The seventh edition of "Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology" (SWITCH) 2022 was unveiled on October 25, at Resorts World Convention Centre, Singapore. The exuberant forum is collating industry leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, accelerators, and investors from the Global-Asia innovation ecosystem at the signature Flagship Event from 25–28 October 2022. 

Deputy prime minister and coordinating Minister for economic policies Heng Swee Keat unveiled the four-day conference and exhibition featuring various innovation programmes including the SLINGSHOT Startup Pitching Competition, a Sectoral Thought Leadership Stage, Market Access Sessions as well as Industry Exhibition Showcases and Roundtable sessions. SWITCH is jointly organised by Enterprise Singapore and MP Singapore, and supported by the National Research Foundation.

Addressing the global innovators and entrepreneurs, the Deputy PM said, "The Singapore government has also remained steadfast in our commitment to innovation, through economic cycles. In the five years to 2025, we are committing $19 billion to research, innovation, and enterprise".

"Singapore is a gateway for the world into Asia and Southeast Asia while creating 29 unicorns, including four minted this year. We run co-innovation programmes with 37 countries to catalyse cross-border collaborations, with close to 300 companies participating so far. Through the Global Innovation Alliance, or GIA, we are connected to 15 innovative cities around the world, with 2 more connections to be announced later at SWITCH" he adds.

Deputy PM further announced an additional $50 million for AI manpower to double the number of AI apprenticeships in the next five years. In addition, the country is also aiming to create a new NRF Fellowship for AI to attract top researchers to pursue breakthrough research in Singapore, who can in turn draw in and mentor emerging talent.

As the floor witnesses innovation-centric activities, SWITCH provides a global platform to catalyse meaningful collaboration between different fields and markets. The focus industries include healthcare & biomedical sciences, smart cities & urban solutions, trade & connectivity, and emerging sustainable technologies. 

The SWITCH Experience also features a Year-long Programme of innovation-centric community events and opportunities starting in July 2022. The ongoing programme features a flagship hybrid conference and exhibition to connect and convene start-ups, SMEs, MNCs, investors, research institutes, multipliers, and government organizations. 

The Flagship Event features 3 tracks that are curated to showcase exciting frontier technologies and opportunities for collaboration-

SWITCH BEYOND (Industry Conference):  Industry leader are deep diving into industry trends while uncovering innovation opportunities in Asia Conferences explores topics such as Healthcare & Biomedical, Urban Solutions, Trade & Connectivity, and the Future of Enterprise, on the back of increasing demands for health and wellness, supply chain innovation, and green partnerships.

SWITCH GLOBAL (Market Access Conference): Aims to connect business leaders across 15 markets to discuss the latest tech trends and opportunities for global collaboration, including leveraging Singapore as the connecting node to expand into the region. The global pavilion and market access sessions offer insight to local industry experts and change makers.

SLINGSHOT 2022 (Global Pitching Competition): The finals of Asia’s premier deep tech startup pitching competition where the top 50 global startups will pitch their innovation to major investors and industry leaders to vie for the top prize at the grand finals.