Discover nine practical and innovative technologies from regional IHLs that are helping industries advance sustainability and solve real-world challenges in Asia.

 

Institutes of higher learning (IHLs) have long been at the heart of driving innovation in the region. From nurturing the next generation of research talent to embarking on collaborations that translate research into solutions that address market needs and advance societal progress - IHLs continue to push the boundaries of innovation and technology.

At TechInnovation 2025, nine standout technologies from leading institutions in Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand illustrated how academic research is being transformed into market-ready solutions across a variety of industries like healthcare, maritime, manufacturing, energy and agriculture.

Healthcare and Human Performance Innovations

  • Boosting upper-limb recovery from Thammasat University, Thailand
    Stroke survivors often struggle to regain arm mobility, and access to rehabilitation can be limited or costly. The Arm Booster from Thammasat University, provides an effective solution: a mobile, low-cost robotic device that assists in upper-limb rehabilitation. Using a combination of integrated sensors, adjustable ergonomic grips and gamified training modules, the device supports training while tracking patient progress.

    Built from lightweight and durable materials, the device is easy to deploy across different healthcare settings. It is also compatible with both standard chairs and wheelchairs. The Arm Booster reduces the cost, and manpower demands typically associated with robotic rehabilitation systems, offering a scalable way to improve recovery outcomes across developing regions.
     
  • Monitoring invisible muscle activity from Nagoya University, Japan
    On top of recovery, understanding muscle performance is also vital for sports science and craftsmanship. Nagoya University’s Make Invisible Muscle Visible (MIMV) system delivers a breakthrough in visualising deep muscle activation by using only surface-level data.

    A 20-channel sensor array wraps around the individual’s arm or leg capturing both superficial and deep muscle activity in real time. This approach provides unprecedented insight into how muscles function during motion, allowing coaches and healthcare professionals to tailor rehabilitation and performance programmes with accuracy. 
     
  • Enhancing deprescribing practices and polypharmacy management from Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
    With ageing populations and chronic conditions on the rise, effective management of polypharmacy (when patients take multiple medications) is increasingly critical. Republic Polytechnic’s clinical decision support tool helps healthcare professionals identify, recommend and optimise medication regimens. The application can be seamlessly integrated with electronic health records, pharmacy systems and clinical workflows to highlight drugs that should be discontinued, alert clinicians to potentially harmful interactions between medication and recommend monitoring where necessary.

    By promoting safer, evidence-based decisions, it empowers multidisciplinary care teams to optimise medication use. Beyond improving patient safety, this innovation supports sustainable healthcare practices by reducing drug wastage and adverse reactions.
     
  • On-skin sensing for next generation human-machine interfaces from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

    Developed as a thin, flexible sensor that adheres comfortably to the skin, the on-skin electromyography (EMG) captures muscle activity with high sensitivity and stability. Its high-density design detects even subtle muscle signals, enabling more accurate and intuitive control of robotic systems compared to conventional EMG setups. The solution forms part of a closed-loop human–machine interface, pairing EMG sensing with a robotic hand embedded with tactile sensors that return force and texture feedback to the user.

    Designed for next-generation prosthetics, rehabilitation robotics, assistive exoskeletons and advanced wearable systems, it offers a responsive two-way interface that enhances motor control and creates an immersive user experience.
     
  • Supporting communication for people with speech disabilities from Institute of Technical Education, Singapore
    Designed to give voice to those with speech impairments, the Institute of Technical Education’s assistive communication device supplements how users express themselves. The device offers users an alternative means to articulate words or phrases that may be difficult to pronounce. By giving individuals, the tools to communicate on their own effectively, the device supports inclusive communication and can build confidence in social interactions.

    The solution can be integrated into a mobile application. For children under 12, it is paired with a small, lightweight device. It also includes a ‘focus lock’ mode that prevents distraction by blocking other applications while in use. The application cannot be exited without caregiver intervention, ensuring the child user remains engaged with the communication task.

Maritime Advancement

  • Ensuring safe bunkering scenarios with VR training from Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore
    As the maritime sector transitions towards greener fuels, methanol has emerged as a promising alternative, but safe handling requires specialised training. Singapore Polytechnic has developed a virtual reality (VR) training platform that simulates methanol bunkering operations in a risk-free, interactive environment.

    The system immerses seafarers in realistic scenarios, from equipment operation to emergency responses, enabling them to practise standard operating procedures before stepping onboard. The system also includes real-time performance assessments and personalised feedback to improve individual performance. By ensuring technical accuracy in a controlled environment, this innovation enhances safety awareness and operational readiness while supporting the maritime industry’s decarbonisation goals.
     
  • Printing corrosion-resistant steel for harsh environments from Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore
    Across marine, offshore and energy sectors, companies are investing in corrosion-resistant alloys that provide endurance in harsh environments. Researchers at Nanyang Polytechnic have developed an advanced 3D printing process for stainless steel that is engineered to withstand these tough marine, oil and gas and chemical processing conditions. Their innovation optimises printing parameters and alloy composition to enhance microstructure uniformity, toughness and corrosion performance. By addressing the limitations of conventional stainless steel printing, the team was able to produce lightweight components that maintain integrity even under prolonged exposure to saltwater or corrosive chemicals.

    By reducing material waste through additive manufacturing, this innovation also aligns with the region’s manufacturing decarbonisation and sustainability goals.

Clean Energy and Electrification

  • Advancing materials for lithium-ion batteries from Hanyang University, South Korea

    Across the globe, demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions is rising.  However, the constrained supply of cobalt and its associated environmental impact, both tied to this critical battery material present significant challenges. At Hanyang University, researchers have developed cobalt-free, high-nickel cathode materials designed for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. The material boasts a nickel content above 90%, and achieves both high energy density and long cycle life. This innovation significantly reduces material cost and environmental footprint while improving battery sustainability across the value chain.

    Ideal for electric vehicles and grid-scale applications, the cobalt-free cathode represents a step forward in next-generation energy storage, supporting a more secure, ethical and circular supply ecosystem for the battery industry.

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

  • Nano iron supplement for plant health and resilience from Universiti Malaya, Malaysia
    Iron deficiency in plants can lead to reduced chlorophyll, poor growth and lower yields. To improve upon conventional fertilisers, researchers from Universiti Malaya have introduced a nanotechnology-based formulation that delivers bioavailable iron directly to plants, increasing absorption and nutrient uptake. The nanoscale particles penetrate plant tissues, promoting healthier photosynthesis and stronger root development. Its slow-release properties also minimise leaching, ensuring sustained nutrient availability and reducing environmental runoff compared to traditional iron fertilisers.

    Applicable across a wide range of crops, this innovation supports sustainable, resilient agriculture in Asia’s evolving agri-food landscape. 

Innovate, Connect, Collaborate

These technologies are just a glimpse of the depth and breadth of innovation taking place across Asia’s academic institutions. As a convener of regional innovation ecosystems, IPI Singapore works closely with IHLs and industry partners to accelerate technology transfer, foster collaboration and bring impactful solutions to market.

To explore these technologies, engage the research teams behind them or discover collaboration opportunities, visit IPI’s innovation marketplace or connect with our team.