TECH OFFERS

Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) performance is predicated on training with good quality data. However, such data is often difficult to acquire due to ethical concerns, logistic problems, high cost, data bias, and inherent poor data quality. Privacy restrictions and data regulations further compound the problem of data acquisition, restricting many organisations long-term access to valuable historical data. Ultimately, this creates the problem of incomplete or biased data which degrade the overall performance of trained AI/ML models.   This technology offer is a controlled synthetic data generation with differential privacy capability for structured (tabular) data. Its synthetic data engine utilizes conditional GANs (cGANs) coupled with optional differential privacy to synthesize data with similar properties as real data without the associated privacy risks. The core technology is a synthetic data engine that learns the distribution of the input data and selects the column to generate based on this distribution. Gaussian noise is further added to the gradients to protect the privacy of the data. The technology can generate data quickly: 10,000 rows, 8 columns in 8 minutes (evaluated on Nvidia GTX1080) and is mainly intended to generate synthetic datasets to address data scarcity, data privacy, and data augmentation. This generative process involves the following features: Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (cGANS) generate synthetic data that mimic real data Sensitive data is obfuscated with statistical noise and randomization Definable privacy levels allowing adjustability between utility and data privacy (Differential privacy allows Machine Learning models to be trained on synthetic tabular data and achieve similar results as models trained on real data) Quality Assurance (QA) component generates reports to aid the assessment of data quality and risk metrics APIs for rapid integration, with full customisability This technology can be used for the following types of structured data: non-time series time series multi-tables free-text fields It can be applied in the following use-cases: Data Augmentation Increase the size of your datasets without wasting time to procure new data Data Extrapolation Extrapolate known data to generate unavailable or unknown data points Bias Correction De-bias or equalize the distribution of datasets Targeted Generation Generate rich data, including infrequent scenarios This synthetic data generation with differential privacy technology provides accessible privacy by design - adding privacy-preserving techniques before, during or after AI training, together with the following benefits: Synthetic data does not require further data sanitization, providing a safe data sandbox environment Reduces the need to pay for additional datasets by generating missing data or de-biasing existing datasets Overcomes the challenges of data acquisition by enriching real data with synthetic data through controlled generation Synthetically generated data become your data assets, with potential for monetization as new revenue streams Protect real data by combining made up data points to make it harder to distinguish what is real even if data is compromised Indefinite retention time without associated compliance risks and full accessibility to rich statistical data to provide a boost to AI/ML model resilience and performance The technology owner is looking to collaborate with technology partners in the field of AI/ML to co-develop new products/services, and for collaborators to test-bed in pilot projects. data, generation, privacy preserving, definable privacy, machine learning, synthetic data Infocomm, Security & Privacy, Data Processing

The exponential growth of electronic waste (E-waste) generation is proliferating due to the ever-increasing demand for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) driven by industrial revolution and development. The COVID-19 crisis has further accelerated the shift towards digital transformation, contributing to an upsurge in E-waste generation. To-date, the industrial practices of extracting palladium (Pd) from electronic waste and mining ores rely on hydrometallurgy techniques using highly corrosive acids, typically aqua regia at elevated temperature. The process poses severe hazards to workers and lead to environmental pollution. Aqua regia’s capability to dissolve many various metals results in low selectivity for Pd. Despite ongoing efforts to develop alternative methods, these methods often prove impractical for industrial adoption. The technology provider has developed a proprietary lixiviant capable of extracting palladium up to 4,000 ppm at saturation with high extraction efficiency and selectivity within 12 hours. This lixiviant is facile, cost-effective, and significantly less corrosive and hazardous compared to current industrial practices. Substituting fuming aqua regia with this lixiviant could enhance the protection of workers and environmental safety. Importantly, the proposed technology is highly compatible with existing hydrometallurgy processes, eliminating the need for companies to change their current infrastructure. An E-waste industry partner has successfully conducted a pilot-scale (5-Litre scale) evaluation, validating the effectiveness and applicability of the lixiviant on their Pd-coated samples. The technology provider is actively seeking industry partners interested in test-bedding and licensing of this technology. Low cyanide concentration (< 50 ppm) stabilized in alkaline solution Optimal operating temperature of 90°C High selectivity (> 86%) and high extraction rate (> 86%) of palladium Cost-effective at ≤ USD 2.12/L extracting up to 4,000 ppm palladium at saturation within 12 hours Easy adoption and high compatibility with existing industrial hydrometallurgy systems Improve workplace safety and health which better protects workers and the environment Electronic wastes, such as Pd-coated connectors, Pd-coated wire bonding, etc. Pd-coated industrial wastes Recovered palladium can be further refined for resale and reuse In recent years, many countries have mandated environmental responsibilities to electronic manufacturers to establish producer recycling programs and ban E-waste disposal into landfills. E-waste contains precious metals, such as palladium, gold and silver that are highly sought-after by E-waste recycling companies due to their scarcity, high value and demand, and are actively traded as commodities over the last decades. The extraction of precious metals from E-waste is not only commercially attractive but also aligns with Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Governance goals for resource recovery and environmental protection. The global E-waste market size was valued at USD 52.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% from 2022 to 2032, to reach USD 160.2 billion (Market.us, 2023). The proposed technology features a proprietary lixiviant capable of extracting palladium up to 4,000 ppm at saturation with a high extraction efficiency (≥ 89%) and high purity (≥ 92%). This cost-effective lixiviant is significantly less hazardous as compared to current industrial practices, thus better protecting workplace safety and health. Notably, the technology is compatible with existing hydrometallurgy processes and has been successfully verified at pilot-scale (5-Litre) in collaborating with an industry partner. Hydrometallurgy, palladium recovery, palladium extraction, palladium recycling, precious metal recovery, precious metal extraction, precious metal recycling, electronic waste (E-waste) recycling, electronic waste treatment Chemicals, Catalysts, Waste Management & Recycling, Industrial Waste Management

Electrolysis has diverse applications across various sectors, such as household and industrial electrolyzed water treatment, soda electrolysis, electrolytic plating, electrodeposition, and hydrogen generation. In electrolysis using insoluble electrodes, the electrocatalyst acting as the reaction field for the electrode reaction undergoes gradual abrasion. Given the high cost of precious metals (i.e., platinum group compounds) used as catalysts, protecting the catalyst and reducing the wear rate are crucial for extending the lifetime of electrodes and reducing the maintenance cost. Current technologies include multilayer electrodes that have a surface layer of noble metal oxide on the electrocatalyst to reduce catalyst wear. However, this method proves more expensive than ordinary insoluble electrodes. Additionally, the surface layer cannot be recoated. To address the challenge, the technology owner has developed a proprietary protective coating that effectively protects the catalyst on the surface of existing insoluble electrodes. This solution enables effective electrode protection through an inexpensive coating, reducing catalyst consumption and electrode replacement frequency. The coating can be reused by recoating the electrode, also contributing to the perspective of “Circular Economy”. The technology owner is seeking R&D collaboration with industrial partners such as electrode manufacturers, coating manufacturers, and companies utilising insoluble electrodes in electrolysis, especially electrolytic plating and metal recovery.  This unique coating, made of special silicone and conductive particles, can be applied to the catalyst surface and cured to reduce catalyst wear. Key features of this technology include: Improved electrode durability: double the replacement interval Excellent chemical resistance: capability to withstand harsh liquids such as strong acids and strong alkalis Optimal performance: good heat resistance, conductivity, and adhesion to the base material Efficient development: shorter development time and lower implementation cost compared to alternative methods such as electrolytic control and diamond coating Cost-effective solution: reduce maintenance cost and utilisation loss in the upstream process of electrolysis Circular economy contribution: reusable by recoating the electrode This technology can be used in handling harsh liquids such as strong acids and strong alkalis, addressing the challenge of electrode durability. It is mainly intended for the recovery of metals through electrolysis, especially targeting aqueous solutions containing metal ions. This is particularly useful for processes such as electrolytic plating and etching effluents in semiconductor manufacturing. In the future, the technology owner is also exploring the potential applications of this technology in water electrolysis electrodes and the use of conductive coatings beyond electrodes. Double the lifetime of the electrode using an inexpensive coating Can be reused by recoating the electrode Reduce the replacement frequency and maintenance cost Adaptable to existing coating (painting) facilities without modification Coatings, Electrode Catalyst, Electrolysis, Metal Recovery, electrolytic plating, recoating, reused Chemicals, Coatings & Paints, Manufacturing, Chemical Processes, Sustainability, Circular Economy

Issues associated with odor generation present significant challenges in various aspects of daily life, encompassing unpleasant smells from various sources such as toilets, kitchens, pets, tobacco, hospitals, and transportation. These unwanted odors have a detrimental impact on individual well-being, social interactions, and overall environmental quality. Deodorants play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, fostering a more comfortable and hygiene environment. However, conventional deodorants primarily rely on masking the unwanted odors with a strong fragrance, resulting in a slow and ineffective deodorization process, particularly against strong smells. The technology owner has developed a proprietary formulation that offers an effective deodorization approach. Unlike common deodorants, the unique deodorant using the proprietary formulation can remove the sources of unpleasant smells through chemical reactions. It demonstrates remarkable efficiency against a broad spectrum of odors, including those from rotting fish and meat, rotting eggs and milk, rotting vegetable waste, ammonia in toilets, sweat, and body odor. This innovative solution has the potential to revolutionise odor control across diverse scenarios. The technology owner is seeking R&D collaboration with industrial partners who are interested in incorporating this deodorant into their products and applications. Compared to conventional deodorants, this deodorant quickly interacts with unpleasant odor molecules and immediately envelops, degrades, and neutralizes the molecule, eliminating the unpleasant odor around it. Key features of this technology are: Universally against the four major malodors (i.e., ammonia, trimethylamine, methyl mercaptan, and hydrogen sulphide) Distinctive technique utilising zinc ions to decompose hydrogen sulfide, the source of putrefaction and fecal odor Effectively decompose human body odor and pet odor by using inorganic salts Reliable and efficient deodorization with a high deodorizing rate This innovative deodorant can be used in many situations since it is universally effective against the major odors in daily life. Potential scenarios include (but are not limited to): Transportation: public transportation or private cars. It effectively neutralises unpleasant odors during long trips, ensuring a comfortable space for passengers. Medical institutions: hospitals and clinics. It eliminates various odors occur in health care facilities, maintaining a comfortable environment for patients and staff. Hotels and accommodation: hotel rooms, shared spaces, and the entire accommodation. It provides a clean and comfortable environment, accommodating different guest preferences. Educational institutions: school and university classrooms, libraries, and common areas. It delivers safe and effective deodorizing effects for diverse population, including youth. Event Venue: indoor and outdoor events, concerts, and sporting occasions. It is particularly useful for odor control in places where many people gather. Effective deodorization against four major odors Enhance high safety in human health Low price despite its high effectiveness Customisable to meet different specifications Deodorization, Environment, Housing, Public, Odor Materials, Composites, Chemicals, Additives, Sustainability, Sustainable Living

The Reconfigurable Workspace Soft Gripper (RWSG) is a bio-inspired, pneumatically actuated, shape morphing soft robotic gripper that is capable of rapid reconfigurability. It features passive retractable nails, bi-directional foldable petals, and a flexible palm to adapt to various grasping and manipulation tasks and requirements. The ability to rapidly reconfigure allows the RWSG to grasp a wide range of large, thin, hard, delicate, and deformable objects. These capabilities make the RWSG a uniquely advantageous tool for high mix low volume manipulation and packing scenarios such as food assembly, packaging of groceries, and packing of consumer electronics. The RWSG features retractable nails to help in precision grasping of small, thin, and high aspect ratio objects. An optimized bidirectional finger flap design allows its fingers to morph into scoop-like shapes to easily manipulate granular and semi liquid items such as grains, jelly, stews, curries or scrambled eggs. A multi-material palm design helps regulate the RWSG’s aperture to adapt for large or wide objects. The RWSG utilizes low, safe pressures (-80kPa to 60kPa) to switch between and operate the various grasping modes. High mix low volume manipulation tasks for consumer goods, logistics, and food industries can benefit from advanced robotics to meet evolving demands in productivity, safety, and sustainability. These sectors often require manipulation and grasping capabilities that cannot be achieved by conventional robotics using rigid grippers or end-effectors. The RWSG can provide reliable and safe robotic handling of a wider range of objects in these challenging scenarios using its adaptive capabilities. With the ability of handling a wider range of objects, RWSG automation setups can help reduce changeover times (less or no tool changes required), improve safety (humans are not required any longer for manipulation in hazardous environments), and even contribute towards sustainability (less overall resources required). The RWSG has a unique structure that allows robust and safe grasping of a wide range of large, thin, hard, delicate, granular, and deformable objects. Its structure is composed of food safe, hypoallergenic silicones that can tolerate both high and low temperatures. These unique features far surpass the capabilities of traditional rigid grippers and end-effectors. The RWSG can be seamlessly integrated with all major cooperative manipulators currently available in the market. Soft Robotics, End Effector, Robotics, 3D Printing Electronics, Actuators, Infocomm, Robotics & Automation

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and other product components come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and packaging configurations. During the manufacture of such products, a key challenge for automation is to effectively handle and manipulate such diverse products during production or logistical processes. Users planning to automate their production lines typically have to take into consideration the use of either multiple grippers for different product types, or incorporate an automated tool changer with added complexity and cost. To address this challenge, a Singapore start-up has developed a universal soft robotic gripper designed to manipulate a wider range of product sizes by incorporating a resizeable gripper base. Gripper adjustment is automatically carried out via an integrated computer vision system thus minimizing the need for human intervention during pick-and-place processes. The gripper's soft fingers also minimize damage to products during the gripping process. Vacuum Suction Gripper Incorporating extendable linkages in the gripper arms for resizeability, the gripping workspace remains adaptable to handle products of various sizes. The gripper arms may either take the form of fingers or suction cups configuration. With 5 vacuum cups embedded, the gripper is ideal to handle pouched products or carton boxes of various sizes. Gripper weight: 2 kg Gripping Width: 150 mm - 215 mm Load capacity: Up to 16 kg (under ideal condition when the gripper is in contact with smooth and flat surface) Gripping Mode: Vacuum suction  Operating Pressure: Clean, dry air up to -70 kPa Operating Temperature: Up to 100 °C Computer Vision System An integrated computer vision system provides the gripper with the ability to recognize the type, location, and orientation of the product to be picked, and commands the gripper to adjust the gripping space and pose to pick the product from the correct location. This process is fully automated without requiring human intervention. For increased utility, the computer vision system may also be configured to perform quality inspections of products being handled. The vacuum suction gripper can be used to palletize or depalletize carton boxes or pouched products (such as coffee powder, sugar packs, rice packs etc.) of various sizes up to 10kg. The computer vision system will be deployed if the working space is not in an organised condition (i.e., randomized locations and orientations of the products), such as when products are scattered in a tote bin, randomly positioned on a conveyor etc. The market value for FMCG robotic packing in the APAC market is estimated to be at USD 1.1 billion and the global market value is worth USD 7.8 billion. Sources: Cobots Transforming the Global Industrial Robotics Market—Opportunities Forecast (Frost & Sullivan) Passport, The Megabrands: The Top 100 FMCG Brands Worldwide (October, 2018) Technavio's library The reconfigurability of this gripper provides high adaptability to many applications, compared to conventional grippers with fixed gripper bases offering limited gripping ability for products of diverse shapes and sizes. Benchmarking tests have been conducted to compare the grippers with other commercially available grippers. The results showed that this universal gripper is able to provide a 22% increase in gripping efficiency. Moreover, compared to using multiple grippers and tool changers to handle different products, this one-fits-all gripper has the potential to help users save on operating costs by up to 36%. Manufacturing, Assembly, Automation & Robotics, Infocomm, Robotics & Automation

Bitumen is widely used as an essential binder for many applications due to its excellent adhesive properties, waterproofing, and high durability. However, the conventional application of bitumen involves on-site melting at high temperature exceeding 250°C, necessitating rapid pouring on the surface with additional torch-on, which poses complications and safety risks. Moreover, the on-site melting process releases harmful gases, including hydrogen sulphide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), endangering workers and nearby areas. To address these challenges, there is a need to develop a safer form of bitumen that does not compromise material performance. This technology transforms solid bitumen into a single-component liquid bituminous coating at room temperature via a simple and cost-effective formulation using solvents, fillers, and additives. The fillers used in the single-component liquid bituminous coating can be made from waste materials such as food waste. Such sustainable fillers could offer comparable material performance to conventional industrial fillers. This high-performance bituminous coating has excellent workability at room temperature, fast drying, and easy production without the need for heating. Thus, this technology eliminates the hazards associated with conventional application of bitumen, providing a safe and energy-saving alternative. One practical application of this technology is a roof waterproofing system that complies with Singapore standards SS133:2017 and/or SS374:1994 (2023). This technology is available for R&D collaboration, IP licensing, and test-bedding with industrial partners in the construction and infrastructure sectors.   Free of smoke and fumes Simple and energy-saving production (no heating required) Water-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and UV resistant Fast-drying and odourless after drying Easy application with excellent coverage Can be easily applied by brush, spray, squeegee, or trowel Compatible with various substrates and structures (dry or damp surfaces) Applicable to both horizontal and vertical surfaces without substantial runoff Option to incorporate sustainable fillers Complies with SS133:2017 and/or SS374:1994 (2023) standards The potential applications include: Primer and paints Waterproofing coating Sealants Adhesives Binder additive in various substrates, including cement, concrete, metal structures, and castings The technology offers the following unique features: Transform solid bitumen into a single-component liquid bituminous coating at room temperature via a simple and cost-effective formulation Option to incorporate sustainable fillers Simple, eco-friendly, and energy-saving process without heating Can be applied to different structural elements for waterproofing, damp proofing, and corrosion resistance Materials, Composites, Chemicals, Coatings & Paints, Organic

One-fifth of all local and imported food in Singapore and about 15% of all food globally is spoiled during the supply chain due to inadequate food transport facilities. To overcome this, the startup offers a patented technology in the form of a hardware device that emits a magnetic interference field. It can be used throughout the supply chain starting immediately after harvest and all the way to storage and display. In particular, this technology has great potential to be applied during the food transportation when the chance of spoilage is highest due to reasons such as overripening caused by supply chain delays. The startup is looking to collaborate with food logistics and storage companies, as well as retailers, to integrate their solution. This technology locks the water inside fresh food, minimises bacteria and mold growth, thus extending the food shelf life by at least 30%. Each small semi-circular device can cover a region of 24 inches in diameter and 15 inches in height. The device is completely passive and requires no energy or maintenance. The useful life of the device is 3 years and the energy field emission conforms to WHO safety guidelines. This technology can be applied to slow down food spoilage in: Cold chain containers Non-cold chain containers Food transport trucks Food storage baskets Refrigerators (Domestic and Commercial) Supermarket shelves It may also be applied during farming process to enhance plant growth and reduce water requirements.  The unique value proposition of this technology lies in the following areas: Extends food shelf life in fluctuating ambient conditions No energy or maintenance required  Effective and economical in reducing food waste by up to 40% food preservation, supply chain, food storage, fresh food Materials, Nano Materials, Foods, Packaging & Storage

Despite the increasing prevalence of obesity, all FDA-approved medications, which act indirectly on the central nervous system to suppress appetite or on the gastrointestinal tract to inhibit fat absorption, suffer from poor effectiveness and side effects. Most of these medications have been withdrawn from the market. Although liposuction performed in clinics can effectively remove targeted subcutaneous fat, it suffers from invasiveness, high costs, associated risks, induction of compensatory increase of visceral fat. Although thermal lipolysis induced by high-power laser energy is a non-invasive way to reduce subcutaneous fat, its effectiveness is limited and it often causes skin burning. Both liposuction and laser lipolysis cannot improve whole-body metabolism. The technology owner has developed a transdermal mild photothermal therapy directly acting on the root of evil, i.e. subcutaneous fat, to induce its ameliorating remodelling (browning, lipolysis, angiogenesis, and apoptosis), based on the injectable hydrogel encapsulated with photothermal agent. Browning refers to the conversion of energy-storage white fats into energy-burning brown fats. Further, combining with pharmaceutical therapy by codelivery of pharmacological agent leads to a strong therapeutic synergy. This method not only ensures high effectiveness and low side effects due to localized and targeted application but also remotely creates significant improvements in whole-body metabolism (e.g., reduction of visceral fat, relief of diabetic symptoms). In addition, this technology is applicable for cosmetic purposes, e.g., body contouring and reduction of double chin. The technology owner is seeking potential biotechnology companies, clinicians, and other partners to clinically translate and commercialize this technology. Possible modes of collaboration include R&D, process, and product development. Photothermal agents and pharmacological agents are encapsulated in biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogel which retains the therapeutics to ensure sustained effects. After being injected into subcutaneous fat depots (e.g., belly fat) using an insulin needle or an automated injection device with minimal pain, NIR irradiation at each injection site will be applied for only five minutes using a portable laser source, one to three times a day for several days without the need of another injection. This described procedure (injection + laser treatment) can be applied once or several times. Obvious mass reduction of the treated fat and other beneficial effects on the whole-body should be resulted. In contrast to laser lipolysis, this procedure shall be much more effective, pain free without causing skin burning, and profoundly beneficial. It can be conducted in clinics by professionals or be self-administered at home for long-term care. The primary application area of our technology is for treating obesity and associated metabolic diseases (e.g., type 2 diabetes). This technology can also be used for non-therapeutic or cosmetic purposes, including contouring, sculpting, or slimming one or more regions of the subject’s body for a desirable appearance. To be specific, this technology can locally remove stubborn fat below the chin, or in thigh, abdomen, thorax, flank, upper limb, upper body, lower limb, back, etc.   As highlighted by Mordor Intelligence, the anti-obesity drugs market was valued at about US$ 1,690 million in 2020, and it is expected to reach US$ 4,250 million in 2026, registering a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 15% over the forecast period, 2021-2026. And according to IMARC Group, the global body contouring market reached a value of US$ 7.3 billion in 2021, and is expected to reach US$ 11.1 billion by 2027, exhibiting at a CAGR of 6.9% during 2022-2027. This technology provides an unprecedented solution with high effectiveness and low risks. Non-invasive targeted treatment on subcutaneous fat Drastic reduction of subcutaneous fat and visceral fat Relief of obesity-associated metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes) Low risks and low side-effects High effectiveness Self-administrable Obesity, Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases, Transdermal Therapy, Personal Care, Slimming Healthcare, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals & Therapeutics