Building the Next Generation of Longevity Ventures: From Campus to Startup

​How do longevity ventures begin — and what does it take to grow them from an idea on campus into something with real-world impact?

Join us at the SMU booth at the World Ageing Festival for a conversation on how the next generation of founders, students, and innovators are building solutions for an ageing society.

This panel is jointly developed through the Long Life Venture Builder Programme—a collaborative initiative between London School of Economics and Political Science and Singapore Management University under the broader LSE–SMU institutional partnership. It brings together voices across academia, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and student venture-building to explore how ideas are translated into action, and how early exposure, startup support, and interdisciplinary thinking can help shape the future of longevity innovation.

​Event details

• ​Date: 15 Apr 2026

• ​Time: 11:00am – 11:45am

• ​Venue: SMU booth at World Ageing Festival, Sands Expo Hall C

​Moderator
Cheong Wei Yang, Vice Provost for Strategic Research Partnerships at SMU and Senior Adviser for Health Economics at MOH
Dr Cheong leads strategic multidisciplinary research partnerships at SMU and has held senior leadership roles across government, including at MOH and NRF, with a strong focus on innovation and real-world impact.

Panelists

• ​Yudara Kularathne, Co-Founder, AIGP Health (SMU BIG Aug'24）
  A medical doctor and serial entrepreneur, Dr Yudara is building AI-driven healthcare solutions through AIGP Health, with a focus on improving primary care workflows, patient management, and access to care.

• ​Jesslyn Yim, Co-Founder, The Courage Chapter (SMU BIG Aug'24)
  Jesslyn is co-founder of The Courage Chapter, a Singapore-based social venture, focused on redefining longevity and work, enabling experienced professionals to remain economically active through flexible and inclusive employment models.

• ​Danesh Sweegers, Founder & Director, MENSPIRE Singapore (SMU BBM'29)
  Danesh is a student entrepreneur with experience spanning business, healthcare, and frontline service. Alongside building MENSPIRE Singapore, he also serves as an Emergency Medical Technician and brings a strong interest in innovation and venture-building.