Applications for Emerging Enterprise 2026 Awards now open until Jun 30

[SINGAPORE] The Emerging Enterprise 2026 Awards, which recognise young businesses across Asia that have demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, are now accepting applications.

Jointly organised by The Business Times and OCBC, the annual awards are in their 19th year. They are open to companies under 10 years old and have an annual turnover of up to S$20 million.

Applications close on Jun 30. Interested applicants can find out more information and sign up here.

Thirty businesses will be shortlisted, with the winners announced at the end of October. 

Said BT editor Chen Huifen: ”The Emerging Enterprise Awards seek to recognise entrepreneurs and enterprises that are not only navigating change effectively, but also contributing meaningfully to Singapore and the region’s next chapter of economic growth through innovation, leadership and sustainable business practices.” 

She added: “Much like diamonds formed under pressure, today’s most promising enterprises are distinguished not only by resilience, but also by the clarity of their vision, the sharpness of their innovation and their ability to stand out in a competitive landscape.” 

From this year, up to six businesses will be awarded across the Emerging Enterprise and Emerging Enterprise Sustainability award categories. 

The flagship Emerging Enterprise Award recognises young businesses that demonstrate an enterprising mindset; drive consistent, significant and sustainable growth; and display the ability to scale and expand overseas, resulting in excellent business performance.  

Companies that display a strong startup spirit and have a unique and commercially viable idea with long-term potential may receive the Most Promising Startup Award. 

SEE ALSO

Applications open for Emerging Enterprise Awards 2025, till Jun 30

The Emerging Enterprise Sustainability Award will go to emerging enterprises that are capitalising on growth opportunities in the green economy; embedding sustainability in their businesses; and leveraging technology and new solutions to transition to low-carbon businesses and industries.  

The Most Promising Sustainability Startup Award will also be conferred on enterprises demonstrating a strong startup spirit with a commercially viable green or sustainability-related business model that has long-term potential.

Christie Chu, head of emerging business international of OCBC’s global commercial banking unit, noted that amid economic uncertainty, technological disruption and evolving customer expectations, platforms such as the Emerging Enterprise Awards are more important than ever. “We aim to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, help them gain visibility and support their journey towards sustainable, long-term success, empowering them to compete on a larger stage,” she added.

This year’s prizes include a two-year interest-free term loan equivalent to S$200,000 in the local country currency, and a consulting package by RSM Singapore for growing businesses worth S$15,000 each.

For the Most Promising Startup and Most Promising Sustainability Startup award categories, a maximum of three winners will receive media publicity in BT.  

Last year, the awards received close to 600 applications from a broad mix of industries across Asia. The winners included online beauty retailer Evo Commerce, healthtech startup Mesh Bio, and deeptech startup Hivebotics, as well as cosmetics retailer Dodo Ventures. 

Greentech company Hydroleap, healthtech and food manufacturer My Care Healthcare, and engineering firm Green Environmental Engineering were presented with the Emerging Enterprise Sustainability Award.

The Emerging Enterprise 2026 Awards are supported by Mastercard, RSM Singapore, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, CBRE, and Enterprise Singapore.