Just returned from a meeting with the National University of Singapore Department of Communications and New Media and their CUTE centre (which stands for Connective Ubiquitous Technology for Embodiments) – I think I prefer CUTE.
Seems both units are getting pretty interested in travel and the CUTE Centre for instance has developed an app called Crowd Trails which allows you to create your own trails and share it with others. This is already downloadable from the app store. In fact, the Centre will be demonstrating the app at an exhibition at the Art Science Museum at Marina Bay Sands this weekend.
Another project being developed by a student team called Travel Teller is aimed at helping people tell their travel stories. A bit like Storehouse but for the travel vertical. This is still in the development stage.
Today, too, after an arduous judging process (thank you, judges) – we had 17 entries in all – we have selected eight start-ups who will pitch at our WIT Bootcamp on Oct 27. It’s a record number of entries and we were pleased to see such a diversity of start-ups not only in ideas but also global representation. We had start-ups from Europe, US, Australia and Asia and it really shows the burgeoning interest in the travel start-up scene in Asia Pacific. We want to thank all who submitted – and to those who didn’t make this round, you can re-submit at our other Pitches in 2015, when we roll out our WIT editions in the region.
Morten Lund, our opening act in 2010.
As noted by Douglas Quinby of PhoCusWright in his piece on start-ups, “One of the most exciting developments is the growth in startups coming from outside the U.S. and Europe. From 2011to 2013, 30% of travel startups were founded in emerging market regions. Asia – led by China – is driving most of that growth.”
Our shortlisted candidates cover diverse areas from search to hospitality to ground transportation to in-destination experiences. That last mile – in-destination, local content – seems pretty hot right now, CUTE’s Crowd Trails being a case in point. The eight start-ups will pitch in front of our judges who will then select the finalists to go on to the Grand Finals on Oct 29 at the WIT Conference.
In developing the programme for the WIT Bootcamp this year, we’ve come across some interesting ideas – the proof is always in the execution, of course – but we think they’re worth hearing out.
So for this year’s WIT Bootcamp, we’ve assembled not only the ones who’ve made it so we can learn from their experiences and wisdom but also newbies who’re trying to make a difference in their chosen field – from tours & activities, meta-search for vacation rentals, taxis and a frequent flyer points whisperer. It really shows the maturing of the travel space as we go further down the long tail of travel.
The big story is of course mobile – and you’ll hear a few ideas here. There’s Time Travellr, set up by Calvin Soh and Saleem Jumabhoy, both self-proclaimed midlife crisis entrepreneurs – you can read about their story here – and well, you’ll have to attend the Bootcamp to hear what Starhub, Singapore’s third largest telco, is up to in travel.
For me, the best part of the Bootcamp is the getting together of like-minded entrepreneurs to inspire and to learn from each other. It can be a lonely road but having friends who get you make the journey easier.
So put on your boots and get set for the best WIT Bootcamp yet which, by the way, will be held at the very place where it first started in 2010. Cute, right?
Note: If you want to attend just the WIT Bootcamp, you can book here. A full WIT Conference ticket gives you access to the Bootcamp.
Going back to where it started – WIT Bootcamp 2010 at the STB Auditorium.
