Retail Maverick Challenge 2025

 

Welcome to the

Retail Maverick Challenge 2025

Where bold retail concepts meet opportunity!

 

In partnership with Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) and CapitaLand Investment (CLI), this challenge offers local retail brands (including SMEs and MNCs) a unique opportunity to foster innovative retail concepts in Singapore. The challenge will select up to three winning concepts, underscoring the commitment to recognising and supporting a broader range of innovative and outstanding ideas. Winners will get the opportunity to access up to one year and up to 4,000 square feet of retail space in one of CapitaLand’s malls to pilot and showcase their innovative concepts1. Winners will also receive EnterpriseSG’s support for pilot implementation, of up to 50% support capped at S$300,000 for supportable costs2.

Whether you're launching an immersive showcase, a tech-enabled customer journey, or an innovative product trial, this is your chance to generate buzz and footfall, while bringing your experiential retail vision to life.

Stand a chance to tap on retail spaces in CapitaLand malls, along with marketing support and resources to supercharge your concept.

 

1. These include, but are not limited to CQ @ Clarke Quay, Funan, Plaza Singapura.
2. The support is subject to further assessment based on the proposed proof-of-concept and key performance indicators. The grant can be used for various cost categories, including but not limited to hardware, software and integration costs for innovative technologies; innovation/experiential-focused store fit-out elements and manpower; and PR marketing costs.

This industry initiative aims to identify local companies with:

Compelling solutions that meet and grow consumer demand for its target segment(s).
Innovative, experiential concepts that elevate consumer engagement through immersive experiences.
Store concepts that optimise space and manpower resources through the adoption of technology to achieve cost and operational efficiencies.
Startups are welcome to apply in partnership with local retail brands.
Register now
As part of its commitment to nurture innovative retail concepts, CLI will provide rental waivers for the designated retail spaces. Locations such as Plaza Singapura, Funan, and CQ @ Clarke Quay are among those included.
Additional financial support for pilot implementation may be provided by EnterpriseSG through the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), subject to further assessment based on the proposed proof of concept and its key performance indicators. This funding can be used for:
Concept development consultancy and professional fees
Hardware & software costs for innovative technologies, and integration costs
Innovation and experiential-focused store fit-out elements
Project lead manpower costs
PR and marketing costs
Why join the
Retail Maverick Challenge?

Ready to break the mold?

The Retail Maverick Challenge is your springboard to lead the future of retail in Singapore. Here’s what’s in it for you:

Participate now

Test bold ideas with the right support

Push boundaries with experiential formats and tech-driven concepts — supported by Enterprise Singapore and CapitaLand Investment.

Ride the pulse of Singapore’s retail scene

Tap into emerging trends, access high-visibility malls, and trial your ideas in vibrant, real-world environments.

Tell your story, drive real engagement

Bring your brand to life with immersive storytelling and creative customer experiences — in retail spaces designed to attract, engage, and excite.

Be the trendsetter

This isn’t just a challenge — it’s your launchpad. Spark buzz, shape conversations, and set the standard for what’s next in retail.

Opportunities
and Incentives

Stand a chance to bring your bold experiential retail concept to life — in the heart of Singapore’s top malls.

Winning retail brands will enjoy a powerful launchpad to test, refine, and scale their ideas in a real-world retail environment, supported by Enterprise Singapore and CapitaLand Investment. Benefits include:

Retail Space for Up to one year

Pilot your concept in up to 4,000 sq ft of retail space in CapitaLand malls (e.g. CQ @ Clarke Quay, Funan, Plaza Singapura and more), with space and duration tailored based on concept readiness, suitability, and availability. Winning brands will enjoy rental waivers and have the flexibility to manage their own fit-out, staffing, utilities, legal fees, and service charge – empowering them to shape and customise their store concepts to best reflect their brand vision.

Pathway for continuity

Promising pilots may be considered for extended tenancy, with future lease discussions to be explored as a separate commercial engagement with CLI, based on mutual fit and business performance.

Amplified visibility

Benefit from marketing and promotional support through extensive digital channels and in-mall platforms — to help you reach and engage your target audience.

Access to a Collaborative Ecosystem

Tap into CLI’s vibrant network of retail and ecosystem partners for mentorship, business insights and collaboration.

Access to EnterpriseSG's network

Access to EnterpriseSG's network of technology partners, solution providers and industry resources to accelerate concept implementation.

Up to 50% of pilot implementation support (capped at S$300,000)

Up to 50% of pilot implementation support, capped at S$300,000 from EnterpriseSG, where applicable.

Take your concept beyond the drawing board. Gain visibility, credibility, and the support you need to make a real impact — in malls, in minds, and in the market.

Note that mall selection will be done jointly by CapitaLand Investment and EnterpriseSG.

Challenge Timeline
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Application Phase

Submit your solutions by 4 August, 2025 2359 (SGT/GMT+8).

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Shortlisting Phase

EnterpriseSG and CLI will evaluate the proposals and select potential solutions to explore further. The list of local brands will be announced by September.

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Clarrification Phase

Local brands will have the opportunity to be connected directly with the EnterpriseSG and CLI in 1-to-1 sessions to engage with them for further clarification and final evaluation.

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Demo Day

More details on the demo day will be shared nearer to date.

 

 

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