Collaboration can bring about solutions that cannot be produced in-house alone. The real challenge often lies in finding the right partner with the right competencies. Mase International Marketing Services, a leading distributor of cosmetics and toiletries in Asia, had previously found a partner via IPI’s network to develop a novel dye ingredient for a new range of hair dye products that limits hair damage and retains colour for a longer period. This time, Mase was looking for a partner that could help improve the stability of its hair lightening product and prevent quality degradation during transportation and storage.

Through TechInnovation 2014, Mase was introduced to the Consumer Care Technology Programme team from the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE). IMRE’s Consumer Care Technology Programme aims to provide solutions for the consumer care industry, especially in the areas related to sustainable and green materials; as well as materials with high efficacy and intelligent encapsulation for active ingredients. Both parties entered into a research collaboration on 26 February 2016 with the project expected to complete in September. IPI also facilitated Mase with their application for the Capability Development Grant (CDG) in the area of Technology Innovation from SPRING Singapore.

"IPI is the perfect platform for SMEs to find relevant partners for R&D collaboration. Their team is knowledgeable and helped us to bridge the gap between innovation and business. I am also grateful to IPI for their assistance in connecting us with SPRING Singapore and helping with the grant proposal preparation," said Ng Ling Ching, Director of Mase.

“This project demonstrates the value that IPI can bring to local SMEs in connecting them to technology providers like IMRE for product innovation. We will continue to focus on industry needs and enable enterprises in their innovation and technology adoption journey for business growth,” said Dr Sze Tiam Lin, Director, IPI.

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