To lead the smart urban innovation in the Southeast Asian region, Singapore has announced the formation of a Smart Urban Co-Innovation Lab.
The first developer-led lab in the region, the facility is led by Ascendas-Singbridge Group (ASB), and supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Enterprise Singapore.
Slated to be launched later this year, the lab will facilitate and support at least 30 co-innovation projects within the next three years. It will support industry players and technology providers’ efforts to innovate in Singapore and seize regional business opportunities.
The lab will focus on building capabilities in the four key areas: intelligent estates, smart mobility, digital wellness, and agri-tech.
Industry players can use it as a platform share problem statements and collaborate with technology players to co-develop and trial solutions for commercialisation. The lab will roll out various programmes to develop the capabilities and competencies of technology providers, as well as produce innovative Proof-Of-Concepts and prototypes for users of smart urban technologies.
“Since we launched our grant call for collaboration for smart estates six months ago, we have received positive input and feedback from developers and technology providers alike. The Smart Urban Co-Innovation Lab is another firm step we are taking to accelerate the growth of a vibrant and innovation-driven smart estates sector," said Ms Jane Lim, Assistant Chief Executive, IMDA.
IMDA will be working closely with the industry and other government agencies to support the development and trials of innovative technology and solutions through upcoming technology calls.
“With the co-innovation lab strategically located within Singapore Science Park, technology providers will also have easy access to relevant infrastructure and resources required for the development and test bedding of solutions,” added Mr Manohar Khiatani, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of Ascendas-Singbridge Group.
Ms Eunice Koh, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Singapore, said, “The Smart Urban Co-Innovation Lab allows our SMEs to work on real life problem statements of developers, service providers and customers. In the process of developing and testing their solutions, they also build up their track records, which is a prerequisite when they export their solutions abroad.”