Called the Startup Xchange, the programme concentrates on artificial intelligence, or AI, data science, immersive media and the internet of things. (The “internet of things”is the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity.) DBS has so far launched the programme in Singapore and Hong Kong.

The programme brings in start-ups to co-create solutions with the bank, which the lender said deals immediately with problems that might arise. DBS held a pilot launch for the venture a few months ago, and has so far matched 21 start-ups with units within the bank, such as its human resouces team. Ten emerging technology solutions have been launched to date and another 10 are expected over the next 12 months, DBS said.

Aiding start-up creators is a way for lenders such as DBS to partner early with entrepreneurs, building a pipeline of clients for segments such as private banking and wealth management if or when business founders become successful.

DBS said that some start-ups are struggling to stay afloat. DBS cited its own research that showed that 78 per cent of business “accelerators” launched in Singapore over the past three years are now defunct because many start-ups had failed without the continued support from established sponsors and partners.

The bank also cited an Ernst & Young ASEAN Fintech Census issued earlier this year which showed that less than 39 per cent of fintech start-ups benefitted from fixed tenures at accelerators.