TECH OFFERS

As climate change continues to cause rising temperatures and unpredictable droughts, the resulting environmental degradation and poor soil conditions have negative impacts on plant health and nutrition, ultimately affecting crop harvests and the global food chain. In Singapore, these changes threaten the very heart of the city's reputation as a garden city, including greenery, carbon sequestration, and aesthetically pleasing landscapes. To combat these issues and improve greening outcomes and land yield, enhancing soil conditions and plant resilience is crucial. One significant issue that needs addressing is soil water repellence, which prevents water from penetrating the soil, leading to rapid evaporation and reduced plant growth. This problem becomes more severe on sloping terrains like mounds and hillsides, where water is more likely to run off causing additional issues like soil compaction and disease. Soil water repellency also affects the hydrological and geomorphological properties of soil, leading to reduced infiltration capacity, accelerated soil erosion, uneven wetting patterns, development of preferential flow, and the accelerated leaching of agrichemicals. This technology refers to a specifically engineered nanogel formulation that controls water retention and release in dry soils. The nanogel formulation can uptake water-soluble nutrients and release them when needed. It has the potential to not only improve reclaimed land but also convert dry land into productive land that supports crop cultivation. The nanogel formulation can be tuned with varying retention capabilities based on underlying soil conditions and has been extensively tested in different plant species. The technology provider is currently looking for test-bedding partners from the agricultural industry and interested environmental NGOs.   Scalable fabrication method using Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) materials Nanogel formulation engineered for controlling water retention and release in dry soils. The nanogel formulation can uptake water-soluble nutrients and release them when needed. The formulation has the potential to convert dry land into productive land that supports crop cultivation, aside from improving reclaimed land. Different nanogel formulations with varying retention capabilities based on underlying soil conditions have been developed and extensively tested for various horticulture plants. Sustainable Landscaping Horticulture plants Reforestation Ensuring food security The global soil conditioners market grew from $5.6 billion in 2022 to $5.93 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. A tunable & eco-friendly nanogel formulation to help in the retention and release of moisture and/or nutrients in sandy soils for improving crop and flora survivability. Reduced irrigation or water consumed by agriculture  Reduced labor cost & fertiliser consumption  Increased areas of land available for farming  Hydrogel, Water retention, Soil, Agriculture Materials, Bio Materials, Life Sciences, Agriculture & Aquaculture, Sustainability, Food Security

In manufacturing there are many instances where there is a need for low production runs of parts. These could be for parts of an equipment, tools, small volume runs for trials or customised parts. However, traditional manufacturing techniques are usually not cost-effective for such low volume runs, while current additive manufacturing suffers from low strength, long print times and poor surface finish needing post-processing. Additionally, for techniques using powder and filaments, considerations have to be given to the storage due to oxidation, degradation, flammability and toxicity of these precursor materials. The tech owner has developed a hybrid manufacturing technique that involves both additive and subtractive manufacturing methods. Instead of powder or filaments, sheets and foils are used as precursor materials, thereby alleviating cost, safety and performance concerns that were outlined. A laser is used to cut and fuse the different layers of the build.   Numerous tests conducted by the team have consistently yielded parts that are dense and displayed high strength. The system is able to work with different materials, including highly reflective ones such as, aluminium, copper. Parts using carbon fibres, composition materials, ceramics, etc have also been successfully printed. Based on initial estimates, this technique offers up to 80% cost advantage over powder bed systems. The tech owner is seeking partners to collaborate in test bedding the system for manufacturing of complex, customized and/or high strength / high thermal conductivity parts for applications in the healthcare, semiconductor, aerospace, automotive, telecoms or marine & offshore sectors. The system included an energy deposition module that is based on commercially available laser source. The slicer software and printer controller software were based on in-house developed proprietary software. These will ensure that the quality of print is able to meet the density and strength requirements demanded by the user.    Precursor material handling module is also inhouse developed to ensure consistency of print.   The current prototype has the following performance specifications: Largest print – 20cm x 20cm Smallest feature that can be printed - 100um Highly dense structure < 1% porosity Heat exchangers – micro cooling channels   Semiconductor equipment Dental/ Bone implants; Prosthetics; Surgical Tools; Aerospace parts Automobile parts Mobile Device parts (e.g. Smartphone, laptop, smartwatch shells and casings) Unlike powder bed system, there is no need for environment controlled chambers Safer and cheaper precursors (sheets and foils vs powder and filaments) Printed parts are higher strength (Example – Stainless Steel SS304L, up to 1 GPa yield strength) Printed parts are fully dense (<= 1% porosity) Lead time is significantly reduced for fully solid designs Can fabricate enclosed channels Surface roughness is 3 times smoother than powder bed techniques Minimal post-processing (e.g. sand-blasting) is necessary Compatible with different material classes (composites, metals, polymers, ceramics)   3D printing, Additive manufacturing, Subtractive manufacturing, Laser, Laser system, Powder bed, Low volume manufacturing Manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, Subtractive Machining

Thermal management is an essential part of the design of high power density electronics. As the power density of electronic devices increases, so does the amount of heat they generate, and this heat must be dissipated effectively to prevent the devices from overheating and failing. This technology offers a method to produce high thermal conductivity boron nitride (BN) composites that aim to improve thermal management in high power density electronics, leading to more efficient, more compact, and safer electronic systems. BN composites are a group of materials made by combining boron nitride with another material, such as a polymer, metal, or ceramic. A key advantage of such composites is that they exhibit higher thermal conductivity than any commercially available material that is electrically insulating. The resultant BN composites are also low in weight, easily shaped, exhibit good mechanical properties, and offer the unique capability of designing the path by which the heat will be conducted. These properties fulfil the demanding requirements for electronic packaging in emerging markets like Internet of Things and embedded systems, autonomous vehicles, high speed computers, satellites to name a few. The technology owner is seeking for co-development and out-licensing opportunities with semiconductor and device-assembling companies that require high thermal conductivity materials. This technology consists of a method to fabricate porous boron nitride composites that exhibit high thermal conductivity for improved heat management. Using a simple and scalable process, BN microcrystal powder is functionalised with iron oxide nanoparticles. BN microplatelets are then orientated to channel heat along the direction of alignment of the microplatelets to yield BN composites of high thermal conductivity. Some features of the BN composites include: Utilises a green process to fabricate (water is used as a solvent) Exhibits higher thermal conductivity (12 W/mK) Lightweight (~1.3 g/cm3) Good mechanical properties (Stiffness ~400 MPa, strength ~3 MPa, hardness 0.5-1.5 kgf/mm2) Electrical resistivity (~30 MΩ.cm) Tunable shape and size Excellent thermal stability till 200 ºC The BN composites can be attached to electronic chips and other components, making them suitable as a thermal interface material for 3D electronics of high packing density. Possible applications include (but are not limited to): Semiconductor Aerospace Automotive Higher thermal conductivity than conventional thermal interface materials with electrical insulation Ability to customise and tailor the BN composites’ properties to efficiently channel heat into specific directions thermal management, high power electronics, thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, composite, electronics, packaging, insulation, boron nitride, microplatelet, temperature, heat conductivity Materials, Composites, Electronics, Semiconductors

Recent advances in soft robotics revolutionize the way robots interact with the environment, empowering robots to undertake complex tasks using soft and compliant grippers. Compared to traditional rigid structures. Soft grippers have excellent adaptability for a variety of objects and tasks. However, the existing gripper systems faces some challenges, such as handling delicate, wet, and slippery items, the risk of damaging valuable items, and high production cost. Based on pneumatic jamming of 3D-printed fabrics, the technology owner has developed a variable-stiffness soft pneumatic gripper that can apply small forces for pinching and pick-up heavy objects via stiffening. The invented grippers are soft and adaptive to handle delicate items with various shapes and weights, minimising the damaging risk of items during the gripping process. In addition, such gripper with adjustable stiffness could handle heavy and bulky items by increasing its gripping strength. These benefits make the gripper more versatile and adaptable to various applications in agriculture, food processing, packaging, manufacturing, and human-robot interaction (HRI). The technology owner is seeking to do R&D collaboration, IP licensing, and test-bedding with industrial partners intending to integrate variable-stiffness gripper in their applications.  The technology owner has incorporated the jamming of 3D-printed structured fabrics into variable-stiffness soft gripper design. The innovative gripper can actively apply small forces for pinching and pick up heavy objects via stiffening. The key features of the technology are: Lightweight and comfortable structural structured fabrics Vacuum-powered stiffness change High gripping-to-pinching force ratio Adaptable to items with various shapes and weights Safe and high precision gripping process Low material cost (made from elastic silicone) Easy fabrication (all 3D printed key parts assembled with standard components) Agriculture: food harvesting, packaging etc. Food processing: vegetable and fruit picking, food sorting, food packaging, etc. Manufacturing: packaging, assembly, dedicate item handling, etc. Human-robot interaction (HRI) Enhanced robotic performance: universal gripper with high adaptability, versatility, and precision Safe gripping process: good comfortability and high gripping-to-pitch force ratio Cost-effective system: 3D-printed parts assembled with standard components Highly customisable: meet requirements of various industrial applications Jamming, pneumatic gripper, adjustable stiffness, 3D printing, robotic gripper, agricultural gripper Materials, Plastics & Elastomers, Manufacturing, Assembly, Automation & Robotics, Additive Manufacturing

A microfluidic chip-based mechanism has been developed as a Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) device to replace Lateral Flow Assays (LFA) for fast and convenient blood analysis. The microchip system utilises the principle of immunoassays but with high accuracy and compatibility to different signalling tags, providing a quantitative readout. Conventional immunoassays involve multistep procedure and long process time. While LFAs are fast and convenient, they are qualitative. The device demonstrated a one-step assay that can achieve equal or higher sensitivities than standard methods within significantly shorter total processing time. In a microfluidic device, the sample flows in precisely defined microchannels, which allow better control of fluid behaviour and higher consistency in testing results compared to LFA in which the sample flows by wicking through the porous paper-based material. This technology resides in the assembly of components and materials to immobilise antibodies or antigens onto the chip which can be easily scaled for commercial production. The technology owner is seeking collaborations with manufacturers of IVD devices or Medtech companies to out-license the technology and expand the range of antibodies targets for the microchip. The core technologies of the invention include: Methods to prepare nitrocellulose substrate for antibody immobilization. The materials, fabrication methods and reagent integration techniques are readily compatible with high-volume manufacturing, allowing the prototype to have high potential for commercialization. Methods to prepare and storage of dried reagent on chip. The shelf-life of the dried reagents is around 3 months. The Limit of Detection (LOD) is 0.1 ng/mL with a total process time of 15 minutes. No washing steps required. The device is compatible with all antibodies and antigen immobilisation. Signalling antibodies can be fluorescence or colorimetric which can be easily paired with off-the-shelf detector. Any biomarkers that can be analysed by LFA can be used on this platform. The device can be used in medical, veterinary and other related industries for diagnosis or screening purposes. The device provides fast and accurate method for detecting biomarkers in blood. The device has been used to measure the blood concentration of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), which is an indicator for women fertility (a high AMH levels is more likely to achieve a successful pregnancy than low levels). Some examples of LFA that can be transferred to the microfluidic platform includes HCG pregnancy test, Covid ART, AMH fertility test etc. The significance for the microfluidic device is the accuracy and reliability of the results for quantitative analysis. Microfludics, Lateral Flow, Immunoassays, Blood Analysis Healthcare, Diagnostics, Medical Devices, Life Sciences, Industrial Biotech Methods & Processes

The technology consists in a new type of neural networks, providing explainable, verifiable, compact and private AI solutions. Explainability: the technology provides precise global explanations and the exact rules learned by the AI model, even with large datasets. We transform clients' raw data and/or models into meaningful results through high-quality visual analytics, empowering them to enhance the model based on these explanations. Formal Verification: the technology allows the client to formally verify certain properties of the model, such as its robustness to adversarial attacks, its fairness according to certain features, etc. Our training and testing processes are fully automated and we are currently developing a client’s side software so that users can train/verify/modify/improve/protect the models themselves. In addition the interface will provide the client a complete explanation of the inference of their models, by providing a set of logical rules that describe exactly the model.   Compactness/AI for Embedded Systems: the models resulting from our technology are extremely small, requiring much fewer logical gates and/or latency than other existing solutions, even for large datasets. There are suited for both constrained software and hardware environments. Privacy-preserving AI: Privacy-preserving AI technologies are necessary if you want to protect the data of the client during inference, but they are extremely costly in terms of computation and memory. Using our technology, you can largely reduce this cost and eventually obtain practical privacy-preserving AI solutions for tabular datasets and more. - Banking (credit scoring, customer churn, anti-money laundering, etc.) - Insurance (claims management, fraud mitigation, etc.) - Healthcare (clinical workflow, predicting ICU transfers, etc.) - Data analytics (pricing optimization, etc.) and marketing companies (content personalization, lead scoring, etc.) - Research teams (DNA, health, environment, energy) and academia - Autonomous cars (embedded AI) - Energy (AI for edge computing) - Security / Military (private, safe, compact, verified AI) and Gov agencies / Customs (responsible, fair AI) - Manufacturing, logistic, supply chain (predictive maintenance, transportation optimization, etc.) - Individual users: data analysts, AI professionals  Our AI models are the first to be optimized to work on encrypted inputs, fully guaranteeing the privacy of the user’s data. In particular, we provide the first practical solution of a privacy-preserving AI model for tabular datasets.   Our AI models are very compact and can fit even in tiny microcontrollers (software) or in a very small area (hardware). It can be naturally transformed into a set of logical rules, providing global and exact interpretability of the inference. This would be impossible with current AI models that scale to large datasets. Our AI models can formally verify if certain properties are present, such as robustness to a certain noise level, fairness, etc.). Again, this is impossible with most AI models, and especially those who scale to large datasets.   Infocomm, Artificial Intelligence

Digitalisation is a global trend with digital twin technology increasingly adopted in various industrial segments including smart factories and plants, digital facility management and operation & maintenance, building and construction, etc. Rapid generation of digital twin of physically existing is desired. Conventionally, digital twin is mainly generated using design software which requires professional modellers to spend substantial design time pending on the complexity of the physical twin (to be constructed) and the manpower available. Building information modelling (BIM) is increasingly used as a representation for the digital twin. For existing environments, scan to BIM technology and authoring software products are used for the process of reconstructing of BIM models from LiDAR scanned point clouds. This manual process is typically time consuming, tedious and error prone. Often, meshed models are used for visualization purpose of the digital twin. Our innovation is an integrated solution being able to autonomously scan physical environments using robotised LiDAR cameras, automatically stitch scanned point clouds using in-house developed software algorithms, automatically recognise BIM components as well as mechanical & electrical plumping using our innovated AI techniques, and automatically convert the reconstructed BIM (not mesh models) from point cloud in IFC4.0. The solution can significantly reduce manpower needs and improve productivity from days/weeks down to hours. Ideal collaboration partners include but are not limited to builders, government agencies, smart city or smart factory planners, construction project management service providers, architecture, engineering and construction companies.   Building & Construction, Safety, Oil & Gas，etc. are relevant Industries. Potential applications include Audit & Inspection, Altering & Addition, Construction Project Management, Smart City, Smart Factory, Smart Process Plant, Smart Power Grids, etc.  A cloud-based solution can be marketed as a product for this technological innovation. Automatic BIM conversion (not mesh models) from LiDAR scanned point clouds is a significant improvement over the current manual conversion; and Rapid BIM reconstruction (not mesh models) in IFC 4.0 format is another UVP with substantial productivity improvement. Infocomm, Green ICT

A Digital Twin is a digital representation of a physical object or system, often used in various industries for simulation, analysis, and monitoring. In the built environment, which encompasses everything from buildings and infrastructure to urban planning, Digital Twins have a wide range of potential applications that can significantly enhance efficiency, sustainability, and overall quality of life. Digital twins have emerged as a transformative concept in the built environment, revolutionizing how buildings, infrastructure, and cities are designed, constructed, and managed. This innovative technology leverages the power of digital simulations and real-time data to create virtual replicas of physical assets, offering numerous benefits across various sectors within the built environment. The technology owner is seeking co-development partnerships with building owners, facity management companies, smart city or urban planners to adopt their digital twin technology in achieving their sustainability objectives. Digital twin model development & data gap report This stage involves the creation of a baseline digital twin of the proposed facility. Measured performance data input This involves gathering measured data from various sources. This would be the building BMS system and/or any other source of live or streaming operation data. Model calibration This includes the testing of the model with logic checks and balances to verify the basic inputs. Actual building experience and monitored data will be used to make any final adjustments and calibration so that the virtual model outputs align closely to reality. Analysis & diagnosis Once the baseline model is complete and confidence exists as to its validity from the calibration accuracy (over 95% accuracy), the model can be used to run “what-if” scenarios for the future. Retro commissioning (RCx) i.e. change in operations without any additional investment options will be analysed. Corrective action The team will develop a set of bespoke/customized alarms, alerts and control rules to continuously optimize building energy performance using real-time data. Deployment A workshop will be conducted to make the participating stakeholders aware of the digital twin process. Required software access as well as the user guides will be shared during the deployment. Monitoring The final stage will be the monitoring of the digital twin post-implementation. Some key potential applications for Digital Twins in the built environment: Architectural and Urban Planning: Digital Twins can be used to create virtual models of cities, allowing urban planners and architects to simulate and visualize different design scenarios. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Digital Twins can be used to model and simulate a building's energy consumption and environmental impact. Facility Management: Once a building is operational, Digital Twins can be used for ongoing facility management. Smart Cities: Digital Twins can serve as the backbone of smart city initiatives. By creating digital replicas of urban infrastructure and systems, city authorities can monitor traffic flow, manage waste collection, and respond to emergencies more effectively. Real Estate Development: Developers can use Digital Twins to create virtual walkthroughs of properties, allowing potential buyers or tenants to explore spaces before they are built. The Digital Twin industry is growing phenomenally, the Digital Twin Market size is expected to reach 63.5 Bil USD by 2027. The number of cases using digital twins for implementation is likely to go up to 23% in 2024 from 10% in 2021. The opportunities to use a digital twin in a built environment are quite a few: Building Performance Optimization: Digital Twins allow for continuous monitoring of a building's performance, including energy consumption, HVAC systems, and structural integrity. Sustainable Building Practices: With increasing emphasis on sustainability, Digital Twins can facilitate the design and monitoring of green and sustainable buildings. Urban Planning and Smart Cities: Digital Twins extend beyond individual buildings to entire urban environments. Cities can create virtual replicas of their infrastructure to optimize traffic flow, manage resources efficiently, and improve the overall quality of life for residents. Real Estate and Property Management: Property owners and managers can use Digital Twins to enhance tenant experiences, monitor building health, and predict maintenance needs. Facility Maintenance and Operations: Digital Twins provide real-time insights into the condition of assets within a facility. Data-Driven Decision-Making: The wealth of data generated by Digital Twins allows for data-driven decision-making at all stages of a building's lifecycle. Integration with IoT and AI: The combination of Digital Twins with the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies further enhances their capabilities. Improved Design and Simulation: Architects and engineers can use Digital Twins to experiment with different design concepts and test how they perform in various conditions. This allows for better optimization of building systems, materials, and energy usage, resulting in structures that are more sustainable and resilient. Real-Time Monitoring and Maintenance: Once a building is operational, the Digital Twin continues to add value by collecting and analyzing real-time data from sensors and IoT devices. Energy Efficiency: Digital Twins can optimize energy usage by analyzing data from sensors that monitor temperature, humidity, occupancy, and more. Cost Savings: By preventing errors, reducing downtime, and improving energy efficiency, Digital Twins can generate substantial cost savings over the entire lifecycle of a building or infrastructure project. Sustainability: Digital Twins enable sustainable design and operation by allowing architects and engineers to assess the environmental impact of their decisions. Risk Management: By simulating different scenarios and continuously monitoring a building's performance, Digital Twins can help identify potential risks and vulnerabilities, allowing for proactive risk management and disaster preparedness. Remote Collaboration: In an increasingly globalized world, Digital Twins facilitate collaboration among teams located in different parts of the world. Data-Driven Insights: Digital Twins generate vast amounts of data, which can be leveraged for data-driven insights and machine learning applications. Green Building, Sensor, Network, Building Control & Optimisation

For many years, gas detection applications in industries have predominantly relied on single point detectors, which are applicable in many industries covering a wide market sector.   Starting from the year 2010 and onwards, open path line detectors have gained significant recognition and popularity due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to cover larger areas, thereby enhancing safety measures.  More device options are now on the market.   However, all of these devices have the inherent problems of false alarms due to environmental interference, such as rain and snow. A waveform matching technology – multi order laser emitting spectrum (MOLES) was invented. This cutting-edge technology ensures specific gas detection, it only detects when specific gas is detected, and eliminates all false alarms caused by environmental interference.   By gathering industrial inputs and feedbacks, improvements and user-desired features are incorporated into this invention, to enhance its overall performance, reliability and solving many user problems on site, such as no display, alignment problems, and calibration.  This breakthrough innovation will provide a more efficient and reliable gas detection solution for industries, safeguarding their operations and personnel. This Open Path Gas Detection technology is Laser Gas specific with: Customised micro-controller based CPU With built-in automatic calibration capability With built-in visible laser for ease of installation and alignment With built-in display for improved ease of use at site; single man operation instead of two With built-in audible siren for alarm warning Ideal collaboration: B2B – Gas detection manufacturers B2C – Gas detector users from the Chemical, Petro-Chemical, Oil & Gas industries This open path gas detection devices are applicable in a wide market sector, including Oil and Gas, Chemicals, Water and Wastewater, Marine, Transport, Semi-conductor, Food and beverage, and Energy.   According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the Global Gas Detection Equipment Market Size is to grow from USD 4.25 billion in 2022 to USD 13.87 billion by 2032, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.56% during the projected period. Additionally, increased exploration and production by several oil corporations, such as the National Offshore Oil Corporation of China and the Oil & Natural Gas Corporation of India, is increasing demand for the region's gas detection equipment market. The Asia Pacific gas detection equipment market is expected to be led by China. North America is predicted to expand the fastest during the forecast period. The abundance of a big oil and gas pipeline network, as well as oil and gas refinery operations, in nations such as the United States and Canada, predicts significant market growth. Though Open Path gas detection devices may constitute a small percentage in the gas detection market, estimated <5%, it has fast been recognised in recent years to be more cost-effective option, and many new installations and projects nowadays, specified in their constructions, to have more open path devices for improved and effective gas leaks safety preventions.  Therefore, it is projected that the market potential for this open path devices is encouraging.  This open Path Gas Detection Device is: More cost effective than existing point detection devices Extra long distance coverage ~200m Enhance reliability and performance as compared to existing open path gas detection devices Eliminates false alarms due to environment interferences Improved ease of use; installation and alignment Open Path, Gas Detection, Long Distance, Multi Order Detection, Laser, Oil & Gas Electronics, Sensors & Instrumentation, Green Building, Sensor, Network, Building Control & Optimisation, Environment, Clean Air & Water, Sensor, Network, Monitoring & Quality Control Systems