Singapore. Singapore opened its flagship technology and innovation festival on Tuesday, with the government calling on businesses to prepare workers for changes brought by artificial intelligence as companies race to adopt emerging technologies.

Organized by Enterprise Singapore and supported by the National Research Foundation Singapore under the Prime Minister's Office, the festival aims to connect businesses, researchers and investors and help translate technological advances into commercial applications.

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said employers should redesign jobs and train workers alongside business process changes, rather than treating workforce development as an afterthought.

“People must be part of our AI plans,” Gan said at the opening ceremony of the 11th Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2026 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, on Tuesday.

He said AI should allow workers to spend less time on routine tasks and more time on work requiring judgment, creativity and expertise.

“Helping businesses transform and helping their workers advance are part of the same task,” Gan said, adding that the approach would strengthen competitiveness while ensuring people benefit from technological progress.

The government will continue investing in AI capabilities and infrastructure, strengthening partnerships between research institutions, technology providers and industry, and supporting businesses in adopting AI, he said.

SWITCH brings together entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, technology companies and business leaders to explore commercial opportunities and partnerships across emerging industries. Its focus areas include AI, climate and energy technologies, quantum and advanced computing, advanced materials, healthcare and biotechnology, and digital connectivity.

The event features keynote speeches, industry exhibitions, market-access sessions and roundtable discussions, alongside the finals of SLINGSHOT, a startup pitching competition designed to connect emerging companies with investors and international business networks.

Among this year's finalists are QiFrost, a quantum computing company; Algal Bio, a health technology company; Elven Technologies, which develops lightweight fireproof composite materials and battery safety solutions for electric vehicles; Happaning, an AI-powered video platform; and Mycrocell, a biomanufacturing platform.

SLINGSHOT marks its 10th anniversary this year. Since its launch in 2017, the competition has expanded from 1,000 applications from 80 markets to more than 6,800 applications from over 150 markets in 2025, according to its organizers. The 2026 competition offers more than S$2 million in grant prizes. 

SWITCH drew more than 25,000 attendees from over 100 markets in 2025, its 10th edition, which coincided with Singapore's 60th anniversary of independence.

Gan encouraged participants to use the gathering to find partners, address practical challenges and develop new business opportunities.

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