DPM Heng Swee Keat inaugurates the Nanofilm Technologies International (NTI)-NTU Corporate Laboratory, marking a significant collaboration between academia and industry for advanced nano-engineering research.
Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, Heng Swee Keat, at the official launch of the Nanofilm Technologies International (NTI)-NTU Corporate Laboratory on 28 November 2023. The event, held at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), brought together key figures such as Ms Goh Swee Chen, Board Chair of NTU’s Board of Trustees, Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry) at NTU, and Professor Shi Xu, Founder and Executive Chairman of Nanofilm Technologies International.
DPM Heng Swee Keat highlighted the crucial role corporate labs play in Singapore’s innovation ecosystem, fostering collaboration between research institutions and enterprises to drive breakthroughs and actionable solutions to market. The Nanofilm-NTU Corporate Laboratory is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first joint collaboration between NTU and one of its spinoffs, Nanofilm Technologies International.
The laboratory aims to leverage NTU’s academic prowess in material sciences and energy, combined with Nanofilm’s industry expertise in nanotechnology solutions. This collaboration seeks to drive advancements in nano-engineering, focusing on the development of advanced coating technologies. The partnership underscores the symbiotic relationship between academia and industry, reinforcing each other to pursue research that addresses market needs and generates societal impact.
DPM Heng Swee Keat emphasized the significance of advancing research in deep technology (deep tech), positioning it as the next frontier for Singapore’s research and development ambitions. The laboratory’s focus on deep tech aligns with global trends, with deep tech investments claiming a steady 20% share of venture capital funding. The Deputy Prime Minister underscored Singapore’s commitment to fostering a deep tech ecosystem, citing increased investments and initiatives such as SLINGSHOT, the country’s deep tech startup competition.
The Nanofilm-NTU Corporate Lab’s research will specifically contribute to deep tech advancements by focusing on transformative and impactful projects. The laboratory’s mission includes applying deep tech research insights to solve global challenges, such as enhancing the efficiency of clean energy devices, with a focus on solar energy adoption in land-scarce countries like Singapore.
DPM Heng Swee Keat concluded by highlighting the importance of collaboration in deep tech innovation. The Nanofilm-NTU Corporate Laboratory is expected to consolidate intellectual property, offer differentiated technology solutions, and nurture research talent with sharp business acumen. The collaboration between Nanofilm and NTU exemplifies the potential for industry-academic partnerships to incubate the next generation of technopreneurs and innovative companies.
In closing, DPM Heng Swee Keat commended the Nanofilm-NTU Corporate Lab on its potential to contribute to Singapore’s deep tech ecosystem, expressing anticipation for the innovations and impact the laboratory will achieve in the years ahead.
Source – PMO
