Written by: Yvonne Lan, Founder & CEO of Livingo (MSc TIP AY23-24)

MSc TIP alumna Yvonne Lan shares how an early rejection from the Kumar Sustainability and Innovation Prize (KSIP) became the turning point in her start-up journey. With renewed focus and guidance from the NTUpreneur ecosystem, she returned stronger, growing Livingo from a campus housing idea into a full-fledged co-living platform. Her story reflects the power of persistence, the value of mentorship, and how embracing setbacks can lead to meaningful innovation.

Reflections on Joining KSIP

When I first heard about KSIP in 2024, Livingo was little more than an ambitious idea in a PowerPoint presentation. Although the competition’s sustainability focus didn’t seem like a natural fit for Livingo, my mentor, Dr Xia Zhiqiang, encouraged me to apply anyway.

My first application was rushed, and I didn’t make the cut. Despite this setback, experience gave me clarity and motivation to try again.

Trying Again—With a Clearer Purpose

In 2025, KSIP became significantly more competitive as it expanded globally, with teams from Japan, the United States, Indonesia, and Singapore participating. Additionally, the focus shifted beyond sustainability, embracing the inspiring motto "Dare to Dream." I returned to KSIP with a stronger mindset and a more refined version of Livingo, now a fully functional platform, gaining popularity with students. It was a chance to showcase our vision of this app to the NTU community and demonstrate how co-living can transform housing into a more sustainable model, helping to reduce our generation's carbon footprint.

Learning and Growing Through KSIP

One of the most profound insights I gained from KSIP is that success is rarely achieved on the first attempt. Failure often serves as a foundation for growth, and persistence is essential for anyone pursuing entrepreneurship. Never give up just because something didn’t work out the first time. Success typically requires time, patience, and multiple attempts. Entrepreneurship is not only about having a great idea; it also involves execution and resilience.

I wasn’t discouraged when I didn’t make it on my first attempt, and I believe this mindset is essential for every entrepreneur. If you truly believe in your mission, never quit, keep pushing forward.

KSIP became more than just a competition for showcasing my work; it allowed me to learn from the courage and creativity of others. While reaching the finals or winning awards is exhilarating, actual achievement is overcoming challenges and creating something meaningful. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I never imagined I would make it as one of the top finalists.

Moving Forward

I am incredibly grateful for the support and mentorship I received at NTU. Through the MSc in Technopreneurship and Innovation Programme (TIP), I gained access to invaluable mentorship, a diverse network, and various funding opportunities. The generous support from the university, including the MDT Funding from the NTUitive Accelerator programme, the GET Grant, achieving second place in the NTU x Babson College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge, the ASEAN Entrepreneurship and Innovation Study Award, the Merit Award, and making it onto the Director’s List—has been instrumental in helping me achieve my milestones and develop my vision.

Livingo is a testament to the power of resilience and the belief that even the smallest ideas can grow into impactful solutions. I want Livingo to be more than just an app; I want it to be a movement, a way to bring people together, foster connections, and create a sense of belonging no matter where you are in the world.

Livingo’s Evolution

Key advancements included:

• AI-Driven Flatmate Matching- Matches users based on personality and preferences for harmonious co-living.

• Cross-border payment integration- Supports WeChat Pay, PayNow, and various bank cards for cross-border accessibility.

• Second-Hand Marketplace - Enables buying, selling, or exchanging pre-loved items like furniture within the community.

• Localisation for China, including compatibility with Gaode Maps and functionality in mainland China without requiring a VPN.

• Livestream property tours, allowing users to explore potential flats remotely, reducing the need for travel.

We’ve partnered with seven universities and eleven co-living operators, including The Assembly Place and Coliwoo, and are now expanding into Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. We have built a platform that bridges logistical and cultural gaps in shared living by listening to user feedback.

NTU Entrepreneurship Academy reserves the right in its sole discretion to make modification or cancellation to the above-mentioned.

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