The National University of Singapore (NUS) has launched the innovation4.0 (i4.0) building to support Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative.
The launch ceremony held yesterday, September 4, was officiated by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Finance and Chairman of the National Research Foundation.
This six-storey building is the home of the NUS Smart Nation Research Cluster, housing 12 interdisciplinary research entities responsible for building the university’s strategic capabilities in various emerging tech fields.
These include artificial intelligence, data science, analytics, modelling, simulation and optimisation, as well as cybersecurity. Up to eight additional research entities are expected to move into the building by the end of 2019.
The University’s technology transfer office – NUS Industry Liaison Office (ILO) – is also located in i4.0 to accelerate the transfer of NUS’ digital innovations to the commercial marketplace.
“This state-of-the-art building not only houses the key R&D initiatives in the NUS Smart Nation Research Cluster, but also the entire value chain needed to bring innovations and solutions from the lab to the market," said NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye.
The building will comprise open-concept workstations and plenty of interactive work spaces. Innovative ideas for areas such as smart mobility, smart living, digital health, social connectivity, fintech and intelligent logistics will be created, built upon and eventually take flight.
Some interesting features of i4.0 include the Makerspace for entrepreneurial activities, smart cafe, and double-volume lobby and atrium lounges which are conveniently located at the ground level.