Co-innovation lab launches in SG to innovate regional business opportunities

A co-innovation lab called “Smart Urban Co-Innovation Lab” is launching with the support of Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Enterprise Singapore to facilitate and support at least 30 co-innovation projects within the next three years. Ascendas-Singbridge Group will be developing the lab to support industry players and technology providers’ efforts to innovate in Singapore to seize regional business opportunities.The lab also looks to focus on building capabilities in the four key areas: intelligent estates, smart mobility, digital wellness, and agritech. Led by Ascendas-Singbridge Group, which was recently acquired by Capitaland, the lab aims to provide a platform for industry players to share problem statements and collaborate with technology players to co-develop and trial new and innovative solutions for commercialisation, in Singapore as well as overseas. In addition, the lab will roll out various programmes such as call-for-proposals, pilot tests, workshops and boot camps. This looks to further help develop the capabilities and competencies of technology providers, as well as produce innovative “Proof-Of-Concepts” and prototypes for users of smart urban technologies.Meanwhile, IMDA will continue to work closely with the industry and other government agencies to support the development and trials of innovative technology and solutions through upcoming technology calls. To help Singapore enterprises innovate and internationalise, Enterprise Singapore will also continue encouraging strategic partnerships between large and small firms to leverage their complementary strengths.Jane Lim, assistant chief executive, IMDA said since the company launched its grant call for collaboration for smart estates six months ago, it has received positive input and feedback from developers and technology providers alike. She added that the Smart Urban Co-Innovation Lab is another firm step IMDA is taking to accelerate the growth of smart estates sector.Manohar Khiatani, deputy group chief executive officer of Ascendas-Singbridge Group said in the course of its business, the team found that many industry players have similar interests and can benefit from an open source platform that can aggregate and deploy best-in-class solutions.“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,” he added. Eunice Koh, assistant chief executive officer, Enterprise Singapore said the Smart Urban Co-Innovation Lab allows SMEs to work on real life problem statements of developers, service providers and customers, while also build up their track records.