Ascendas-Singbridge, IMDA and ESG unveil co-innovation lab

It will support at least 30 projects within the next three years.

Ascendas-Singbridge Group (ASB), the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Enterprise Singapore (ESG) have formed a Smart Urban Co-Innovation Lab that will facilitate and support at least 30 co-innovation projects within the next three years, an announcement revealed.

Said to be the first developer-led lab in Southeast Asia, the Smart Urban Co-Innovation Lab will be launched in H2 2019, and will be located within the Singapore Science Park.

“The lab will focus on building capabilities in the four key areas: intelligent estates, smart mobility, digital wellness, and agritech,” the parties highlighted. “Led by ASB, the lab will 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.”

The lab will also roll out various programmes such as call-for-proposals, pilot tests, workshops and boot camps to 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.

Also read: MAS and IMDA unveil global solutions hub to foster SME digitisation

“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,” Jane Lim, IMDA’s assistant chief executive, said.

To help Singapore firms innovate and internationalise, ESG will connect both local and overseas end-users and relevant technology solution providers, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, to the lab. It will also support the solutions providers in the deployment of their innovative solutions overseas through its global network in over 35 locations and other assistance tools including financial assistance.

“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, highlighted.