Singapore earmarks S$ 38 million for MedTech Catapult initiative

Singapore is charting a new course in innovation and technology development with the launch of new initiatives and centres aimed at the commercialisation of research and development (R&D) across four pivotal areas: semiconductors, nucleic acid therapeutics, robotics, and MedTech. Announced by Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng, these initiatives represent a significant investment in Singapore’s future as a hub for technological advancement and economic growth.

Revolutionising the semiconductor industry
At the forefront of these initiatives is the opening of the S$180 million National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre, set to commence operations in Fusionopolis this April. This centre is designed to overcome the high entry barriers of the semiconductor sector by providing crucial infrastructure, including cleanroom facilities and semiconductor manufacturing platforms. By aiding in prototyping and small-volume manufacturing, the centre is poised to bolster local R&D talent and facilitate access to intellectual property developed by A*Star and Singapore’s public universities, all underpinned by funding from the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 (RIE 2025) plan.

Advancing nucleic acid therapeutics and MedTech
With a S$97 million allocation from RIE 2025, the Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative aims to establish Singapore as a leader in RNA research and the commercialisation of RNA drugs and vaccines. This is complemented by the S$38 million MedTech Catapult initiative, launching in April to fast-track the development of novel MedTech products. These initiatives focus not only on fostering innovation but also on training product engineers and upskilling the workforce to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and develop MedTech product design.

Empowering robotics innovation
The National Robotics Programme, receiving a new S$60 million tranche of funding, is set to drive the commercialisation of robotics solutions across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. The establishment of RoboClusters aims to encourage collaboration between public-sector researchers, end-users, and robotics companies, fostering an ecosystem of innovation and development. These clusters will serve as platforms for co-developing solutions, aiming to train over 200 specialised research talents and deliver more than 75 projects.

These initiatives by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) underscore Singapore’s commitment to leveraging its R&D capabilities to drive economic growth and technological innovation. By focusing on key areas such as semiconductors, nucleic acid therapeutics, robotics, and MedTech, Singapore is positioning itself as a global leader in the commercialisation of R&D, promising to shape the future of technology and innovation. The expected outcomes include the training of specialised research talents, the delivery of numerous projects, and the licensing out of over 40 technologies, marking a significant milestone in Singapore’s journey towards becoming an innovation powerhouse. BNN Breaking