Built Environment

When companies engage in large-scale physical operations, various work processes and system are required to scale up to ensure the smooth operation while maintaining its expected performance. However, due to various systems (e.g., CCTV, IoT sensors, BIM models, manual checklists) being in respective disconnected data silos, this leads to reactive decision-making, operational inefficiencies, and compliance gaps, which is definitely less than ideal. The technology solution addresses this critical pain point by providing an AI digital platform unifying fragmented data into a single, actionable source of operational intelligence, eliminating reliance on error-prone paper-based processes and disjointed tools. This platform leverages on a digital twin infrastructure to consolidate all data silos into a single point of truth for various business unit’s operation, maintaining operational efficiencies and compliance. By leveraging on their Generative AI (Gen-AI) module to generate predictive insights, it enables proactive management (e.g., pre-empting safety hazards, forecasting maintenance needs) instead of post-incident responses, directly addressing the market need for cost-effective, scalable operational excellence. The technology owner is currently seeking industrial collaborators with complex physical assets (e.g. construction, manufacturing, FM, smart cities and healthcare) looking to streamline operational workflow, enhance safety and optimise resource utilisation.

In Singapore, where workplace safety is of paramount concern, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) have always been actively monitoring with compliance and enforcement to meet their objective of less than one workplace fatality per 100,000 workers by 2028. Unfortunately, workplace deaths have been steadily increasing, with falling from height being the highest cause of incident within the construction industry in 2024 with inadequate Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) management, non-compliance and unsafe behaviour being common root causes. With potential loss of man-day and even life, companies are actively looking for solutions which ensure workers working-at-height are safe and compliant. The technology owner has developed an innovative safety solution designed to enhance safety for workers operating at heights. It provides relevant stakeholders with real-time information about the usage of safety harnesses, as well as the precise or general positioning of the worker before, during and after work-at-height (WAH) activities. This capability enables effective monitoring of compliance of workers in high-risk areas and facilitates the implementation of follow-up training and safety improvements. The technology solution has been successfully tested and deployed in various construction sites in Hong Kong. The owner is currently looking for industrial players, such as contractors, and facility management teams, who will find this solution valuable for reinforcing compliance and reducing WAH risk across various operations.

With rising global temperatures, the demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions is becoming increasingly urgent, particularly in tropical regions. Conventional cooling solutions such as air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation not only consume large amounts of electricity also emit greenhouse gases, further accelerating climate change. Solar reflective paints offer a sustainable solution by reducing heat absorption in buildings, thereby lowering indoor temperatures, cutting energy costs, and decreasing carbon footprint. However, their performance declines over time due to dirt accumulation, which reduces effectiveness and shortens the coating’s lifespan. To address this challenge, the technology owner has developed a novel functional additive that significantly improves the dirt pick-up resistance (DPUR) of solar reflective paints. By post-production incorporation into the painting, the additive enhances overall effectiveness and longevity while maintaining essential painting properties such as consistency and opacity. This solution extending painting’s solar reflectance by up to 6 times longer than traditional paintings, significantly reducing building cooling loads and lowering maintenance. The technology owner is actively seeking collaborations with relevant industrial partners to explore IP licensing opportunities.

Social issues such as labor shortages are becoming more apparent, making it urgent to utilize digital technology to transform workflows and work styles. In particular, there has been increasing demand for spatial digitalization to streamline renovation processes across various fields. When renovating offices, houses, factories, and other spaces, it is necessary to measure dimensions and create floor plans, which often involves manual work. However, measuring all dimensions and generating floor plans or 3D models manually takes a significant amount of time. Moreover, overlooked measurements often require additional site visits, further delaying the process. Recently, spatial digitalization using sensors such as cameras has been introduced to address these challenges. By sensing spaces and generating point clouds, which are then converted into 3D models, efficiency can be improved. However, existing methods still present issues. Creating point clouds with desktop devices is costly and time-consuming. When using general mobile devices, the accuracy is low and results depend heavily on the operator. Furthermore, transforming point clouds into 3D models often requires extensive manual work and considerable time. This method addresses these challenges. Using low-cost mobile devices, anyone can quickly and accurately acquire point clouds, which can then be automatically transformed into 3D models within just a few hours.

Modern buildings consume significant amounts of electricity through air conditioning systems. However, many conventional setups rely on static schedules or simple rule-based controls that do not adapt to dynamic factors such as external weather, occupancy, or usage patterns. This often results in higher energy costs, reduced occupant comfort, and unnecessary wear on air conditioning equipment. To address these challenges, the technology owner has developed an advanced air-conditioning optimisation system that leverages real-time sensor data, weather forecasts, and machine learning to dynamically regulate operations. The system features intelligent temperature detection that maintains an optimal balance, neither too cold nor too hot, while automatically controlling air-conditioning and heating in real time, thereby improving energy efficiency, supporting ESG practices, and ensuring a consistently comfortable indoor environment. Designed for seamless installation and operation via a user-friendly interface, the solution is suitable for both small-scale users and large facilities managing multiple air conditioning systems. When integrated with central air control systems, it reduces manual workload for operators while optimising energy use across entire buildings. Successfully deployed in retail stores, offices, and warehouses in Korea, the technology has demonstrated proven value across diverse environments. The technology owner is seeking industrial partners for test-bedding and adoption of their AIoT solution. They are also keen to collaborate with HVAC companies and air handling unit (AHU) manufacturers to co-develop integrated solutions that create win-win opportunities and drive sustainable growth.

Concrete deterioration caused by cracking, carbonation, and rebar corrosion represents a multi-billion-dollar global challenge. The global concrete repair market is valued at approximately USD 20 billion. Current methods are often labour-intensive, disruptive, or temporary, creating a strong demand for durable, cost-effective, and sustainable repair solutions. This innovation addresses these needs with a two-part treatment system that restores durability and prevents further structural damage: Water-based Concrete Sealer: Applied directly to concrete and steel surfaces, it prevents the ingress of water and corrosive agents (e.g., chlorides). This reduces the rate of concrete carbonation and rebar corrosion, while also functioning as an anti-corrosion coating for steel reinforcement. Micro-cementitious Crack Injection Sealant: A flowable, non-shrink material designed for sealing narrow concrete cracks (≥1.0 mm). When injected into damaged concrete, it consolidates the structure, re-alkalises adjacent carbonated concrete, and protects embedded steel rebars. By reinstating the passivating layer around embedded bars, it slows corrosion and reduces the likelihood of further cracking. Unlike traditional polyurethane injections, it provides durable, long-lasting repair without shrinkage. Both the water-based sealer and micro-cementitious sealant can be used independently or in combination, depending on the protection and repair requirements. This technology is available for R&D collaboration, IP licensing, and test-bedding with industrial partners in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Timber has long been a primary construction material for its versatile properties, such as strength and durability. However, it grows slowly and cannot match the performance of concrete or steel. Bamboo, with its high strength-to-weight ratio and rapid renewability, offers a sustainable alternative for structural applications in the construction industry. The technology on offer, Bamboo Veneer Lumber (BVL), is a next-generation high-performance bio-composite developed through a patented process in Switzerland and Singapore. BVL combines natural bamboo fibres with a specially formulated bio-based binder under high heat and pressure, ensuring superior strength and stability. This makes BVL suited for applications in construction, manufacturing, and furniture, positioning it as a sustainable alternative to conventional materials like timber and concrete. With strong green credentials—including bamboo’s rapid renewability, up to 40% lower carbon footprint compared to conventional materials, and FSC-certified sourcing—BVL represents a cutting-edge, eco-conscious option for both structural and design-driven applications. Furthermore, BVL complies with the 4 SEED characteristics: Strength, Environmental Friendliness, Economic Feasibility, and Durability—a combination crucial to the future of the built environment. The technology owner is seeking collaboration with manufacturing and fabrication partners, as well as companies in construction, interior design, and furniture, that are looking for more sustainable and higher-performance alternatives to wood.

Ready-mix concrete suppliers, precasters, and cement manufacturers are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional cement due to the material’s significant carbon footprint. Cement alone contributes to approximately 8% of global CO2 emission. This innovation focuses on developing a low-carbon, cost-effective concrete by incorporating spent graphite, GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag), and manufactured sand (M-sand)—all of which are by-products or waste materials. Spent graphite (supplied from used electric vehicle (EV) batteries) Ground Granulated Blast-furnace (GGBS - supplied from iron and steel production) Manufactured Sand (supplied by crushed granite, which is a more sustainable alternative to natural river sand) This innovation delivers an optimal concrete mix that achieves the ideal balance of performance, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Rigorously tested to meet Singapore’s building standards the formulation is specifically engineered for the nation’s climate, durability demands, and construction norms—ensuring reliable performance while advancing sustainable building practices. The technology owner is seeking collaboration with ready-mix concrete suppliers, precast manufacturers, and cement producers for R&D collaboration and test-bedding.

Effective tracking and management of Work-In-Progress (WIP) and inventory across a manufacturing facility are key to maintaining productivity and operational efficiency. Despite this, misplaced inventory and inefficient tracking remain common problems within the sector, leading to time wasted on locating items, losses due to unaccounted inventory, and ultimately, a reduction in productivity.  To tackle these challenges, an innovative solution has been developed that integrates advanced technologies, sophisticated hardware, and robust software features to optimize manufacturing operations. This solution provides real-time traceability of WIP and inventory throughout a factory, thereby reducing time wasted in locating items and preventing losses due to unaccounted inventory.  The solution seamlessly integrates with various systems including Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Preventive Maintenance (PM) systems, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. This integration capability allows it to trigger alerts, visualize processes, and reduce waste, thereby streamlining operations and minimizing inefficiencies.