing early traction, even if full product-market fit (PMF) is not yet achieved.
- Possessing robust technology resources, including know-how, infrastructure, and developers, with a proven track record of integrating tech solutions.
For SMEs:
- Registered entity in Singapore.
- Operating in Singapore for at least three years.
- Generating an annual revenue of less than SGD 100 million.
- Employing fewer than 200 employees.
- In-house tech resources are not required, but the business must demonstrate a strong commitment to adopting AI solutions, supported by a clear problem statement, a well-defined business case, and an understanding of the anticipated impact.
- Must have management support and a dedicated budget to implement the proposed Llama solution.
Digital Readiness:
- Business should be ready to develop, fine-tune, and deploy a Llama solution effectively.
- Business must possess tech resources or access to skilled partners like system integrators (SI).
- Demonstrates prior digital integration through adoption of other tech or AI solutions or is ready to integrate AI in their business process.
- Has management buy-in with committed resources, strategy, and leadership support.
Applicability to Business Challenge
- Business should have a clear business problem that Llama can effectively address.
- The solution is relevant, practical and scalable to meet the defined challenge.
- The solution must demonstrate potential to significantly improve productivity, cost and/or time efficiency.
Technical Feasibility and Innovation
- The solution is innovative, technically advanced, and leverages Llama as a core component.
- Llama is well-suited to address the problem and the solution leverages the best of what Llama has to offer.
- The solution demonstrates scalability, feasibility, and strong technical robustness.
Safety and Responsibility
- The business prioritizes inclusion, safety, and privacy in solution design and deployment.
- The business has or plans to conduct self-audits to identify and mitigate potential risks proactively.
- The solution aligns with responsible AI practices and leverages Llama's trust and safety tools effectively.
- A clear plan exists to reduce bias, ensure ethical use, and maintain data compliance standards.
Please refer to the eligibility selection criteria above.
Applications will close on March 9, 2025. Shortlisted participants will be informed from March 7-10, 2025, and invited to the Foundational Workshop on March 13-14, 2025. Due diligence and interviews will be done by Meta’s Program Partner, e27.
The final selection of 40 startups and SMEs will be announced on April 1, 2025.
No prior AI experience is required. Startups should have technology resources or a history of incorporating tech solutions, while SMEs must show a clear business case and a strong interest in Large Language Models and adopting AI solutions.
- What are the expectations regarding data sharing and model weights sharing from model trained/fine-tuned on non-public data?
Where possible, applicants are encouraged to upload documents or provide URLs to external resources that validate their eligibility and showcase their potential. Examples include:
For Startups:
- Proof of incorporation and registration in Singapore.
- Documentation of secured funding (e.g., angel or pre-seed funding agreements.)
- Information on the launched product, including evidence of early traction.
- Details of technology resources (e.g., team profiles, infrastructure capabilities).
For SMEs:
- Proof of incorporation and registration in Singapore.
- Details of the workforce size.
- A document outlining the problem statement, business case, and anticipated impact of adopting AI solutions.