In the X Games for Startups, contestants win awards and investments through a series of high-intensity pitches. X-PITCH is not only a challenge, but also a fantastic opportunity for founders to drastically improve their pitch and re-examine their business. Since 2018, the contest has been held in skyscraper elevators, self-driving buses, and MRT. This year, the event will take place on the Singapore River.

As a landmark startup contest in Asia, X-PITCH has attracted more than 8,000 startups and 100,000 participants from over fifty countries in the past two years. Winners have raised a total of US$38 million in funding and connected with investors, corporates, government agencies and accelerators through the event.

“We are hosting X-PITCH in Singapore for the first time. Through this platform, we hope to help founders around the world access to the vibrant market of the city-state and Southeast Asia. Like previous years, the competition format is also a global first. This time, we’ll be doing it on bumboats!” said K. Yu, Organizing Committee Chair of X-PITCH 2023.

Powered by XCEL NEXT, X-PITCH 2023 is in collaboration with e27, the leading startup media in Asia. The event is proudly supported by top organizations including Enterprise Singapore, A*StartCentral, ACE.SG, Block71 Singapore, BSSC, Cool Japan Fund, DOST-PCIEERD, HKSTP, KOVA, MDEC, TA, TINVA, TusStar, and VITTBI.

Media OutReach Newswire, Asia's first global newswire, has partnered with X-PITCH as "Official Newswire Partner" to empower news distribution for the 2023 event. Media OutReach Newswire will work with X-PITCH 2023 to disseminate its announcements globally, and work with startups to educate them on the power of newswire distribution.

The theme of this year's contest is "Accelerating Deeptech", highlighting the forefront of technological advancements in four domains including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, sustainability, and digital economy. Ten awards will be presented at the Grand Finale on 10 November at the National Gallery Singapore, with the top three teams receiving investments totaling at least US$1 million. Visionary founders from Asia and around the world are welcome to take up this challenge: www.xpitch.io

About X-PITCH

X-PITCH is a landmark startup contest in Asia, and probably the most challenging pitch event in the world. Known as the "X Games for Startup", contestants go through a series of pitch challenges to win awards and investments.

- A chance to win US$1,000,000 and more

- Pitch in 15 seconds, 60 seconds, and 3 minutes

- Meet 1,000+ investors and get exposure across 200+ global media

- Activities including pitch training, fundraising workshops, market access, investor matching, and more

Monarch Tractor, maker of the MK-V, the fully electric, driver-optional, connected tractor, today announces the expansion of its operations in Singapore, signaling major growth and appetite for the company's A.I., robotics and smart farming technology within the Asia Pacific region (APAC). Building off of its existing Singapore presence and successful expansion into Hyderabad, India, earlier this year, Monarch Tractor will move to develop the next generation of data scientists, machine learning engineers and A.I. practitioners by partnering with government agencies and academic institutions to grow their A.I. research & development team.

"After our early success in Singapore with the development of our 'Monarch Auto Drive' tractor operation, we're excited to continue to evolve our technology with the help of Singapore's finest talent," said Praveen Penmetsa, Co-Founder & CEO, Monarch Tractor. "In partnership with the Singapore government, Monarch Tractor is able to provide more job opportunities and also propel our mission for a greener future. More than ever, farmers, government bodies and consumers are looking for more viable options to sustain our planet."

Building upon Singapore's early success to develop the MK-V's driverless capabilities, Monarch's expansion and development of new talent will work to create automation capabilities that extend to full farm operations leading to the enablement of profitable and sustainable agricultural practices within the region and globally.

As almost 25 percent of global GHG emissions result from agriculture, this strategic expansion will champion and enable large-scale emissions reductions that support Singapore's Green Plan 2030, including the country's aspiration to become net-zero by 2050. Monarch is currently hiring talent throughout Singapore to support and develop cutting-edge A.I. robotics technology - creating a smarter, greener and safer farming industry.

Following its launch in 2020, Monarch Tractor has continued to revolutionize the agriculture industry at a global scale through innovative electric and autonomous capabilities. Moving to bring AI to farmer's fingertips, the company has captured the attention of other major sustainable-focused countries within APAC including New Zealand, where Monarch delivered the first-ever electric tractor to the NZ0 farm.

Founded in 2018, Monarch Tractor's Founder Series MK-V is the world's first fully electric, driver-optional, connected tractor set to enhance farmers' existing operations, alleviate labor shortages, and maximize yields. Monarch Tractor is committed to elevating farming practices to enable clean, efficient, and economically viable solutions for today's farmers and the generations of farmers to come. With cutting-edge technology, global reach, and an experienced team, Monarch is delivering meaningful change for the future of farming. For more information, visit www.monarchtractor.com.

Mothercare Singapore sets the stage for its largest-ever Baby & Kids Fair from 28 to 30 July at EXPO HALL 6A. Bringing together more than 200 premium brands, this event promises unmatched deals and discounts on baby and kids' essentials, allowing seasoned parents and soon-to-be mommies and daddies to enjoy unbeatable savings of up to 90%.

Mothercare pulls all stops this year to create an unparalleled shopping experience. As shoppers discover top-tier products from globally renowned brands like Pigeon, Tommee Tippee, Bugaboo, Disney, and Cybex, they can also partake in the bottle trade-ins to reap exclusive deals from quality-assured baby bottle brands at the fair.

In addition, exclusive brands only available at the Mothercare Baby & Kids Fair will be showcased, providing a unique opportunity to access high-quality products not found at other baby fairs. An e-Guidebook featuring value-worthy starbuys, quality brands and staff picks will also be available for shoppers to plan ahead. The physical booklet will also be available at any of the 11 Mothercare retail stores and 6 Kiztopia locations islandwide.

With a minimum spend of S$1,000, you can also stand a chance to win enticing prizes at the spin-to-win pop-up that are worth up to S$599. Plus, keep an eye out for weekly giveaways on their official Instagram account (@mothercare_babykidsfair2023), offering interested parents a chance to bring home up to S$5,000 worth of essential baby and pregnancy products from a plethora of brands.

That’s not all – the first 2,000 signups can snap up a free early bird goodie bag laden with baby products worth up to S$200+. Shoppers can register online for their entrance goodie bag here.

Expertise Meets Entertainment

The fair goes beyond shopping — turning into a hub of learning and fun. Expectant mothers can immerse themselves in enlightening seminars from 12pm to 5pm, facilitated by medical experts and doctors from Mount Alvernia Hospital. The Mommy & Me seminar on pregnancy features hourly sessions that will shed light on various pregnancy topics and early stage planning knowledge, with attendees receiving goodie bags worth up to S$150+. Complementing this enriching experience, an expansive 200m­2 Kiztopia mega indoor playground will feature a bouncy castle that stands ready to thrill toddlers, transforming your shopping experience into a delightful family outing unlike any other.

Partnerships and Sweet Rewards

Elevating the value for every dollar spent, Mothercare has forged a partnership with Shopback. This collaboration allows shoppers to extend their savings with the use of stackable vouchers and cashback offers. Shoppers can pay with ShopBack Pay or PayLater, and stand to win 100% cashback* and up to $15 off^ at the Baby & Kids Fair. Adding to the roster of partnerships, a tie up with Tanamera Coffee & Roastery and Shopback’s app sweetens the deal – the first 300 visitors can enjoy free coffee or tea at EXPO while new Shopback users enjoy S$2 off a minimum spend of S$5 on coffee, tea and juices.

The Baby & Kids Fair 2023 is an embodiment of Mothercare’s steadfast commitment to nurturing young families. This event represents more than just a shopping experience – it's a curated celebration of parenthood where quality, affordability, and family joy converge. Symbolising the brand's promise to continuously innovate and provide only the best, the fair is a testament to the shared journey of parenting, one that Mothercare is proud to support and celebrate.

As global travel restrictions lift and holiday plans resume, DirectAsia Singapore responds to the needs of today's travellers with a comprehensive suite of travel insurance plans. These plans are well suited to provide peace of mind for families planning school holiday trips abroad this June, ensuring they are well-protected in a variety of scenarios.

"DirectAsia Singapore acknowledges the evolving requirements of today's travellers," shares Oliver Mallich, Head of Marketing and Partnerships. "Our flexible travel insurance packages are designed to cater to a wide array of situations, ensuring families can travel with freedom from worry during the upcoming school holidays."

DirectAsia Singapore's insurance plans provide a variety of options for coverage:

Equitable Child Cover & Family Travel Insurance: Offering equal protection for children and adults, DirectAsia provides cost-effective, all-inclusive packages that offer coverage for all family members under a single policy.

Inclusive Domestic Helper Coverage: Recognising the integral role of domestic helpers in Singaporean families, DirectAsia ensures they're not left out, extending coverage to include helpers who accompany families on school holiday trips.

Trip Cancellation & Curtailment: Unforeseen circumstances can lead to trip cancellations or shortenings. DirectAsia offers compensation for irretrievable, prepaid transport and accommodation expenses, helping families navigate such disruptions in their school holiday travel plans without financial burden.

Personal Possessions, Money & Travel Documents: School holiday trips should be stress-free. To this end, DirectAsia's insurance shields families from the fallout of theft, loss, or accidental damage to personal belongings, adding an extra layer of assurance.

Medical Expenses: An unexpected medical situation can put a damper on school holiday travels. DirectAsia cushions families from this impact, covering medical treatment costs incurred during an insured overseas trip, as well as related expenses for up to 30 days after returning to Singapore.

Death & Permanent Disability: In the unfortunate event of severe injury during the trip resulting in loss of limbs, sight, permanent total disablement, or death, families can find some solace in DirectAsia's provision for a lump-sum payout, providing a critical financial safety net.

Policy Features

DirectAsia Singapore's travel insurance offers up to S$1,000,000 coverage for medical expenses and assures up to 90 days of coverage per journey. Frequent travellers may find the flexibility of annual plans beneficial. The policy also includes coverage for emergency phone charges, compassionate visits, personal liability, and rental car excess.

Part of the global Hiscox Group, DirectAsia Singapore offers direct-to-consumer insurance services. Their portfolio spans car, motorcycle, and travel insurance packages, all underpinned by a commitment to clarity, simplicity, and innovation.