TechInnovation 2025: Where Ideas Took Flight and Innovation Became Action

With close to 4,500 registered delegates from more than 40 countries, TechInnovation 2025, IPI Singapore’s flagship annual event, brought together a global community of innovators, business leaders, and changemakers to spark ideas, forge partnerships, and shape the future. Featuring 100 innovative technologies, the event embodied the spirit to Discover. Connect. Collaborate., creating a dynamic platform for co-creation, business transformation, and global opportunity.

Explore the highlights from each day, from visionary keynotes and market-ready innovations to inspiring stories of legacy businesses reinventing themselves for tomorrow.

 

HIGHLIGHTS OF DAY 1

WELCOME ADDRESS BY MICHAEL GOH, CEO OF IPI SINGAPORE

Michael highlighted that TechInnovation, IPI Singapore's flagship annual event, is a platform that connects global partners with local technology seekers to speed up adoption and reduce risk through “best fit” solutions. He described IPI Singapore’s Innovation Advisory, a network of about 40 veteran executives who are able to guide SMEs on product-solution fit, market entry, and building leadership confidence in innovation. Setting the agenda for Day 1, he focused on practical AI with an emphasis on ROI in the morning, followed by health tech applications in the afternoon, and urged attendees to tap the ecosystem and overseas partners showcasing market-ready technologies.

 

ADDRESS BY MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE MINISTRY OF TRADE & INDUSTRY AND THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Minister of State Alvin Tan affirmed Singapore’s continued ascent as a global innovation leader, crediting collaborative platforms like TechInnovation for enabling SMEs and startups to thrive. He shared real-world examples of how discovery, connection, and co-creation empower enterprises to scale and transform through technology. In his address, he said, “Over the past 13 years, TechInnovation has become a trusted marketplace for technology adoption and business transformation, hosting more than 30,000 participants and showcasing over 3,000 technologies from around the world. It has generated countless partnerships and success stories for our enterprises.” 

 

OPENING DIALOGUE: FROM ISLAND STATE TO GLOBAL STAGE - RETHINKING INNOVATION, IDENTITY AND INDEPENDENCE

Ho KwonPing (Founder and Executive Chairman, Banyan Group) and Dr Juliana M. Chan (CEO, Wildtype Media Group) discussed how Singapore can remain resilient and relevant in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Mr Ho underscored the need to integrate non-Western knowledge into AI to build a more inclusive global system and highlighted the role of empathy and adaptability in both business and leadership. He noted AI’s potential to enhance productivity but cautioned against overreliance, stressing the importance of humility and proactive action amid challenges such as climate change.

 

KEYNOTE: HEALTH WITHOUT THE HASSLE - PASSIVE MONITORING FOR THE HOMES OF TOMORROW

The keynote from Dr Seung-min Park (Assistant Professor, Nanyang Technological University), showcased his work in passive digital health, from AI-enabled smart toilets to mirror-embedded sensors, that enable early detection and prevention. The discussion also traced the journey from lab to startup and examined ethical questions around privacy, data ownership, and consent.

 

PANEL DISCUSSION: INNOVATION REALITY CHECK - THE HYPE, IMPACT AND REALITY

(From left: Akshay Chaudhari (Moderator); Heli Helskyaho, Laurence Liew, Tay PeiChin)

The panel featured insights from Heli Helskyaho (CEO, Miracle Finland Oy), Laurence Liew (Director, AI Singapore), Tay PeiChin (Senior Policy Advisor, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change), and moderated by Akshay Chaudhari (Analyst, Lux Research). Together, they explored the real-world limitations and challenges of AI adoption across industries, the gap between hype and reality, offering grounded perspectives on how organisations can leverage AI effectively without overpromising results. The conversation also delved into critical issues such as AI audits, data security, and the evolving debate around AI replacing human jobs, highlighting the importance of balancing opportunity with responsibility, 

PANEL DISCUSSION: HOME IS THE NEW HEALTHCARE HUB - SCALING PREVENTIVE AND PERSONALISED DIGITAL CARE

(From left: Dr Nelson Lau (Moderator); Dr Goh Su-Yen, Dr Philip Wong, Dr Yong Chern Chet)

The panel on digital health brought together leading voices from across the ecosystem, Dr Goh Su-Yen (Senior Consultant, Singapore General Hospital), Dr Philip Wong (Interim CEO & Chief Medical Officer, Spyder ECG), Dr Yong Chern Chet (Head of Asia Ecosystem, 22Health Ventures), and Dr Nelson Lau (CEO & Co-Founder, HealthBridge AI), for a forward-looking discussion on how healthcare is shifting from hospitals to homes. The speakers shared how innovations such as remote monitoring, AI-driven diagnostics, and personalised care platforms are driving prevention and personalisation in healthcare. They also discussed the practical challenges of adoption and the opportunities to scale care models that empower individuals while easing pressure on health systems.

This panel was co-organised with The Singapore Health Technologies Consortium (HealthTEC.SG), whose support in bringing together leading experts and panellists is deeply appreciated.

MASTERCLASS: DESIGN FOR INNOVATION

Design took centre stage on Day 1, not as a matter of aesthetics but as a driver of innovation and business transformation. In a hands-on masterclass, Low Cheaw Hwei, an Innovation Advisor at IPI Singapore, drew from his global leadership experience to demonstrate how design thinking can help enterprises navigate complexity, foster cross-functional collaboration, and create customer-centred solutions that make meaningful impact. Participants left with practical takeaways on applying design as a strategic tool to solve real-world challenges and accelerate growth.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNING CEREMONY 

Witnessed by Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Ministry of National Development, Mr Alvin Tan, and Mr Tan Soon Kim, Deputy Managing Director, Markets of Enterprise Singapore and Chairman of IPI Singapore, Mr Michael Goh, CEO of IPI Singapore, renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Panasonic R&D Center Singapore (left picture) and signed a new MOU with KILSA Global (right picture), a global business enabler working closely with the Seoul Business Agency and Seoul Startup Hub. These partnerships deepen IPI’s global innovation network and reaffirm our commitment to empowering local enterprises by providing access to Japanese and Korean technologies, fostering co-innovation and new market opportunities.

 

OBDA-KSAC NETWORKING SESSION - FROM LAB TO GLOBAL STAGE: KANSAI DEEP TECH SHOWCASE

Making a stronger impact at TechInnovation 2025, the Kansai Startup Academia Coalition (KSAC), led by the Osaka Business Development Agency (OBDA), returned with five innovative organisations from Japan’s Kansai region. At their exhibition booth, KSAC showcased a diverse range of breakthrough technologies, from sustainable materials to regenerative medicine and bio-tech innovations, all rooted in academic R&D and primed for commercialisation.

This year also marked a milestone for KSAC with the launch of its first-ever curated networking session at TechInnovation, “From Lab to Global Stage.” The event featured presentations from the five participating organisations and offered Singapore’s innovation community a unique opportunity to engage directly with Japan’s emerging deep tech talents, fostering meaningful cross-border collaboration.

HIGHLIGHTS OF DAY 2

KEYNOTE: STANDARDS AS GROWTH ENABLERS - BUILDING BRIDGES AND PUSHING BOUNDARIES

In her keynote, Choy Sauw Kook (Director-General, Quality and Excellence, Enterprise Singapore) emphasised that standards are not just compliance tools but strategic enablers of trust, innovation, and growth. She encouraged enterprises to start with standards that align with their business goals, engage the wider ecosystem, and leverage certification to gain a competitive edge. Ms Choy underscored that standards form the scaffolding of trust and the shared language of global business by helping SMEs and corporates alike scale with confidence, reduce risk, and unlock new market opportunities.

 

KEYNOTE: PANASONIC'S CO-CREATION JOURNEY - HOW PARTNERSHIPS BEGIN AND SUCCEED

In his keynote, Kotaro Matsuo, the General Manager of Business Development, Panasonic R&D Center Singapore, shared how the company is advancing open innovation to address global and societal challenges. Through its partnership with IPI Singapore, Panasonic has published over 40 technologies on IPI Singapore’s Innovation Marketplace, leading to more than 100 business engagements and several ongoing projects. He also highlighted the Japanese Corporates Technology Innovation (JCTI) Launchpad, a joint initiative developed by IPI Singapore, Panasonic, the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), and N9, which continues to grow with new members such as Murata and Nitto Denko, reinforcing how platforms like TechInnovation foster cross-border collaboration and accelerate technology adoption.

 

PANEL DISCUSSION: UNLOCKING GROWTH - HOW STANDARDS FOSTER TRUST AND SUCCESS

(From left: Elvin Too (Moderator); April Chin, Dr Lim Yujing, Tan Yee Teck)

The panel featured Tan Yee Teck (Executive Director, Quality and Excellence, Enterprise Singapore), April Chin (Co-CEO, Resaro), and Dr Lim Yujing (CEO & CTO, Osteopore), moderated by Elvin Too (an Innovation Advisor at IPI Singapore), in a discussion on how standards strengthen trust and enable innovation. Mr Tan highlighted their role in supporting national quality infrastructure and industry growth, while Dr Lim shared how standards ensure safety and reliability in high-risk medical devices. Ms Chin noted the growing importance of AI standards and the need for clear guidelines to ensure robustness and accountability. The discussion closed on a shared belief that collaboration and well-defined standards can strengthen trust, competitiveness, and innovation across industries.

PANEL DISCUSSION: CRACKING NEW MARKETS - PITFALLS & PROVEN STRATEGIES

(From Left: Samantha Teo (Moderator); Chok Yean Hung, Alan Lai, Patrick Lim)

Chok Yean Hung (an Innovation Advisor at IPI Singapore), Alan Lai (CEO, ProfilePrint), and Patrick Lim (CEO, ACE .SG) and Samantha Teo (Executive Director, International Business Division of Singapore Business Federation), shared practical insights on what it takes to succeed in new markets. The panellists stressed the need to validate opportunities early, partner with local agencies, and build trust through cultural understanding. The panellists also highlighted that expanding overseas takes more than a business plan; it requires time on the ground, commitments, trusted partnerships, and a genuine understanding of local markets to build lasting success.

PANEL DISCUSSION: WHERE POSSIBILITIES UNFOLD - CO-CREATE WITH JAPAN'S TECHNOLOGY FOR REAL-WORLD ADOPTION

(From Left: Jiang Yumin (Moderator); Ryota Masuda, Satoshi Yamamoto, Minori Fujii)

Moderated by Jiang Yumin (Senior Manager, Innovation & Technology, IPI Singapore), the discussion featured insights from Minori Fujii (Managing Director, NISSHINBO Singapore), Ryota Masuda (President, Nitto Denko Asia Technical Center), and Satoshi Yamamoto (Section Manager, Ricoh Innovation Centre in Asia). The panel explored how Singapore and Japan can collaborate through three lenses: building new connections, showcasing co-creation in practice within Singapore, and charting future opportunities. Speakers shared examples of partnerships with Japanese technologies that are driving real-world adoption and delivering tangible outcomes for industries and communities.

NETWORKING: KILSA GLOBAL X SEOUL STARTUP HUB

KILSA Global's Senior Managing Partner, Sean Tan, and Co-Founder Philip Park, addressed participants during the networking session at TechInnovation 2025. Held in collaboration with the Seoul Business Agency - Seoul Startup Hub (SSH), the segment featured 10 South Korean startups presenting solutions in digital health, personal care, sustainability, and smart cities. It underscored how cross-border partnerships are fuelling collaboration and bringing cutting-edge innovations to new markets.

EVENING NETWORKING RECEPTION WITH JCTI LAUNCHPAD

The Japanese Corporates Technology Innovation (JCTI) Launchpad demonstrated the strength of collaboration at TechInnovation 2025, featuring five leading member companies, Mitsui Chemicals, Nisshinbo, Nitto Denko, Panasonic, and Ricoh, alongside ecosystem partner Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Together, they showcased innovative solutions spanning motion sensing, smart building connectivity, AI-powered spatial analytics, optimisation platforms, and advanced materials.

Beyond the exhibition, JCTI hosted an exclusive networking reception that brought together industry leaders, innovators, and government agencies to exchange insights and explore future partnerships. Their participation underscored the immense potential of Singapore-Japan collaboration in driving real-world adoption and creating sustainable technologies for businesses and communities.

 

HIGHLIGHTS OF DAY 3

KEYNOTE: FROM TRADITIONAL TO TRAILBLAZER - MODERNISING AN AGE-OLD INDUSTRY

Eric Leong (Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO, Mlion Corporation) shared how the company transformed from a traditional steel supplier into a technology-driven innovator with support from IPI Singapore. Seeking advice from IPI to engage third-party partners, Mlion developed solutions such as GoListid, an online marketplace for surplus steel, and GoTagging, an RFID system that enhances traceability and reuse. Eric also introduced an AI Copilot that streamlines sales and reduces manual work. These innovations reflect how collaboration and guidance through IPI can help even established industries modernise, improve efficiency, and advance sustainability.

 

FIRESIDE CHAT: REINVENTING TRADITION FOR THE FUTURE

Richard Eu, Group Chairman, Eu Yan Sang International, shared how the 145-year-old heritage brand continues to evolve by blending tradition with innovation. In a fireside chat with Sheree Tan, Manager, Marketing & Communications, Partnerships, IPI Singapore, he spoke about the importance of rebranding, modern retail, and continuous improvement to keep the brand relevant, showing that innovation helps legacy businesses stay true to their roots while remaining meaningful to new generations.

 

PANEL DISCUSSION: LEGACY, LAH! LEVERAGING INNOVATION FOR MULTI-GENERATIONAL BUSINESSES

(From left: Ramachandran Rajamanickam (Moderator); Alvin Choo, Jackie Lau, Jamie Lim, Tan Ting Wei)

How do legacy businesses stay relevant in a changing world? Moderated by Ramachandran Rajamanickam (an Innovation Advisor at IPI Singapore), the panel featured Alvin Choo (Director, Kwong Cheong Thye), Jackie Lau (Managing Director, Seng Heng Engineering Pte Ltd), Jamie Lim (CEO, Scanteak), and Tan Ting Wei (Transformation Lead, Fire Armour), who shared how innovation, whether through design, automation, sustainability, or e-commerce, keeps family enterprises evolving. Their message was clear: adapt to new markets, stay grounded in core values, and lead change with purpose.

LETTER OF INTENT SIGNING CEREMONY: MINDCHIP AND KOAI CO. LTD

During the event, a Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed between MindChip (Estonia) and KOAI Co. Ltd (South Korea) to explore collaboration on the co-development and customisation of KOBOT, a robotic solution designed for marine vessels. The partnership aims to advance joint R&D, technical exchange, and future innovation opportunities between both companies.

For enquiries related to TechInnovation, please contact us at [email protected]