Full Breakdown
Singapore Startup Stick 'Em Wins 2025 Hult Prize
9/10/2025, 12:10:58 PM
Overview of the Hult Prize Victory
On September 5, 2025, the Singapore startup Stick 'Em was awarded the prestigious Hult Prize, securing US$1 million (S$1.28 million) in seed funding. Co-founded in 2021 by Adam Huh Dam, Chong Ing Kai, and Tew Jing An, the education technology company specializes in providing affordable Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) kits. The victory was announced during the global finals held at the Tate Modern in London, marking the first time a Singaporean team has won this competition.
Stick 'Em's Mission and Product Offerings
Stick 'Em aims to make STEAM education more accessible and affordable for schools worldwide. Their primary product is a self-guided kit designed for children aged nine to 16, priced at S$100. The kit includes materials such as chopsticks, 3D-printed components, and small electronics, complemented by a subscription-based online learning platform that assists teachers in conducting classes. To date, over 12,000 students and more than 1,200 teachers across 11 countries have utilized these kits.
The Hult Prize Competition
The Hult Prize, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for students," invites student entrepreneurs to develop businesses that address significant global challenges. This year, the competition attracted over 200,000 participants from 130 countries and nearly 2,000 universities, generating approximately 15,000 startup ideas. A panel of experts in venture capital, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, including Piers Linney, selected Stick 'Em as the winner.
Official Statements & Responses
Lori van Dam, CEO of the Hult Prize Foundation, emphasized the importance of the private sector in addressing global challenges, stating, “Non-profits alone cannot fill the gaps left by the public sector... Stick 'Em is an ambitious business that stood out among 15,000 startup ideas with a clear vision for global growth.” Adam Huh Dam, co-founder of Stick 'Em, expressed his disbelief at winning, stating, “This win isn’t just about us. It’s about every student who deserves the chance to learn, build, and innovate regardless of background.”
Impact and Future Prospects
The prize money will be allocated to further Stick 'Em's mission of enhancing STEAM education accessibility. The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) highlighted that this achievement signifies a milestone for Singapore's innovation and startup ecosystem. Stick 'Em has also been recognized in Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia list under the Consumer & Enterprise Technology category for 2025.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Hult Prize celebrates innovation, some critics argue that the focus on for-profit solutions may overshadow the vital roles played by non-profit organizations in addressing educational disparities. However, the Hult Prize Foundation maintains that collaboration between sectors is essential for sustainable impact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The world is facing increasingly complex challenges. Non-profits alone cannot fill the gaps left by the public sector, particularly while managing scarce resources and shifting donor priorities. The private sector – so often viewed as part of the problem – has a critical opportunity to be part of the solution.” — Lori van Dam, CEO, Hult Prize Foundation
- “It’s about every student who deserves the chance to learn, build, and innovate regardless of background.” — Adam Huh Dam, Co-founder, Stick 'Em
Stick 'Em's victory at the Hult Prize not only highlights the potential of student-led initiatives but also underscores the growing importance of affordable educational resources in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
