Innovation Insights

In the realm of healthcare, there's a transformative movement happening, designed specifically to cater to the distinct needs of women. The surge of FemTech, an abbreviation for Female Technology, is gaining momentum swiftly, presenting inventive solutions to tackle diverse aspects of women's health. Rithika Venkatesh, Senior Manager of Innovation & Technology at IPI, says, “Singapore, known for its progressive approach...

[Celebrating Inspiring Women In March Series #3: Founder, Delcie's Desserts and Cakes, Delcie Lam]    Art director-turned-entrepreneur, Delcie Lam, started her business to bring delicious sweet treats to a variety of individuals with different dietary restrictions. With IPI’s help, she has grown her business and has her sights set on further expansion. Delcie Lam’s journey to founding Singapore-based Delcie’s Desserts...

[Celebrating Inspiring Women In March Series #2: IPI Senior Manager, Adeline Chan]    In her role as a Senior Manager at IPI’s Innovation & Technology department, Adeline Chan works closely with SMEs in Singapore’s food and nutrition ecosystem to grow both their companies and the industry. Nurturing out-of-the-box thinking, guiding executives to greater heights and witnessing the growth of nascent...

To this day, advancements in technology maintain their upward trajectory without showing any signs of slowing down. Naturally, the advancements brought about by technological exploration and related efforts have transformed numerous sectors, healthcare included. Jiang Yumin, Senior Manager of Innovation & Technology at IPI, says, “Disruptive technology has fundamentally reshaped the healthcare industry by enabling access to groundbreaking treatments for...

[Celebrating Inspiring Women In March Series #1: IPI Innovation Advisor Christabel Ang]    Leveraging her illustrious career across various sectors of the food and beverage industry, IA Christabel Ang mentors young professionals and advises local SMEs as they look to grow their careers in the F&B ecosystem. From navigating the challenging waters of research and development (R&D) in global giants...

We’ve all heard about sustainable food developments, but what about sustainable beauty? In recent years, the beauty industry has undergone a profound transformation, driven by a growing awareness of sustainability and a desire for more natural, eco-friendly products. Consumers are increasingly seeking out beauty products that not only enhance their appearance but also minimise harm to the environment and promote...

Artificial intelligence in the medical field is a vital tool addressing the rapid pace of change that this industry is faced with. Rithika Venkatesh, Senior Manager of Innovation & Technology at IPI, says “AI-based technologies are particularly beneficial to the medical diagnosis stage of the patient’s journey, especially to detect diseases such as cancer more accurately and in early stages....

Steven Lee, Senior Manager – Innovation & Technology at IPI, shares some of the latest developments and innovations in battery technology. The modern world we live in today runs on more and more batteries with each passing year. From the gradual adoption of electric vehicles to banning the use of gas-powered machinery, many policies around the world are accelerating the...

The energy transition from fossil-based energy systems to renewable energy sources is critical for many nations. The role of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in the renewable energy value chain is substantial as they serve as a key enabler for the widespread adoption and efficient utilisation of clean and renewable energy sources. One of the significant aspects of this energy transition is...

Running a business means continuously evolving to remain competitive in the market. In this modern age, businesses that fail to innovate digitally or adapt to the ever-changing habits of consumers risk becoming non-competitive. The rise of low-code or no-code development platforms is revolutionising the software industry, enabling businesses to build applications faster and more efficiently. What is Digital Innovation? Digital...

[PROFILE FEATURE] Being an SME, IPI Innovation Advisor Shaun Smithson loves working with the Innovation Advisors Programme (IAP) partners as they are SMEs and live the challenges of being a small business every day.   Shaun Smithson has decades of experience in the Food Services and Hospitality industry. First receiving culinary training at Walt Disney World, he then gained a...

[INSIGHTS FROM IPI'S LEADERSHIP TEAM] Michael Goh, Chief Operating Officer at IPI encourages startups and SMEs to embrace transformation and work with trusted partners like IPI to spring ahead of the competition.   The phrase ‘volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity’, or VUCA for short, has become a commonly heard term that encompasses the challenges companies face in an ever-changing business...

[PROFILE FEATURE] Driven by his passion for developing impactful leaders and a goal to leave a long-lasting legacy, IPI Innovation Advisor Dane Hudson helps businesses gain a solid footing in an ever-changing business landscape.   In today’s complex business landscape, many leaders, like intrepid explorers charting unknown territories, must navigate an ever-evolving environment. They must be equipped with foresight and...

[PROFILE FEATURE] Decades of experience as an international executive have equipped IPI Innovation Advisor Wong Hong Wai with the robust business acumen required to help small business owners thrive in today’s competitive market. As the adage goes, “standing on the shoulders of giants” can offer a unique strategic vantage point—this is especially true for fledgling SMEs looking to grow. Industry...

Enhancing opportunities for green development Green buildings are crucial for balancing population growth and environmental sustainability. Find out how three tech offers make buildings smarter and more sustainable.   Our built environment—made up of housing, office buildings, energy networks and more—has a colossal carbon footprint. According to a 2019 International Energy Agency report, the buildings and construction sector accounts for...

Going beyond gut health to boost global food security Fermentation can do more than make food taste better and last longer—it may hold the key to building a more resilient, sustainable global food system.   What do kimchi, kombucha, and kefir have in common? They are all tasty, fermented foods widely known for their health benefits. An age-old food preservation...

[CLIENT INTERVIEW] I remember our first meeting with IPI at Singapore International Water Week in 2012. At the time, Pioneer Environmental Technology (Pioneer) was looking for a partner to evaluate the performance of ceramic membranes, found in our filtration systems for solid-liquid and liquid-liquid separation. Our company specialises in products and services for water and wastewater treatment, including the provision...

[CLIENT INTERVIEW] Neeuro is a local tech start-up and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) spinoff specialising in the use of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology. Simply put, we harness the potential EEG data (or brain signals) to offer wider mental health options to people grappling with neurological challenges. These include elderly patients facing cognitive decline, stroke patients, and children...

IPI Innovation Advisor Mike Amour believes that most SMEs have a great story to tell. But many CEOs and their teams don’t know how to tell that story well…or at all.  As an advertising and marketing veteran, Amour has lived and worked over the past three decades in London, New York, Tokyo, Paris and, since 2004, Singapore, where he has...

Boosting healthcare with accessible, non-invasive monitoring Technological advancements can make non-invasive vital signs monitoring available for everyone, removing the inconvenience of traditional monitoring methods.   What do body temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration rates have in common? They are all vital signs that indicate human health. Monitoring these vital signs is a common and crucial component of patient care...

With innovation at the core of what they do, Singaporean packaging companies play a crucial role in ushering in a plastic-free future.   From smartphone cases to wrapping papers and face masks, plastics have become an inseparable and integral part of our daily lives. However, the very feature that had made plastics so attractive that they were regarded as a...

Limited only by the imagination, the level and speed of innovation in Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem will continue to accelerate. Bill Padfield is an Innovation Advisor with IPI Singapore’s Innovation Advisors Programme, which is tailored to help enterprises quicken their learning curve in tech and innovation to drive business growth. Bill has been involved in the tech and business development...

Regional challenges and opportunities for technological innovation in sustainable fish farming were brought to light at IPI’s Sustainable Aquaculture Water Management Roundtable as experts discussed Singapore’s emerging water treatment and monitoring solutions.   In recent years, an increasing share of seafood is being farmed rather than caught. Impressively, producing over half of the world’s supply, the Asia-Pacific region is the...

In a rapid transition from traditional medical halls to numerous international outlets and an online store, embracing innovation has catapulted Eu Yan Sang into a household name in traditional Chinese medicine. Dried plant roots, bitter herbal remedies and fine acupuncture needles might sound unappealing to some, but they remain highly sought-after hallmarks of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Practiced for centuries—tracing...

Harnessing data for industry operations In today’s world where data is considered the new oil, digital technology has fuelled the disruption of a variety of sectors. While media and telecommunications were some of the first to reap the benefits of digitalisation, manufacturing is poised to transform with the advent of data-driven innovations. Dubbed “Industry 4.0”, efforts to enhance the efficiency...

Transforming healthcare through digital innovation Diagnosis and treatment are increasingly delivered by innovative apps and devices as digitalisation and personalisation take centre stage in modern healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped many aspects of the present, particularly the healthcare sector. As restrictions imposed by authorities during the pandemic limited the physical movement of patients seeking health-related resources, the adoption of...

Expert advice for tailor-made innovations Over five decades of innovation and commercialisation experience has equipped IPI Innovation Advisor Dr Loh Wah Sing with the tools to help SMEs in accessing new target markets.   Apple, Facebook, Razer and more—numerous well-known companies started out as SMEs and gained access to international markets by addressing consumers’ ever-changing needs. While international expansion remains...

Empowering organisations with easy-to-implement AI/ML No-code Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning places previously complex machine learning technology within the reach of smaller organisations—accelerating innovation and sparking growth in start-ups and SMEs.  Working with machine learning algorithms is not a simple case of clicking a button to instruct the computer to predict the next top-performing stock or generate art based on a short...

Developing technology tailored to industry needs At the Technology Development Centre at ITE College Central, a multi-disciplinary R&D team works with partners to develop efficient cost-saving solutions. Across industries, from manufacturing to retail, individual companies face unique challenges. Despite contending within the same sector, when searching for new technology, each organisation requires specific solutions that address their needs to truly...

Directing a smarter future with seamless human-machine interactions With the rapid advance and proliferation of artificial intelligence, innovators have begun developing smarter machines to bolster a wide array of human activities. Whenever you push the buttons of an ATM to withdraw cash, tap on your smartphone to send a text, or turn a knob to control the volume of your...

Collaborating in service of the community By supporting open innovation and working with private organisations, the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia drives efforts to improve the lives of citizens. Across fields and institutions, it seems the driving force behind great innovation continues to be service to the masses. Developing solutions from low-cost sanitising UV-C lamps to sustainable food...

How MNCs can contribute to Singapore’s energy sector and beyond Harnessing their extensive resources, MNCs in the energy sector can play a crucial role in nurturing local innovation, supporting nascent start-ups and contributing to the community at large. As the world grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, the race to decarbonise the energy sector is rigorously underway. With...

Tapping on expert advice to thrive in medtech With more than 30 years of experience in transforming novel ideas into marketable products, IPI innovation Advisor John Teo is keen on helping start-ups master the art of commercialisation. The advent and advancement of medical technology, or medtech, encompasses a vast range of healthcare products used to treat medical conditions, and has...

Supporting product creation from A to Z Local consulting firm MDesign Solutions harnesses their processes and expertise to support open innovation and product development.  From lightbulbs to electric cars—a great product starts with an innovator and an idea. But what happens next? Getting a product from the drawing board to the hands of the consumer takes extensive conceptualisation, prototyping, cost...

Building the future together with Panasonic Collaboration and cutting-edge technology are at the heart of Panasonic’s Co-creation Programme as a collection of innovative tech offers are shortlisted for commercial success. From television sets and hairdryers to efficient energy solutions in homes all over the region, Panasonic has spent the last century developing and marketing electronics in Asian markets. There is...

Developing smart solutions through open innovation Longway AI Technologies places customers at the forefront of its operations to deploy intelligent solutions that address real-world problems and unique market requirements. From optimised operations to smart decision making and data analysis—artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to provide solutions that can greatly accelerate growth in key industries. In 2019, Singapore launched its...

Innovations bringing Singapore’s Green Plan to life Singapore’s plan to transform into a sustainable city by 2030 moves forward at a rapid pace with the continuous development of forward-looking policies and top-notch technology. Facing increasing pressure to act on the climate crisis, much of the world has begun making efforts to build a sustainable zero-carbon future. This shift, believed to...

Accelerating SME and start-up growth with IPI From industry expertise to open innovation challenges that drive ideas and solutions, IPI is well-positioned to help fledgling businesses take off. Small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups can face a host of challenges that stunt growth or even put a company’s survival at risk during global, financial or health crises. However, in such tough...

The rise of DIY care Recent technological advancements make it possible for healthcare to start at home, removing the inconvenience and worry surrounding traditional methods. From booking an appointment to waiting to meet with the doctor—visits to clinics and hospitals can be nerve-wracking, or at the very least inconvenient, for many. In fact, as of 2019, the global telemedicine market...

Featuring IPI’s top tech offers and trending tech areas Exciting innovation in robotics, health and sustainability lie on the horizon for Singapore’s technology landscape. From cleaning robots that rove around universities and airport terminals to health monitoring wearables that measure a variety of physical parameters, 2021 saw a host of innovative solutions emerging from Singapore. Designed to address a range...

Professionalising processes to attract investment With a keen understanding of the medtech ecosystem, IPI Innovation Advisor Prof Ignatius Rasiah helps companies take their technology from research to market-ready products. With the goal of advancing innovation while bettering lives, medtech inventors have brought us 3D printed prosthetics, advanced pacemakers that can regulate heartbeats, health monitoring apps equipped with artificial intelligence (AI)...

Healthcare facilities are susceptible to the spread of infections, but developments in antimicrobial technologies are working to wipe the danger of harmful microorganisms out. Each time a patient visits a clinic, emergency room or other care facility, they place their trust in the hands of healthcare professionals—not just to provide quality care for existing ailments, but to also  prevent new...

Reviewing the rewards of sustainable power beyond batteries As the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices continues to grow, innovators explore energy harvesting as a promising solution to ensure power availability to the IoT devices, hence prolonging their useful lives. From connected home hubs and smart thermostats to the plethora of industrial and agricultural devices, IoT has infiltrated almost...

An appetite for change Technological advances and design thinking approaches offered food for thought at TechInnovation 2021 as experts discussed the future of Asia’s agricultural sector. Humans have an inseparable relationship with food that is deeply embedded in our culture, health and environmental footprint. However, mass producing an extensive array of fresh produce or processed food for billions of people...

How the pandemic gave global healthcare a push Healthcare technology and services have developed exponentially in the past two years. At TechInnovation 2021, experts discussed the role of medical professionals and the patient journey in a post-pandemic world. While much of the world came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare sector was spurred on by the global...

Building a greener future through architecture and design At TechInnovation 2021, experts spoke about how energy-saving design and smart architecture can pave the way for a more sustainable urban environment for Singapore. Characterised by towering buildings surrounded by lush greenery, Singapore is famously known as a clean and green bustling city. However, such commercial and residential buildings account for 20...

Empowering the food and tech startups through open innovation At TechInnovation 2021, MNCs and SMEs came together during the IPHatch session to learn how strong leadership, upskilling, and meaningful collaboration can lead to sustainable and successful innovation. Designed to address the growing threat of climate change, solutions like energy storage systems, efficient irrigation methods and green transportation systems prove that...

Taking herbal remedies to the lab  As experts pursue evidence-based research and develop regulatory standards, traditional herbal medicine moves towards more mainstream clinical use. Amid the data-driven nature of today’s clinical practice, herbal medicine is typically seen as outdated—like old wives’ tales that lack scientific basis. However, as wellness and wellbeing continue to gain popularity and interest from around the world,...

What it takes to grow a semiconductor start-up IPI Innovation Advisor Chok Yean Hung offers sound advice and an understanding of market trends to help semiconductor start-ups on journeys of growth and innovation. Globally, there has been a surge in demand for electronics during the pandemic and the semiconductor industry is expected to reach roughly US$469.4 billion by 2021 as a...

Sustainable design: the key to unlocking a greener future Ecological design can create greener spaces, reduce waste and transform businesses as we discovered at TechInnovation 2021. Glass canopies that let in natural light, solar panels that provide power to the campus and lush rooftop greenery maintained by water-saving drip irrigation—the National Gallery Singapore connects people with art in a sustainably designed...

Innovation spearheading Singapore’s food sector As a proud nation of foodies, Singapore has also invested heavily into its food innovation sector, welcoming global MNCs, supporting local SMEs and pioneering future developments. Different as they may be, both pre-wrapped frozen chocolate cakes and oven-fresh bakes are delicious essential products in a growing food sector. With revenue expected to reach almost S$339...

Innovating towards independence Embracing open innovation has helped SenzeHub to develop useful and commercialisable solutions in the form of healthcare wearables. Like most developed countries around the world, the citizens of Singapore can expect to enjoy a high life expectancy. These added years, however, are also driving a dramatic demographic shift. In 2020, 15% of the population was aged 65...

Fancy eating insects for lunch? Though many people will understandably be sceptical and quite hesitant to eat such food products, the team at SPACE10 succeeded in crafting an alternative to traditional meatballs that is not only delicious but far more environmentally friendly. I described how during my talk at TechInnovation 2021 organised by IPI, where I presented a session on...

Harnessing open innovation for growth in healthcare With over 30 years of experience in Asia’s healthcare sector, IPI Innovation Advisor Ramachandran Rajamanickam is passionate about helping local SMEs navigate the industry. Spanning nutrition and supplements to pharmaceuticals and medical technology, Singapore’s healthcare sector is teeming with innovation and entrepreneurship and as a result, consumers are always eagerly awaiting the next...

The transformative power of AI in healthcare With the ability to monitor early symptoms, aid research and automate care, artificial intelligence is poised to transform the global healthcare sector. As governments and hospitals around the world tackle the pandemic with new technologies and intensive research, increased access to healthcare and heavier investment in research and innovation are key to advancing the...

Why together is better for innovation At TechInnovation 2021, enterprises went digital in search of innovative solutions and valuable partnerships globally. While trade secrets and confidential recipes remain a part of commercial success, in recent years, companies have become more open to collaboration and sharing information. One example of such collaboration is crowdsourcing, where the work or ideas of a...

Staying innovative and agile in a competitive market IPI’s futurepulse podcast discusses with business leaders how companies can remain at the forefront of technology trends and innovation. In a world driven by rapid technology advancements, innovation is a key driver for success and it is essential for businesses to remain one step ahead and not be stuck in organisation inertia....

Why connection & collaboration is key From conception to consumption, keeping the innovation process collaborative and inclusive is the key to success for JAH Tech.  From better transport to more advanced skincare—humanity's need to innovate is at the core of every product found on store shelves and every service that provides convenience for consumers. The process does not stop, however,...

From sustainable packaging materials to new ways to diagnose and treat cancers, TechInnovation 2021 will showcase an array of groundbreaking technologies from around the world that could revolutionise industries and change the world. The event, presented by IPI, returns for its 10th edition this year as a digital event that will run around the clock from September 28 to 30,...

Advancing the science of sleep through tech With their sleep monitoring technology, the sleep science pioneers at Dreem intend to leverage new telehealth trends that have emerged amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to how our devices need to be plugged in and charged regularly, humans too, need time to rest and reenergise—eight hours a night to be exact. Both the...

Barely a glimmer of an idea at the start of the second millennium, electric vehicles (EVs) have swiftly captured the imagination and attention of the world. As the world’s largest vehicle makers electrify their offerings, the transition away from polluting internal combustion engines (ICE) will be complete within the next two decades, says Dr Doron Myersdorf, CEO and co-founder of...

Explore three ways to engage in open innovation Whether it’s reaching out to innovation advisors or finding the right technology partner, let IPI support each step of your open innovation journey. As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world in 2020, one of the few positives it yielded was a broader appreciation for open innovation (OI) principles. Companies, healthcare providers and...

Melding materials for 5G technology With a wealth of experience working with the best, Nico Steel encourages out-of-the-box thinking and innovative ideas to stay ahead of trends. Elegant rose gold jewellery, essential smartphones, a strong cast-iron pan and a television loaded with the latest streaming services, these items have one component in common—alloys. Expected to become an US$11 billion industry...

Moving towards a consumer-centric healthcare model As wearable health technology continues to advance, consumers are set to have more control over their health monitoring than ever before. The past year and a half has caused an unprecedented strain on global supply chains, affecting everything from supermarkets to factory floors. Already under pressure before the pandemic, with an average of just...

Scaling the best of the Nordics Nordic Innovation House Singapore taps into its vast network of partners to offer Nordic businesses a leg up as they work to enter the Southeast Asian market. What do companies like Spotify, Nokia and Novo Nordisk have in common? They have embraced the open innovatio mindset and represent the best of Nordic business practices, despite...

Food waste valorisation: challenges and opportunities Novel valorisation technologies could help industrial food producers reduce waste and turn it into high-value products. Download our white paper to find out more. Securing enough food has been a prerequisite for mankind’s survival. Although humanity has long evolved from hunting and gathering to agriculture to widespread urbanisation, the need for food has remained the...

Investing in IT for stronger business growth With four decades of experience driving growth at leading technology corporations, IPI Innovation Advisor Bill Padfield has a wealth of wisdom for SMEs planning on launching an IPO. At some point in the life of a successful company, the question of going public might come up. Perhaps the company’s leaders sense a market...

Intelligent solutions to support shopping online The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of the e-commerce industry as a digital new normal takes over. Here are four Tech Offers riding the wave. Since its inception, e-commerce has been relentlessly nipping at the heels of traditional brick and mortar stores, steadily gaining ground each year as technology and logistics advance. Last...

Enhancing connections through open innovation Tapping local and overseas partnerships, Whizpace optimises wireless communication networks with innovative TV white space technology to create a more interconnected world. Serving an estimated 4.66 billion active internet users globally, wireless networks transfer data across geographical boundaries and help the online community to stay connected. These mobile networks occupy a set range in the...

Identifying useful emerging technologies and opportunities for partnership, co-development, licensing or acquisition is more crucial than ever   As companies navigate the post-COVID-19 business landscape, innovation will be pivotal to recovery and growth. When management consulting firm McKinsey and Company surveyed over 200 organisations last year, more than 90 per cent said that they expect the pandemic to fundamentally change the way...

Seeking innovative smart city solutions for energy, lighting and heat management Singapore enterprises will have the opportunity to work with industry leaders from Abu Dhabi to adapt and implement smart city solutions in the Middle East.    Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, houses more than 2.9 million people today, with its population rising at an average...

Gaining a foothold in foreign markets through strategy consulting Drawing from a wealth of overseas experience, IPI Innovation Advisor Benny Goh guides companies to plan and execute effective outward growth strategies. Whether to diversify their customer base or fuel growth, an increasing number of businesses in Singapore are embarking on internationalisation plans. In 2019 alone, statutory board Enterprise Singapore supported...

Forging partnerships for health Serving as the bridge between companies and clinics, the Centre for Innovation in Healthcare enhances the usability and impact of novel technologies in the healthcare sector. From robots that assist in surgeries to applications that monitor bodily conditions to detect disease, innovations in healthcare technologies have revolutionised modern medicine. Before they make it to the clinic,...

Exploring the challenges and tech-driven opportunities in plastic packaging material recycling Download our white paper to find out how new technologies and global collaborations can address the growing plastic waste problem. Nearly two centuries after its discovery in 1869, plastic has found its way into nearly every industry and countless products that we use every day. Its popularity, however, has...

Take the first steps of your digitalisation journey With over two decades of experience in the travel technology industry, IPI Innovation Advisor Albert Pozo is a safe pair of hands to guide companies on their digital transformation journeys. As borders closed and international travel was brought to a standstill, companies in the travel industry got creative to keep their staff...

Three new innovations in wearable health-tech will increase accessibility to advanced health assessment for the elderly. As most people have been trying to stay clear of crowded gyms and workout classes, smartwatches, Fitbits and fitness-tracking apps have surged in demand. By integrating data into daily life, they have given users more control over their personal health-monitoring than ever before. Now,...

Getting the right guidance to grow a business IPI Innovation Advisors John Teo, Yap Chew Loong and Prof Ignatius Rasiah offer valuable insights into trends, business practices and investment in the medtech industry. From health wearables and robotic surgical tools to precision medicine enabled by artificial intelligence (AI), medical technology or medtech has come a long way in recent years....

A Taste for Open Innovation Find out how a spirit of trust and collaboration is helping KH Roberts to bring brand new flavours to the market. Every time you eat a packet of chips or scoop of ice cream, you are directly experiencing the work of a flavourist. These experts use chemistry to create the aromas and tastes of many...

Intelligent logistics to lighten the load The rise of e-commerce has pushed logistics management technologies into the spotlight. Here are three Tech Offers that make existing systems smarter. When the pandemic shuttered physical storefronts last year, e-commerce companies emerged as clear winners. With consumers buying directly from digital platforms, sales surged even as brick-and-mortar stores tanked. Quickly recognising the advantages...

Engaging IPI’s Tech Experts to realign your business focus From wastewater treatment to artificial intelligence, IPI’s Tech Experts offer insights that will strengthen businesses in pursuit of innovation. Download our white papers to find out more. Building a business from the ground up is challenging—from crafting a business plan, carving a space for yourself and your product in the right...

Here are three steps your organisation can take to start walking the path to open innovation. Even with an understanding of how open innovation can benefit your organisation, it isn’t always clear where and how to start. Depending on the needs of the company, approaches to open innovation can differ—from large companies like Lego leveraging their popularity and gathering ideas...

Taking the load off operations with robotic solutions These four Tech Offers would revolutionise warehouses through logistics technology. If you’ve ever owned a robot vacuum cleaner, you might be familiar with how much easier life can be with this technology assistant on the job. Beyond household use, robots have lessened the workload for businesses as well; an estimate of 373,000...

Cultivating cross-border cooperation between Singapore and Finland For Helsinki Business Hub, finding new and unique ways to work with international partners is the key to successful innovation. From emerging markets like Vietnam to more developed ones like China, large swathes of Asia are rapidly joining the ranks of industrialised countries. Buoyed by new wealth, Asian consumers are also propelling the...

Transformational careers at IPI Shaped by the valuable experiences and opportunities from their time at IPI, two former staff share how a career at IPI propelled them to make a difference in open innovation. A shining example of an extraordinary innovation landscape, Singapore has topped the charts in multiple international intellectual property (IP) surveys, ranking third in the 2020 International...

Turning food waste into functional products Learn more about the three Tech Offers on food waste valorisation and develop products that are healthy for consumers as well as the planet. Despite a valiant effort to preserve containers of frozen leftovers in our freezers, even the best of us throw food out sometimes. About 35% of global food waste is generated...

Sparking innovation with intellectual property Launched at TechInnovation 2020, the IPHatch open innovation challenge connects promising start-ups with industry players to leverage intellectual property for growth and innovation. In the fast-paced world of innovation, intellectual property (IP) can be considered its currency. Similar to how financial systems govern the way money is exchanged, IP rights like patents provide value and...

Enhancing healthcare with open innovation Safe, effective and affordable medical technologies can be brought to the market when the stakeholders across different disciplines successfully collaborate. Set to overtake the European Union as the second largest market globally, Asia’s medical technology (medtech) sector was predicted to hit US$133 billion even before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Reflecting its role at the heart...

Balancing Security with Usability At TechInnovation 2020, members of the Singapore Cybersecurity Consortium shared their new technologies with an eager online audience comprising investors, technical experts and the public. SARS-CoV-2 wasn’t the only virus to besiege our world this year. As people stayed home and remote working became the new normal, digital viruses proliferated too. Ransomware attacks alone increased 40...

Innovators with sustainable solutions will have the opportunity to be awarded up to S$1 million in supporting grants by taking part in this year’s Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge. Just last year, India and Pakistan saw heatwaves hot enough to melt the tarmac on roads and experienced monsoon-triggered floods that displaced millions. As a whole, Asia is expected to be hit...

The flood of industrial wastewater generated in recent decades has led to new and improved wastewater treatment technologies. Download our white papers to find out more. There are few resources more fundamental to humanity than the one that makes up 60 percent of our bodies. Water sustains not just life, but our societies and industries as well. Accordingly, our thirst...

Though much of the world has had a singular focus on the coronavirus pandemic this year, key lessons have been learnt about how to tackle other challenges, especially climate change. Sustainability and the efficient use of resources are hinged upon technology and innovation. But it is only through collaboration and mutually beneficial partnerships that this can be achieved.   Homegrown...

Making post-pandemic cities sustainable by design Entrepreneurs and their inventions have a role to play in shaping a more sustainable world in the wake of the pandemic, said experts at TechInnovation 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way we live. Remote work is no longer an exception but the norm for most. We stay home more than ever...

While cities occupy just 2% of the earth’s land mass, they house more than half of the world’s population. The global urbanisation rate will increase from 54% to 66% in 2050, according to the United Nations. ASEAN is urbanising at a rapid pace and its reliance on cities as a source of growth is set to increase in the next...

Where tech and design meet The inaugural Design Think-Tank Challenge is a platform for industry giants and design consultancies to collaborate and develop innovative solutions. Long before the zero-waste movement gained popularity, retailers had already begun focusing on various ways to minimise consumer waste, from providing incentives for returning packaging to adopting innovative designs like paper packaging that can be...

TechInnovation 2020 saw start-ups, polytechnics and universities presenting new technologies and ideas across crowdpitching sessions on four unique themes. Inventors put their heart, soul and plenty of time into a project, all in the hopes of having a product that is ready for the market. But the final step is no less crucial: convincing everyone else that the product is...

Leveraging the network effect By creating a virtual meeting point in the marketplace of ideas, Innoget hopes to support open innovation with a network of startups and industry players. Some people use social media platforms to keep in touch with old friends, some meet new ones and others even find love. Outside the social sphere, online platforms that connect people...

Innovating amid disruption In crisis there is opportunity, particularly for innovators. Check out 10 interesting Tech Offers found on IPI’s Innovation Marketplace in 2020. 2020 was a year unlike any other. But amid the disruption, opportunities abounded. Pharmaceutical and biotech firms raced to invent vaccines, with the most successful ones minting new billionaires. Elsewhere, innovators were at work in areas...

How IPI fosters innovation through partnerships  IPI’s refreshed identity reflects its proactive role in empowering enterprises to thrive through innovation, according to IPI CEO Wong Lup Wai. In the fast-paced world of business, one common—if cutthroat—saying goes: innovate or die. As sensational as the phrase may be, the coronavirus pandemic has all but confirmed the accuracy of those three words....

Zooming into the emerging AI technologies for a post-COVID world. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digitialisation, particularly the adoption of artificial intelligence. Here are three Tech Offers riding the wave. Everywhere you look, there are signs that 2020 has been a year like no other. Masks are now de rigeur, every other seat has been taped up and reminders to...

IPI to give Sustainability a boost through new Innovation Challenge As the world’s population races towards a predicted 10 billion by 2050, our environment is coming under more stress. Climate change is a systemic problem. Its effects will hit every firm directly or indirectly. Increasingly, citizens will push governments to drive tougher regulations to safeguard the environment. Enterprises need to...

Keeping up with the consumers With almost four decades of open innovation under their belt, Containers Printers has successfully enhanced their products through collaboration with contacts in and outside of Singapore. An oddly specific but surprisingly common occurrence in households across the world is the childhood folly of cracking into a Danish cookie tin, expecting to find delicious buttery goodness...

IPI to facilitate open innovation for businesses in Singapore Enterprises that partner with problem solvers with cross-industry expertise are fast-tracking innovation and creating new pathways to growth. Open innovation – a trend that has seen businesses adopting a more inclusive and collaborative approach - will undoubtedly help to ease the global economic dislocation experienced this year.   For small businesses...

New and improved technologies for the beauty, healthcare and wearable tech industries. As the largest and fast-growing organ of the human body, our skin is more than a mechanical barrier that protects our bodies from the rest of the world. It allows us to sense our environment, regulate our body temperature, and—with the help of technology—give us a window into...

From access to grants, state-of-the-art technology and co-innovation opportunities, the IoT Innovation Challenge 2018 co-organised by IPI, Enterprise Singapore and the Centre of Innovation for Electronics & IoT has helped four Singapore start-ups fast-track their goals. We speak to them to find out how the competition has transformed their businesses.   SpaceAge Labs Deepak Pitta Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder...

A blind woman is walking along a street, slowly approaching an obstacle ahead. As she gets closer, the device hanging from her neck emit a high-pulse click, which reflects off the object. Trained in human echolocation, the returning echo activates a visual processing area in her brain, providing her with information such as the shape, material and distance, which she...

Leading transformation can be challenging; here are four ways to guide your organisation’s journey towards open innovation. In today’s dynamic business landscape, companies can no longer rely solely on ideas generated from internal talent with predetermined job roles to come up with novel, innovative solutions. Ever-evolving, technology-empowered industries require businesses of all shapes and sizes to approach growth via open...

Leveraging the latest technology and networks in Korea The story of the light bulb did not begin with Thomas Edison—and it doesn’t end with him either. From as early as 80 years before Edison’s first light bulb invention, scientists around the globe had been developing electric batteries and lamps that would later contribute to the incandescent bulb. Even now, developments...

Thanks to COVID-19, most of our interactions now take place in an almost fully digital world. Employees attend meetings on Zoom and students take exams online; even film festivals and art exhibitions have found ways to take place virtually. While not the same as face-to-face meetings, digital events now have the potential to reach an even wider audience in new...

Innovating and Enhancing the World of E-commerce When SARS struck in 2003, it changed much more than Asia’s public health systems. Innovative new companies like Alibaba exploded onto the scene in the aftermath, radically altering how the entire retail sector operated. As a global pandemic of unprecedented proportions, the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak similarly presents an opportunity to re-invent the supply...

Every aspect of daily life inevitably leaves an impact on the environment: heating or cooling our indoor spaces, throwing out the trash or running the dishwasher all consume energy. But what if the built environment itself—with the help of smarter design—could help mitigate your negative impact on the planet? This is the dream of green buildings. As the world continues...

  Innovation in the Land of Rising Opportunities With their expertise and wide network in technology and commercial domains, Japan IP Network supports overseas businesses that wish to realise their potential in the Japanese market through open innovation. Currently the third largest economy in the world, Japan remains a global leader in science, technology, and innovation. This unsurprisingly makes the archipelago highly...

The key to securing long-term food security is investing in innovative technologies like alternative proteins, said experts at IPI’s AgriFood Innovation Webinar. When countries around the world went into lockdown to stem the spread of COVID-19, it revealed vulnerabilities in many of the processes we take for granted in everyday life. The food system—dependent on a complex web of supply...

Maintaining indoor air quality: challenges and opportunities The need for clean air indoors has made the indoor air quality market ripe for technological innovation. Download our white paper to find out more. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated long hours spent staying at home, most of modern life was already lived indoors. But being indoors doesn’t mean that we’re safe...

Extracting value from food wasteWith nature as their north star, Singapore-based food technology startup KosmodeHealth is finding plant-based solutions for the agri-food and biomedical industries.It is estimated that a third of all the food grown for consumption ends up going to waste. This wastage largely stems from the disposal of by-products generated by food processing, such as the barley grains...

From the Lab to the FarmLearn about three innovations that are changing the way we produce and consume our food.The world’s skyrocketing population, coupled with climatic disasters such as heat waves and droughts, pose significant challenges to our ever-diminishing food supply. The United Nations has predicted a 40% global water deficit by 2030 if we continue our ‘business-as-usual’ way of life. As...

Global Trade Gets a Digital UpgradeDevelop innovative digital solutions through the Trade & Connectivity Challenge and take Singapore’s vibrant trade ecosystem to the next level.As the first Southeast Asian country with a container port, Singapore has cemented its place as a strategic trade hub over the decades. In a biennial ranking of the world’s leading maritime capitals, the Republic has clinched the top...

Making innovation happenDedicated to helping companies make their next technological breakthrough, Strategic Allies matches businesses with innovators to drive open innovation. For many people, finding a lifelong partner involves more than just chance; it requires an open mind and a willingness to invest in a relationship. The same principle can be applied to open innovation. A 2017 survey conducted by...

Automation for Safety and Productivity in ManufacturingLearn more about three new robot technologies that can revolutionise our future industries One of the first industries to embrace automation, manufacturing remains on the leading edge of adopting robot technology. Think, for example, of the automotive industry’s move from the assembly line to the heavy use of robotics in the last century. Manufacturing...

Technological innovations to maintain physical distance and facilitate contactless communication will help equip workplaces transition to a new normal.The consensus is that 2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenges. Not many would have predicted the extent to which a pandemic of this scale would grip the world, shut down global economies, and force people away from offices and into...

Making connections with open innovationThe Centre of Innovation for Electronics & IoT supports local enterprises in developing innovations to help grow their business and give it that competitive edge.Few industries innovate as quickly as the electronics industry. Year after year, new products leveraging on the latest technologies are released, from laptops that work faster and better to smart home devices...

These three new technologies could increase plastic recycling rates with more efficient and eco-friendly recycling processes.While putting plastic waste into the recycling bin might have a feel-good factor for the environmentally conscious ones among us, the odds of these actions making a significant difference are slim. The uncomfortable truth is that only 4% of the plastic waste in Singapore gets recycled in...

Racing towards innovative successRacer Technology’s engagement in open innovation has helped the company find success and position themselves as a strong advocate for this practice in the local medtech sector.As COVID-19 cases continue to rise around the world, hospitals and healthcare facilities are being stretched, almost to breaking point in some cases. Medical equipment has inevitably become a scarce resource...

With blockchain applications running the gamut from voting to genomics, it’s clear that there’s more potential to be uncovered for this emerging technology.In 2017, Bitcoin was the word on everyone’s lips when blockchain came to mind. Within a year, the price of a single Bitcoin had surged from US$830 to nearly US$20,000. As we now all know, this historic peak was...

Diving into a world of sustainabilityThe Environmental & Water Technology Centre of Innovation aims to help industry partners translate ideas into innovations that support a more sustainable environment.The pursuit of economic advancement has sometimes come at the expense of the natural world. While industrial growth has undoubtedly lifted millions out of poverty over the last few decades, environmental degradation in...

Flexing towards the final frontier Bendable and transparent, flexible sensors could bring electronics into the multibillion-dollar medical device and athleisure industries. The electronics and microchips that have enabled the information revolution may have found their way into everything from toys to tech gadgets, but their hard and metallic nature have kept them away from the final frontier: the human body....

Promising to transform the way the world transacts, blockchain is swiftly becoming a technology to be reckoned with. One of Singapore’s largest importers of fruit, Hupco, signed up for the trial run of an emerging technology: blockchain electronic bill of lading, after a Proof of Concept (PoC) was announced on the IBM Blockchain Platform in October 2018. They brought in...

Filling Our Cups for the Future Do you have an idea to change the global beverage industry? Apply to the Future of Beverages’ Open Innovation Call and turn your ideas into reality. Water is essential for life, but people have been finding different ways to stay hydrated and enhance the taste of water since the dawn of mankind. Tea was...

Healthcare Made Non-Invasive  New technology and prototypes herald speedier, cheaper and less invasive medical tests. When it comes to using medical tests to diagnose diseases or monitor health, it isn’t always enough for the test to be accurate. Cost, ease of use, speed and risk level all factor into the decision to administer any test. Given the choice between an...

From pets to products for people Through open innovation, Areteon has found success in transforming emerging veterinary technologies from prototype to product. Are you a cat or dog person? Regardless of your preference, it’s safe to say that most people have owned a pet at some point in their lives. But whether you’ve ever had a googly-eyed goldfish or a...

Technologies transforming photovoltaics Improvements in perovskite technology are combining with self-cleaning and solar forecasting innovations to make photovoltaics even more attractive than before. While the falling costs have boosted the adoption of solar energy in recent years, solar cell manufacturers are not resting on their laurels. In 2018, 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar power were added to the global power...

Fishing for solutions in a sea of innovation The Aquaculture Innovation Centre is looking to support and grow the aquaculture industry in Singapore through collaboration and open innovation. As more of the global population moves towards urban centres, land originally used for food production is rapidly being converted into urban sprawl. The city-state of Singapore, for example, uses less than...

Exciting applications of VR/AR Check out these three virtual and augmented reality TechOffers that could soon be in our workplaces and homes. One of the first head-mounted displays to be made—named the Sword of Damocles—was a daunting contraption; the display hung in mid-air, suspended by a mechanical arm connected to the ceiling. Users had to be strapped into an uncomfortable...

A big step towards open innovation  Cultivating a culture of open innovation has helped biomechanics company BioLogic Technik create useful technologies for Singapore’s rapidly ageing population       Since the beginning of the 19th century, human lifespans have practically doubled. Then, the average adult lived to a measly 40 years of age. But thanks to technological advancements in sanitation, housing...

3D printing gets an upgrade  Though 3D printing has been around for a while, it’s still regarded by many as a niche technology. These three TechOffers promise to finally bring 3D printing into the mainstream.   Here’s a riddle for you: What’s almost 40 years old yet still feels as new as ever? You’d be surprised that the answer is...

A gateway to the Greater Bay Area  Through its competitive funding schemes and professional support, the Hong Kong Baptist University's Knowledge Transfer Office spurs open innovation in China's Greater Bay Area.    In a world where information is just a click away, innovative ideas can spring forth from just about anywhere—from universities to companies, no matter how big or small....

Celebrating a year of innovation  Take a look back at some of this year's most interesting innovations found on IPI's Online Marketplace.    The innovation process is often depicted as a sudden spark of individual inspiration—an Eureka moment, if you will. But innovation is rarely a one-man process. In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, collaborative innovation is the key to...

At IPHatch 2019, experts discussed how IP can help businesses maximise the value of their triple bottom line—of profit, people and the planet.   Gone are the days when companies would evaluate themselves purely by monetary success—the bottom line of profit or loss. Today, owners and stakeholders have adopted a more holistic approach to measure the performance of their business,...

Sustainability made stylish  One company is weaving spider silk and fungi in an attempt to revolutionise the fashion industry one thread at a time.   Fast, fresh and fabulous; fashion in the 21st century seems to know no bounds. But behind the glamorous avant-garde fashion shows and colossal stores lie a darker truth—the US$1.3 trillion-dollar industry is a significant contributor...

Distilling water from waste  These TechOffers provide innovative water treatment solutions as part of needed answers to the problem of our dwindling supply of freshwater.   Look at a map closely and you may notice that a disproportionate number of cities are built close to sources of fresh water, be it a river or the sea. This is not a...

Developments in digital technologies and approaches have transformed the healthcare industry and promoted self-management of one’s health. Let’s take a look at what has changed. The creation of healthcare solutions involves extensive research and development by multiple players from academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies and medical device companies. With looming problems of aging populations and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the...

Singapore team develops cost-effective renewable technology for power generation. Rapid economic development has ensured that the Southeast Asia (SEA) region is the key driver of growing world energy consumption. According to a report* by the International Energy Agency (IEA), over the next 20 years, the region’s energy demands will grow at twice the global average. This poses a challenge for the region’s policy...

A runway for open innovation  The Centre for Technology and Knowledge Transfer at the University of Pardubice is dedicated to supporting open innovation through knowledge transfer and collaboration.   The path of innovation is a long and winding road, beginning from conceptualisation and ending in commercialisation. Creating a successful product requires a vast amount of knowledge, ranging from the technical know-how...

Transforming the food (value) chain   Innovative technologies are changing how food is produced, eaten and finally, recycled.    In today’s time-starved culture, our interactions with food are briefer than ever before. By opting for the convenience of meals delivered to our doorstep, we have given up a large part of the culinary experience: selecting ingredients, planning meals and finally, executing...

In today’s digitalised world, open innovation helps keep businesses and world economies competitive     Innovation has always been an important competitive differentiator for organisations. What has changed is that many successful companies have realised that they can no longer keep the innovation pipeline going with just in-house research and development (R&D).   Increasingly, more organisations are embarking on what...

Singapore has the attributes to be a leader in this emerging field where technology helps tackle environmental challenges   A key theme that came out of the discussions during TechInnovation at SFF x SWITCH (Singapore Fintech Festival x Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology) was that Singapore can play a leadership role in the field of innovation and sustainable development...

Multidisciplinary approach to design key for successful products that provide a better human experience.     Disruption has become the new normal and in order to harness technologies for better outcomes, creatively designed solutions are required. Design-led innovation can bring about environmentally sustainable solutions that lead to a better human experience.     Singapore has been at the forefront of...

At TechInnovation 2019, large corporations shared their problem statements with an international audience with the aim of crowdsourcing for solutions. Find out how your company can participate in this ongoing Innovation Challenge.    Companies big and small are changing the way they innovate. Instead of building up new capabilities from scratch each time, many of them are looking to collaborate...

At TechInnovation 2019, experts and industry leaders discussed the issues of capability, trust and business value in the use of artificial intelligence.   It was the year 1956, at Dartmouth College, US, that the term artificial intelligence (AI) was first coined by computer scientist Professor John McCarthy. Spawned from the work of famed British mathematician Alan Turing, the field of...

During the ‘Future of Open Innovation’ panel at TechInnovation 2019, experts highlighted how internal organisational culture and cross-cultural relationship-building influences open innovation.   First introduced in 2003 by organisational theorist Dr Henry Chesbrough, the term ‘open innovation’ is no longer just another academic buzzword. Open innovation, or the practice of active ideation and collaboration with external organisations, is widely being...

Experts discuss the trajectory of 5G technology development and dissect its impact on businesses during a panel discussion at TechInnovation 2019. Every once in a while, technology comes along that changes the way the world works. The internet was one such revolutionary innovation, providing never-before-seen connectivity across the globe, which in turn became a boon for the global economy. Since...

Kickstarting digitalisation with open innovation  Open innovation has helped IoT solutions provider WisQo to develop new products that address market needs, says founder Yang Wenxin.    Connectivity has expanded beyond smartphones and computers to everyday objects like streetlights and door locks. The global market for the Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology is projected to grow to over US$3 trillion annually by 2026,...

From fighting food fraud to countering contaminated cuisine, local start-ups are using technology in innovative ways to ensure higher-quality food products.     The food revolution is in full swing. In Accenture’s 2017 The Future of Food report, the firm boldly declared that there will be “more change in the food industry in the next 10 years than in the...

Lithium-ion battery recycling: opportunities and challenges Lithium-ion battery recycling could help to address the need for more raw materials while keeping toxic battery waste out of landfills. Download our white paper to find out more. In the decades since lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) were first invented, they have become indispensable to modern life. Without a compact source of power, we would...

Technological advances ranging from improved energy storage to artificial intelligence will be key to enabling future mobility solutions.   When we imagine a cityscape of the future, many of us might think of gleaming mega-cities, flying cars and shining skyscrapers—the staples of science fiction. However, the reality is often less rosy. In practice, the global upward trend in urbanisation has...

Companies hoping to tap the personalised nutrition pie need to think both about the products they are offering as well as their business model.    We are what we eat—the dietary choices we make are reflected in the state of our health. For example, eating too much sugary and oily food is a common gateway to type II diabetes, a...

Germs be gone!  Maintaining good hygiene involves more than just washing hands; this month's TechOffers show new ways to keep germs and diseases at bay.    Set foot into any clinic and you might find that the air inside has an astringent, almost unpleasant smell. Part of that smell comes from the alcohol that clinics use to disinfect and maintain...

Cooking up fresh ideas Food enterprises in Singapore can tap into the expertise and resources of the Food Innovation and Resource Centre to develop innovative solutions to their problems.   It might not be the most obvious place to look for innovation, but the aisles of supermarkets are packed with successful food technologies. Extensive research has gone into making food...

Navigating the world of tech  See how these three TechOffers bring sensor and positioning systems to the forefront    From fingerprint scanners to navigation kiosks, an increasing number of electronic devices are being deployed to manage facilities and indoor spaces. Many of these devices carry sensors that detect changes in the environment, which can be used for detection or in...

The clear benefits of open innovation   Collaborating with research institutions has helped precision optics company Wangi Industrial to deepen their competitive advance, says Vice President Chew Ker Yee.      You might not realise it, but you probably interact with products from Wangi Industial every day. Everything from smartphone screens to fingerprint scanners at airports make use of their special...

Taking the time to craft a good problem statement and prioritising good communication can help co-innovation between large corporations and start-ups succeed.    To stay competitive, many companies—even established ones—are actively seeking to bring new ideas into their purview. Roche Diagnostics, for instance, spent over US$10 billion on research and development in 2018 alone, said Wendy Bao, executive director of...

At RIE Industry Day 2019, a panel of experts shared their insights on how businesses can effectively tap on partnerships with public research institutions to stay ahead of the curve in Industry 4.0.   First invented to pump water out of mines in the late 17th century, the steam engine became the hallmark of the first industrial revolution, a transformative...

A glossary of technology licensing terms A licensing agreement sets the tone and trajectory of a partnership between two companies. Here are 10 important terms in a technology licensing agreement.  As companies strive to gain a competitive edge, many either license technology into their company to augment product development efforts, or license technology to others to create a new revenue stream. With...

Going green and growing sustainably   Find out how this Singapore-based company used an open innovation strategy to cope with tectonic shifts in the global chemicals industry.   While pigments and dyes add colour to our world, not all of them are environmentally friendly. Should these chemicals leach into streams and lakes untreated, for example, they may cause harm to the...

What innovation teams need to know and do  Introspection, extrospection, technical ability and interaction skills are critical for implementing effective open innovation strategies in organisations.    Whether it is a fresh idea, a new product or a revamped process, innovation can take many forms and is a key fuel for growth in companies. Sustaining innovation, however, is an uphill task,...

Fresh, filling and functional foods  Three TechOffers to shake up the food value chain    From designer shoes to bespoke suits, society places a premium on high quality, made-to-measure merchandise. In recent years, similar demands have been made of the food industry. Consumers are becoming more conscious about what they put in their bodies, which means food suppliers have to...

Savouring open innovation  Inspiration and collaboration are crucial ingredients for creating wholesome meals for individuals with special dietary needs.     Think about your favourite dish, then imagine not being able to eat it for the rest of your life because you have difficulty chewing on the meat, or because you have problems with swallowing. This may very well be...

Getting ahead with AI and IoT  Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, companies can streamline their operations and create value for their clients.   If there’s one thing that organisations crave more than anything in the modern digital economy, it’s data. By collecting and analysing data, companies can optimise their processes, monitor and adapt to...

Bringing customised IoT solutions to the industry masses  For many companies, designing an Internet of Things (IoT) solution from scratch can be a time-consuming process, but an off-the-shelf solution is often too pricey. Lynxemi’s plug-and-play modular platform strikes a balance between the two. Its Chief Executive Officer, Paymon Rasekhy, discusses the importance of open innovation.     1. What is...

How design thinking fuels meaningful innovation  From empathising with the user to prototyping and iteration, the key processes in design thinking can help innovation teams create desirable product for the market.    Desire is a visceral emotion—a sense of yearning that marketers and advertisers want to tap into when promoting a product or service. One could argue that at heart...

Fuelling the future with open innovation  Cleaner energy sources are needed now more than ever before, and Adec Thng of EnergyNova is confident that hydrogen fuel can provide for society's energy needs.   As far as climate change is concerned, one greenhouse gas has a particularly bad rap—carbon dioxide. Produced in vast quantities from the burning of fossil fuels and...

Spotlight on the IoT Innovation Challenge 2018  Experts from Aztech and Singtel weigh in on how innovation challenges spark creativity and broaden the scope for open innovation.    Ideas are in abundance if you only know where to look. As companies seek to gain a competitive edge in their respective industries, they are becoming more receptive to ideas that originate...

Driving open innovation with clear problem statements  Learn how to craft useful and practical problem statements for challenge-driven innovation at IPI's next Open Innovation Workshop in October 2019   It’s been said that “necessity breeds innovation”. Yet, defining necessity can be a challenge in itself. For companies keen on executing a strategy of open innovation, figuring out what needs to...

The insider view on technology commercialisation  Explore the possibilities for industry-academia collaboration (and more) at IPI's Technology Commercialisation Workshop    Business-as-usual no longer cuts it as a viable corporate strategy in a world of technological disruption. Constant innovation is now viewed as a critical strategy for growth, so companies are increasingly looking beyond their four walls for ideas that add...

Bringing clean water to the masses with open innovation  The sharing and co-development of synergistic water purification techniques will help secure the world's supply of clean, drinkable water, says Bashir Ahmad, CEO of Liquinex Group.   Although nearly 70 percent of the Earth is covered in water, only a small fraction of it is drinkable, and worldwide, some 2.1 billion...

Manufacturing gets an update  From gripping to welding and augmented 3D printing, these three TechOffers could increase the precision and productivity of factories and assembly lines.   Machines are increasingly being used on the manufacturing floor to carry out picking and placing, integrating and assembling parts and components in a tightly orchestrated dance. But with miniaturisation and increasing complexity of...

The launch of SPECS and CoolestSG  Two consortia have been officially launched to spearhead efforts in commercialising technology for smarter energy and thermal management.      On the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Singapore pledged to reduce its greenhouse emissions by 36 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. Being a tropical megacity, the island...

Open innovation is not just skin deep  By partnering with Singapore's National Skin Centre, Good Pharma Dermatology was able to quickly bring an itch-reducing moisturiser to the market.  Not everyone is blessed with flawless skin. For those suffering from dermatological conditions, itch is a common symptom which take a toll on quality of life and even result in a loss...

Functionalising surfaces with novel materials  There's no sugar coating it - dirty walls and windows are unsightly. These three TechOffers could help keep buildings spick and span.    The gecko’s foot is often referenced as an inspiration for self-cleaning materials. Minute structures on the reptile’s soles and toes allow it to adhere to vertical surfaces, but unlike tape that has...

The barriers to open innovation are lower than you think  Here are five common misconceptions associated with open innovation and why they are untrue.   Coined by American organisational theorist Henry Chesbrough in 2003, the term ‘open innovation’ (OI) became a rallying call for enterprises to look beyond their four walls for ideas and expertise. Yet, sixteen years on, some...

Giving sight to machines  Making sense of pictures, videos and objects is no simple feat for machines, but these innovations are making it possible.      Humans are visual creatures—more than fifty percent of the human brain is directly or indirectly involved in processing visual information. While often taken for granted, our sense of sight influences how we make decisions,...

Innovation highlights from EmTech Asia 2019  Passion and partnerships are like a fusion energy reactor for innovation, said Dr CJ Meadows at the EmTech 2019 conference.   Thinking outside the box is easier said than done. Encumbered by preconceived notions about how the world operates, we sometimes fail to see how a problem may be approached from multiple different angles...

Get a leg up from the government  Singapore companies can tap into a range of government schemes and incentives to help them ride out the uncertainty and thrive in 2019.    As a small economy heavily influenced by the winds of global trade, Singapore faces an uncertain economic outlook in a year marked by the possibility of a trade war...

An openness to innovation starts from within  Here are four tips to build a culture of open innovation within your organisation.      In a climate of constant disruption, the greatest threat to an organisation’s survival can sometimes come from within, taking the form of resistance to open innovation. As technology advances, companies that are receptive to new ideas, equipment...

Keeping up with innovation in the year ahead  Get up to speed with the latest tech trends   The start of a new year can bring both hope and anxiety, especially as disruptive innovation remains the only certainty in the foreseeable future. Keeping abreast of tech-related trends across a wide swathe of industries can help business owners and innovators better...

Never too late to innovate  Check out some of the hottest innovations on IPI's Online Marketplace in 2018   More than just a buzzword, innovation is a critical determinant of a company’s survival in a competitive global landscape rife with disruption. To improve productivity and accelerate the development of new products and services, entrepreneurs and inventors can find synergy on...

Matching experience and ambition in medtech  In the highly-regulated medical device sector, industry veterans on IPI's TechExpert platform can help inventors and entrepreneurs avoid pitfalls and identify opportunities for growth.   The path of innovation is often fraught with uncertainty. How do I go from prototype to product? What regulatory barriers need to be surmounted before a new product can...

A deep dive into aquaculture technology  Advanced water management systems, diagnostic kits and high-tech floating platforms are now available to the modern-day fish farmer.   The world’s oceans are a vast source of food for humanity. However, to meet burgeoning consumer demand while limiting the damage to natural ecosystems, aquaculture is becoming a necessary element of the seafood supply chain....

Bridging academia and industry Universities are strongholds of knowledge and ideas, but getting those innovations to the market can be a challenge. Here are four strategies to boost industry-academia collaboration. Many ground-breaking innovations have their humble beginnings in academia. For instance, Alan Turing carried out much of his foundational work in computing at Cambridge University in the UK and Princeton University in...

Intellectual property in the ASEAN context   Industry experts from the ASEAN region shared their thoughts on the importance of intellectual property and how to make the most of it.      With a combined GDP of close to US$3 trillion, ASEAN is the sixth largest economy in the world and the third largest in Asia. The economic bloc has seen...

Insulating against disruption  Not every company can afford to 'go it alone' when it comes to R&D, hence open innovation is essential for survival, says Amanda Khoo of Nipo International Pte Ltd.    More than half of the world’s population is housed in cities, and according to a report by the United Nations, this demographic is expected to increase to...

Ingredients for the future of food  Consumers are demanding healthier food and becoming more aware of food waste. Food technology companies are innovating to rise to these challenges.    Some people eat to live, while others live to eat. On one hand, people are enjoying their food too much, to the extent that diet-related conditions such as diabetes and obesity...

MedTech from European SMEs Tiny sensors, wearable health trackers and health data analysis platforms were among the technologies featured at TechInnovation 2018. Bill Gates wrote in 2013 that, “I have been struck again and again by how important measurement is to improving the human condition.” This statement is just as relevant today as it was then, especially in the healthcare...

Producing food in urban centres  As sensor technology and genetic tools converge, even cities now become hubs of agricultural activity.     With rapid population growth, increasing urbanisation and a shrinking rural labour force, food production methods need to be modernised if society is to feed 9.7 billion mouths by 2050. Technology is a key enabler of productivity in many...

How supply chains are benefitting from innovation  The weakest link in a supply chain could cost companies dearly. Here are three TechOffers making logistics more tractable and efficient.   When you take merchandise off the shelf of a supermarket store, has it ever occurred to you how something that may have been produced half a world away ended up in...

A whiff of success through open innovation  Understanding your core competency and aligning your goals with collaborators are key to open innovation, says Grace Chew, CEO of Hydroemission.    More than just a buzzword, sustainability is now becoming a key differentiator for companies. By taking into account the environmental impact of the products and services they offer, enterprises can appeal...

Spicing up the F&B industry with technology  If you thought whipping up a good meal was just about putting food over a fire, think again. Blockchain, AI and 3D printing are some of the latest trends in food innovation.    Few things in this world unite people as much as food. Different cultures create different cuisines to be consumed by...

Beating disruption at TechInnovation 2018  Whether you are a business owner looking to stay ahead of the curve of an inventor with the next big thing, meet your match at TechInnovation 2018   Amid a business landscape rife with disruption, enterprise owners cannot afford to rest on their laurels. While a product, service or business model may be viable in...

Know which IP strategy works for you  Ideas and inventions can have immense commercial value, but not all intellectual property (IP) are alike. Find out which type of IP is most suitable for you.      When someone trespasses on private property, the owner of the property calls the police, and the trespasser is fined or sent to jail for...

Tips for collaborative innovation  Collaboration is one of the flagship strategies of open innovation for business growth   More than 15 years ago, American organisational theorist Professor Henry Chesbrough noticed a shift away from the old paradigm of siloed research and development (R&D) towards a different model of innovation that was more borderless and fluid. He coined the term ‘open innovation’...

Unlocking the power of crowdsourcing  Accessing new ideas and innovations at lower cost is possible with crowdsourcing. Tap on IPI's Online Marketplace to reach the right crowd.      It’s been said that “two heads are better than one” and “many hands make light work”. These phrases allude to the power of crowdsourcing—a combination of the words ‘crowd’ and ‘outsourcing’—whereby...

How a local SME is still going strong after 45 years   Focus on building creative, capable and adaptable teams to reap the benefits of open innovation, says Phyllis Ong of Armstong Industrial Corporation Limited.     Imagination and ambition put the first man, Neil Armstrong, on the moon. Singapore-based Armstrong Industrial Corporation Limited (Armstrong Industrial) was founded in 1974 with...

The tech side of medicine  Whether you need to develop a vaccine in record time or detect a pathogen in a patient sample, these three TechOffers have got you covered.      Like a police squad on patrol, our immune system is constantly on guard against disease-causing microorganisms. But sometimes, bacteria, viruses and fungi can slip past or overwhelm the...

Four good reasons to embrace open innovation  When it comes to innovation, two heads are better than one. Here are four key benefits of engaging with external partners to co-create value and accelerate solutions to market.     From Thomas Edison to Nikola Tesla, stories abound of lone inventors changing the world. But times have changed—the pace of disruption is...

The dance of start-ups and large corporations  By working closely with start-ups, bigger and more established companies can reap the benefits of open innovation, says a panel of experts at the innovfest unbound conference.      Size matters in business, but just as whales are not the only creatures in the ocean, small companies can co-exist and even complement large...

A menagerie of new materials  From keeping electronics cool to building new homes and safeguarding health, these three TechOffers highlight the power of novel materials in a variety of industries.      In the past, human structures and goods were primarily made from materials readily available in nature. Wood came ‘pre-fabricated’ by trees, and fur coats were essentially the stolen...

From the printer's press to the patient  Resist the urge to re-invent the wheel, and your products could be on the market more quickly, advises Xander Sim of Cell ID Pte Ltd.   When it comes to developing new diagnostic tools, Singapore-based medical technology (med-tech) firm Cell ID Pte Ltd has a strategy to leapfrog the competition. Instead of creating new...

Trends, threats and opportunities for the Internet of Things  As the world gears up for Industry 4.0, find out what these experts at the IoT Asia 2018 conference had to say about the prospects and risks associated with the Internet of Things       Emerging technologies have a tendency to bring down borders. With the Internet of Things (IoT),...

Automation, analytics and alternative wireless networks take centre stage  From managing customer relations to figuring out emotions and providing wireless connectivity, digital solutions are currently available.     In this digital age, human interaction is no longer limited by distance, and the number of connections that each person can create and sustain has increased exponentially. Correspondingly, the complexity of managing...

Hardware, heartware and partnerships will future-proof Singapore’s industries  Find out how Singapore’s construction, electronics, and energy and chemicals sectors are being transformed to meet the demands of the future economy. Keeping pace with a rapidly evolving global economy means forecasting ahead and constantly challenging the status quo. By planting the seeds of progress in the present day, countries can better...

Economic growth and sustainability go hand-in-hand  Innovations in urban solutions and sustainability are essential for Singapore's survival and continued success on the global stage.  No stranger to sustainable development, Singapore has conserved much of its natural environment despite rapid economic progress and urbanisation. Often described as a ‘city in a garden’, the island nation is not sitting on its laurels...

Taking stock of the hottest innovations on IPI’s online marketplace  A new year has just begun, but it is never too late to start innovating. For inspiration, check out these ten hot TechOffers of 2017. When innovation meets industrial need, more efficient processes and higher value products emerge. IPI Singapore thus seeks to connect innovators and business owners, brokering win-win...

How EEN Singapore helps companies step up to the global stage  The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is the largest business network in the world. Here’s how your company can get in on the action. Honeybees sustain entire ecosystems by carrying pollen from one flowering plant to the next. In the same way, the cross-pollination of ideas can be viewed as...

When enterprises go green  Companies can embrace sustainability by using these TechOffers to increase resource efficiency and recover resources from waste or pollutants. Stories of climate change, extreme weather and environmental pollution routinely dominate the headlines. As more resources are drawn from the environment and more waste is produced than ever before, human activity is inevitably taking its toll on...

Tapping on open innovation to add value to data centres  ERS has been providing solutions to data centres for more than two decades. Its CEO, CK Cheong, tells us how open innovation has helped his company stay competitive. Although the hype surrounding digitisation often revolves around software applications, the hardware aspects of managing digital data are equally important. With proper...

Keeping abreast of the emerging trends in manufacturing. Looking to ride the wave of the fourth industrial revolution? This trio of trends could be the wind in your sails. As the saying goes, ‘they don’t make them like they used to’. Over the years, the types of products available in the market have evolved, and so have the methods used...

A trio of TechOffers from TechInnovation 2017 TechOffers that deliver comfort, convenience and cleverness were on display at TechInnovation 2017. Amidst a lively and congenial atmosphere, inventors and enterprise owners mingled at TechInnovation 2017, Asia’s premier industry-technology matching event organised by IPI Singapore. Over a span of two days, we scoured the sprawling innovation marketplace of more than 400 emerging...

How co-creation is a boon for the healthcare sector  Sean Carney, Chief Design Officer of Royal Philips, shares his insights into how co-creation drives innovation and creates value in the healthcare sector.   Illness and frailty are part and parcel of the human condition, and as populations around the world age, the global healthcare system is coming under immense strain...

How SMEs can benefit from Open Innovation. Open Innovation (OI) is not just for large multinational corporations; small and medium enterprises also have a lot to gain. Promising to deliver crispy, tasty food cooked with 80 percent less oil, the AirFryer has found its way onto many a kitchen countertop. Since it was launched by Dutch consumer appliance giant Philips...

Brokering international partnerships with IPI.  IPI Singapore is a gateway to global innovations, helping local and regional enterprises tap on technological solutions for future growth. It is one thing to be an inventor and quite another to be an entrepreneur. Dr. Sze Tiam Lin, senior director of the IPI, found this out back in 1997 when he developed a short-message-service...