TECH OFFERS

Singapore has a high consumption of fruits and vegetables, both locally produced and imported, and a significant portion of the total waste generated is derived from fruits and vegetables. These fruits and vegetables contain untapped nutritional and functional properties that can be upcycled into higher value products. This institute of higher learning has developed a technology with the know-how to cultivate microorganisms and a series of zero-waste extraction and purification methods to maximize the value of fruit peels into functional food ingredients.  This technology is designed for three types of industry players: i) fruit vending/processing industry with abundance of good quality fruit by-products; ii) waste management industry with technologies to value add to the by-products; and iii) start-ups with keen interest to upcycle by-products into novel food ingredients.

Population aging is a global phenomenon as most industrialized countries are experiencing growth in the size and proportion of elderly citizens in their population. The percentage of older adults is estimated to be double by 2050 than that in 2019, which will place new challenges on the social economy and healthcare. The increasing population of elderly people requires great attention to be paid to age-related problems. Especially, the decreased physical capacities cause elderly people to rely on others to perform daily activities such as showering, dressing, and eating. The lack of independence in activities of daily living (ADL) decreases their quality of life and exaggerate financial burden for family healthcare.   According to studies on affected daily activities of older adults, the showering activity needs more frequent assistance than any other ADL. Existing commercial products, such as Tutti Assisted Bath Tub and Sit & Shower, can provide automated bathing assistance for the elderly people. However, the available products are usually time-based passive cleaning that lacks active physical interactions with users, and thus they do not have some basic functionalities during showering such as scrubbing and wiping. Alternatively, robotic arms can provide active support in showering activity. Recent soft robotics technologies ensure safe and comfortable human-robot interactions. With different types of actuation (e.g. pneumatic, cable-driven), soft robotic manipulators can have dexterous motions and adaptable stiffness to achieve desired tasks.

Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative under the family of Retinoids which functions by exfoliating the surface of the skin to allow regeneration of the skin epidermis and acts as an anti-aging treatment through reduction of wrinkles fine lines. Tretinoin is the most used substance for acne and photoaging treatment. While retinol is an Over the Counter (OTC) product, Tretinoin is a prescription strength drug with faster regeneration for the epidermis layer compared to retinols which must be converted twice to its active form retinoic acid. The current Tretinoin, though effective, may produce strong and irritation side effects for individuals who are more sensitive with the possibility of a Tretinoin purge escalating an increased initial outbreak before subsiding and reaching a long-term control of acne outbreaks. In the market, moisturizing cosmetics products are mixed with Tretinoin for the purpose of whitening effect which is not ideal. The technology provider has developed a derivative of Tretinoin, a synthetically modified new compound called Tretinoin Potassium Salt without the side effects of peeling skin and is tested to be more effective and safer than Tretinoin in both efficacy and toxicity. Besides its application in cosmetics, Tretinoin Potassium Salt (potassium all-trans retinoate) has also shown to inhibit apoptosis and metastasis in neuroblastoma, breast cancer and lung tumors. Non-clinical trials tests were conducted and concluded.   The technology company is seeking for partners to conduct clinical trials for FDA OTC Monograph certification and license Tretinoin Potassium Salt as an active ingredient for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes.

Augmented Reality (AR) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Glasses are transforming the landscape of industrial and field applications. Designed to streamline processes and improve efficiency, these glasses are a ground-breaking solution to the necessity of instant, accurate, and engaging data presentation.  Housed in a pioneering, lightweight design, these AR AI Glasses effectively address the challenges faced with conventional AR devices, including their bulky nature, short-lived battery life, and limited connectivity. By ensuring an incredibly low heat signature, extended battery life, and compatibility with Wi-Fi, 4G, and 5G networks, these glasses have been developed with users' comfort and usability in mind, ensuring efficient performance throughout the day.  These glasses are a valuable asset to a variety of sectors, such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and construction, that value precision, efficiency, and safety. By seamlessly integrating sophisticated technologies like AR and AI into everyday operations, the glasses eliminate the need for extensive staff retraining or major procedural changes. They provide real-time information, enhance remote collaboration, and come with built-in security features like facial recognition, promising to fundamentally change how tasks are executed within these industries. 

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. 

Along with the global aging population, the number of people with dementia is also increasing. Moreover, digitalization of society is isolating elderly people. Enjoyable learning using digital devices can be the solution. The product is in the form of a table with a touch screen on the surface. The embedded software is connected to the contents server, which provides various programs such as visual perception and cognitive tests, videos, trainings, and analysis results. They prevent brain aging by stimulating both the left and right brains. The product is beneficial to children as well. The rich educational contents are designed to develop the problem solving ability and the metacognitive ability. The training course includes solid figures, basic Korean, mathematics, and adages etc. Analysis results are also provided to compensate for a vulnerable subject. In addition, safety education and news from local education offices are provided in conjunction with the government.

Integration of different machinery to the MES systems and facilitating interaction between them is a common theme in Industry 4.0 implementation. This task can become complicated due to the presence of multiple vendors and legacy systems on the production floor. This invention is a software stack which can be classified as a middleware or control software. The middleware offers an intermediary communication for the different standalone machines to communicate and perform synchronised functions. The system can further be customised to extend its functionality to suit an end user's needs.

As climate change continues to cause rising temperatures and unpredictable droughts, the resulting environmental degradation and poor soil conditions have negative impacts on plant health and nutrition, ultimately affecting crop harvests and the global food chain. In Singapore, these changes threaten the very heart of the city's reputation as a garden city, including greenery, carbon sequestration, and aesthetically pleasing landscapes. To combat these issues and improve greening outcomes and land yield, enhancing soil conditions and plant resilience is crucial. One significant issue that needs addressing is soil water repellence, which prevents water from penetrating the soil, leading to rapid evaporation and reduced plant growth. This problem becomes more severe on sloping terrains like mounds and hillsides, where water is more likely to run off causing additional issues like soil compaction and disease. Soil water repellency also affects the hydrological and geomorphological properties of soil, leading to reduced infiltration capacity, accelerated soil erosion, uneven wetting patterns, development of preferential flow, and the accelerated leaching of agrichemicals. This technology refers to a specifically engineered nanogel formulation that controls water retention and release in dry soils. The nanogel formulation can uptake water-soluble nutrients and release them when needed. It has the potential to not only improve reclaimed land but also convert dry land into productive land that supports crop cultivation. The nanogel formulation can be tuned with varying retention capabilities based on underlying soil conditions and has been extensively tested in different plant species. The technology provider is currently looking for test-bedding partners from the agricultural industry and interested environmental NGOs.  

Effective wound care requires a multi-modal approach, including wound bed optimization, management of medical conditions, and consistent follow up. Wound care products play a key role in effective wound healing. Currently, most of the commercially available dressings are intended to maintain a dry wound environment or manage infection. Biomedical innovations aimed at improving rates of healing include the use of active biologics or animal-derived collagen. However, these strategies have high infection risks, scarring potential and are too costly for long term use. This technology has incorporated biomolecules that promote skin regeneration into synthetically fabricated polymer filament to develop a bioactive wound care product used to enhance wound healing, reduce inflammation and scarring potential. Through a patented methodology of blending polymers, Polyethylene (PE) or poly (lactic co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with biomolecule copolymer additives such as oligopeptides derived from collagen, laminin, or oligosaccharides from Hyaluronic Acid (HA), these polymers are made bioactive to be used to coat existing wound dressings such as non–woven gauze, foam dressings or fabricated into dermal matrices for burn care and deep wound management. The bioactive polymer can be produced via conventional methods such as dip coating or 3D Printing. Depending on the type of wounds (exudative, dry, partial thickness, full thickness or highly inflamed), the right type of dressing can be applied through a selection of basic carrier (gauze, foam, matrix) followed by the active layer required. The technology owner is seeking out-licensing, R&D and clinical collaborations with wound care and medical device companies.