TECH OFFERS

Offshore land reclamation has been an important strategy for Singapore to meet its land needs. However, the ultra-soft soil in the surrounding waters makes land reclamation extremely difficult. Besides, many infrastructure projects (i.e., tunnelling, deep excavation, etc.) are also challenging when encountering soft marine clay due to its poor engineering properties, such as high water content, high compressibility, and low shear strength. Currently, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is the most common binder used for soft clay stabilisation through deep mixing or jet grouting. However, OPC is not very effective for the stabilisation of marine soft clay with high water content. In addition, the production of OPC leads to negative environmental impacts such as non-renewable resources, high energy consumption, and high carbon emissions. The technology owner has developed a sustainable novel binder, entirely from industrial by-products, that has high stabilisation efficiency for marine soft clay. Using the same binder content, the 28-day strength of the novel binder-stabilised soft clay can be 2–3 times higher than that of the OPC-stabilised clay. In addition, the novel binder has a lower cost and less environmental impact, making it an economical and sustainable alternative to OPC. This technology is available for R&D collaboration, IP licensing, and test-bedding with industrial partners in the construction and infrastructure sectors. The features of this technology are: Renewable sources: entirely from industry by-products High strength: the 28-day strength is 2–3 times higher than that of OPC-stabilised soft clay Low permeability: one order of magnitude lower than that of OPC-stabilised soft clay Cost-effective: the total binder cost is 30–40% lower than that of OPC Low energy consumption: about 70% lower than that of OPC production Low carbon emissions: about 90% lower than those of OPC production The novel binder can be used in deep mixing and jet grouting processes for a variety of construction and infrastructure projects to improve the strength and stability of soft clay. The potential applications are as follows: Densification of granular soils Underground tunnelling Support for deep excavations Underpinning of existing foundations Settlement control Liquefaction mitigation The technology offers the following unique features: Extremely high stabilisation efficiency Low binder cost (30–40% lower than OPC) Renewable resources (from industrial by-products) Low energy consumption and CO2 emissions Easy adaptation to existing soil stabilisation processes This technology is available for R&D collaboration, IP licensing, and test-bedding with industrial partners in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Sustainable Binder, Sofy Clay Stabilization, Deep Mixing, Jet Grouting Materials, Composites, Sustainability, Circular Economy

Singapore commits to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 as part of the nation’s Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy. This target is dependent on many factors including industry’s ability to collect energy consumption data effectively on activities that generate greenhouse gas emissions. Developed by a local research team, this solution provides a cost-effective way to collect consumption data on two key contributors to carbon footprint, electricity and water. Long-range (500m) plug-and-play wireless sensors integrated with a customized dashboard provide users with an intelligent and accurate overview of their utility consumption in their facility. Coupled with an analytics engine running in the background, usage patterns can be established, optimized and contingency alerts provided where required. The solution caters well to facilities with legacy systems by allowing consumption data to be collected without the need for extensive system changes. The system is fully customizable and configurable based on user requirements. The technology owner is looking for partners and collaborators to further co-develop and trial this technology.  Long-range (>500m) wireless connection enables wider, easier installation. Ability to integrate with some models of existing conventional meters Values received are shown in CO2-Eq (1 m3 of “tap water at consumer” to 1.30 kg CO2-Eq). Real-time monitoring of water consumption, leakages, and others. Continuous data collection to allow the study of usage patterns. Data visualization and in-depth analytics. Ability to pinpoint and isolate water-leaking parts SMS Notification system to reduce time wasted before action is taken Ability to shut off remotely using a solenoid valve to reduce water wastage.  Helps to raise general awareness of CO2-Eq Allows savings on CO2-Eq which will quadruple (based on carbon credit) in the next five years for factories Sustainability reporting for listed or IPO companies. (SGX recommendation for core metrics includes GHG emissions, Energy consumption and Water consumption) Factories and Manufacturing Facilities: Ideal for wastewater management, water-flow and additional IoT sensors may be added to track that the output remains within regulations, or recycled inputs are within specifications. Idle machines can also be switched off, allowing better resource management. Public Institutions: Complements and reinforces water conservation efforts Private Commercial Facilities- provides surveillance for a long-term redesign of water distribution throughout a facility for cost-effectiveness. Housing facilities: Monitor the usage of electricity and water to study possible areas of savings to reduce CO2-Eq. Help to raise general awareness regarding carbon footprint generation. Facilities with unstable power supply or critical processes: With the monitoring and control system, it is possible to control the usage of resources when it is limited or restricted. Power to non-critical equipment may be cut to reduce consumption, and the allocation of fluids may also be set based on different conditions. Compared to existing systems in the market which typically cater to either power or energy monitoring, this solution offers the additional integration of water monitoring as well as additional control features to trigger intervention steps should there be anomalies such as piping leaks. The system allows direct insight to the correlation between what is used to carbon footprint. Data is collected to help users understand the greatest generators of carbon footprint, so that users are more aware, and can consider ways to reduce their carbon equivalent emissions. Electronics, Sensors & Instrumentation, Green Building, Sensor, Network, Building Control & Optimisation, Sustainability, Low Carbon Economy

All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (LiBs), also known as the most promising next-generation batteries, have attracted much attention due to their high energy density and safety. The replacement of liquid electrolyte with solid electrolyte could not only improve battery safety and also prolong its lifetime. The most commonly used solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) based, which typically have poor mechanical properties, low ionic conductivity, and a limited oxidation window, thus precluding their use with high-voltage cathodes. Therefore, it is essential to develop cross-linked SPEs with high oxidative stability for high-voltage all-solid-state LiBs in high energy applications. The technology owner has developed a reprocessible cross-linked cationic polytriazolium (PT) based SPE for all-solid-state LiBs. This PT-based SPE is electrochemically stable at voltages >4.0 V, exhibiting a high ionic conductivity below the melting point as well as a high Li+ transference number. In addition to its electrochemical characteristics, this PT-based electrolyte is reprocessible and healable with good flexibility. Such polymeric electrolytes could sustain internal and external stresses during the charging-discharging process, thus prolonging the lifetime of Li-ion batteries while simultaneously tackling safety issues. The technology owner is keen to collaborate with industrial partners such as battery developers and manufacturers for further co-development and test-bedding of solid polymer electrolytes and subsequent licensing of this technology for commercialisation. The technology is a reprocessible cross-linked cationic polytriazolium (PT) based solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) that has the following features: Can be charged to a higher voltage (> 4.0 V), offering stability against high-voltage cathodes Higher energy as compared to commercial polyethylene oxide (PEO) based polymer electrolytes Ionic conductivity is 10-4 S cm-1 at 60 °C, higher than current solid polymer electrolytes (around 10-5 S cm-1 above the melting point > 150 °C) Li+ transference number is around 0.7, higher than current solid polymer electrolytes (around 0.4) Can be reprocessed by pressing at 180 °C This solid polymer electrolyte can be applied to high voltage all-solid-state rechargeable lithium ion batteries, which have the following potential applications: Aerospace and aviation Medical devices Electric vehicles Grid energy storage Consumer electronics IoT devices Electrochemically stability at high voltage (4.2V) Higher ionic conductivity and Li transfer number Simple and efficient one-pot synthesis Reprocessible and healable Enable high-energy-density all-solid-state Li-ion batteries solid polymer electrolyte, energy storage, all solid state, lithium ion battery Materials, Composites, Energy, Battery & SuperCapacitor

Vannamei shrimp culture is often plagued by disease outbreaks. White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and other pathogens can make shrimp harvest cycles unpredictable.  This technology relates to a comprehensive hybrid biofloc-RAS (recirculatory aquaculture system) shrimp farming system that delivers high yields and mitigates disease. Shrimp post-larvae typically grow faster in biofloc systems and have lower feed conversion ratios (FCRs) for the first 30 days of culture than in clear water recirculation systems. Our technology is cost-effective, scalable, and can be adapted to vertical farming formats. The technology provider is looking for aquaculturist partners who would like to embark on indoor shrimp farming projects. Biofloc technology is an organic approach to shrimp farming. Instead of using costly water purification strategies, sterilization methods, or medicinal applications to eradicate harmful pathogenic agents such as viruses and bacteria, we focus on populating the water microbiota with a community of beneficial microbes, algae, and zooplankton. These beneficial microorganisms outcompete harmful pathogenic agents, remove toxic ammonia, and serve as a food source for shrimp. This technology includes: A proprietary process for inoculating, growing, and maintaining biofloc throughout the duration of shrimp culture, until animals reach a harvest size of 10-20g. A database of the biofloc microbiome obtained via DNA sequencing. A proprietary hybrid biofloc-clearwater RAS system design. Training programs and knowledge transfer opportunities. The biofloc technology has been tested indoors and has achieved successful disease-free survival rates of up to 70-75%. This know-how can also be adapted for use in outdoor commercial shrimp ponds with similar survival rates. In addition to shrimp cultivation, biofloc technology can also be used for fish hatchery/nursery operations for certain fish species, general water treatment operations, and possibly for the cultivation of oyster spats. The global P. vannamei shrimp market is currently worth about USD 30 billion annually. Biofloc shrimp culture can be easily scaled up indoors for super-intensive commercial production in 10-20 ton PVC culture tanks. The average harvest yield is between 4-6 kg/ton of water over a period of 8-10 weeks. This translates to 40-50 tons/hectare in an optimal situation, which is significantly higher than the typical yield of 10-20 tons/hectare for outdoor pond shrimp culture. If PVC culture tanks are stacked vertically, harvest yields can potentially reach >200 tons/hectare. Water expenditure is low because biofloc does not require daily water changes. Water only needs to be topped up to compensate for losses through evaporation. Electricity consumption is also very low because there is no need for high-power water purification equipment or continuous water circulation. In addition to these advantages, biofloc also lowers feed conversion ratio (FCR) and can be easily adopted by existing shrimp farms or land-based fish farming operations. This innovation represents a low-cost, controlled indoor shrimp farming solution that mitigates disease outbreaks. Some of its features are as follows: Low capital expenditure (CAPEX): The initial investment required to set up a biofloc shrimp farm is relatively low. Low operating costs: The day-to-day costs of running a biofloc shrimp farm are also low, as there is no need for expensive water treatment chemicals or additives. No harmful or toxic chemicals/additives: Biofloc shrimp farming is an environmentally friendly approach, as it does not require the use of harmful chemicals or additives. Predictable harvest cycles: Biofloc shrimp farming can produce predictable harvest cycles, as the water quality is tightly controlled. Low or no disease incidents: Biofloc shrimp farming can help to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, as the water quality is kept optimal. Zero-water exchange: Biofloc shrimp farming does not require the exchange of water, which can save water and reduce the risk of introducing pathogens. Easily scalable indoors: Biofloc shrimp farming can be easily scaled up indoors, making it a viable option for commercial production. Vannamei shrimp, biofloc, super intensive aquaculutre, RAS, WSSV Life Sciences, Agriculture & Aquaculture, Sustainability, Food Security

As a clean burning fuel, green hydrogen plays a critical role in achieving net zero emissions. A major challenge is the high cost of the electrolyser due to inefficient production and the use of precious metals. Innovation in green hydrogen is urgently required to lower its cost and bring it to parity with conventional fossil fuel based grey hydrogen. A Singapore-based startup has developed a proprietary super-alloy nano-structured material using earth's abundant and cost-effective materials for use in all major electrolyser technologies. These components achieve dramatically higher water-splitting capability and anti-corrosion properties versus commercially available solutions, while ensuring electrode durability, increasing energy efficiency and reducing overall cost. The startup is capable of supporting the manufacturing of core hardware components for electrolyser cells, stacks, and systems, enabling end users to produce the most affordable green hydrogen. The startup is seeking partnerships with manufacturers (OEMs) of alkaline (AWE), proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers and leading hydrogen users, including energy majors, utilities, and industrial gas companies, to deploy modular stand-alone anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyser systems for pilot projects or for test-bedding at industrial scale. The patented technology resulting from over 10 years of research in nanotechnology and electrochemistry Replacing platinum group metals (PGMs) with low-cost earth abundant nanostructured materials Replacing platinum- and gold-coated titanium with an anti-corrosion conductive coating Up to 2x current density, hence increasing hydrogen production efficiency Offer a high-performance, modular electrolyser stack and system, as well as electrolyser components including catalyst coated electrodes, gas diffusion layers, and bipolar plates Micro grid Hydrogen production Direct Solar-H2 panels Hydrogen refuelling station Multiple types of electrolysers including alkaline, PEM, AEM or membrane-free electrolysers The electrolyzer systems built with the developed nanomaterials show the following competitive advantages compared with traditional technologies: Able to operate at high current density and in a wide dynamic range, i.e., superior compatibility with renewable energy Industry-leading efficiency achieving a doubling (200%) in hydrogen production from a given electrolyser cell size Up to 30x reduced use of platinum group metals (PGMs) compared to traditional electrolyser technology. These precious PGM metals have been identified as the critical resource constraint on scaling up current electrolyser production. Up to 50% reduction in stack size, leading to 50% decrease in capex and space requirements Up to 10% decrease in renewable energy consumption, further contributing to sustainability Revolutionising Zero Emission, Clean Energy Materials, Nano Materials, Energy, Fuel Cells, Chemicals, Catalysts

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is the most commonly used metric to understand, measure, and improve manufacturing productivity, providing insights into the efficiency of a manufacturing process by evaluating key aspects of equipment performance (i.e., availability, performance, quality). However, production plants with legacy equipment often face challenges collecting such data, as typically either complicated system modifications or extensive cabling works may be required. This technology offers a unique IoT solution to this challenge by extracting production equipment status from the equipment tower light signals by means of a sensor node connected to a light sensor in a non-intrusive manner. No meddling with existing machine circuitry is needed. A key feature of this technology is the integrated built-in Human Machine Interface (HMI) on the sensor node for operators to provide inputs on the machine's non-operation. Comprising cost-efficient hard buttons for user feedback instead of the usual tablet PC, it offers ease of use and ruggedness for the production floor environment. This solution enables OEE data collation via light sensors attached to the equipment’s existing tower light. The light sensors are plugged into a customized sensor node integrated with a ruggedized HMI providing hard buttons for operators to input the reasons for machine downtime. The collected data will then be wirelessly transmitted to an IoT gateway as far as 500m away, and a backend server will utilize these data for visualization and computation of OEE. Advantages: Enables OEE collation through a plug and play wireless sensor nodes Ease of installation without major cabling as far as 500m Enables digitalization for OEE in quality, performance, and availability Productivity analysis with the area of focus Low cost of digitalization and operations Low cost and easy-to-operate hard button HMI The system is designed for legacy manufacturing equipment to collate data for OEE computation. The data are displayed in quality, performance, and availability for productivity analysis. This will be in accordance with OEE best practices for applicability beyond the manufacturing sector. Examples: Digitalisation of equipment in the manufacturing plant Reliability chamber for monitoring and alert Construction equipment and machinery Other legacy equipment for monitoring and analysis This technology offers a low-cost and safer way to digitalise legacy systems and ease OEE computation. It also provides legacy equipment with the capability to collate OEE index data for productivity analysis. Furthermore, it enables remote monitoring of the production alert and operations, which facilitates better management of operations for managers and supervisors. IoT, OEE, HMI, Analytics Infocomm, Big Data, Data Analytics, Data Mining & Data Visualisation, Enterprise & Productivity, Manufacturing, Assembly, Automation & Robotics, Internet of Things

This technology is a rapid method to determine the Glycaemic Index (GI) in food product. The GI is a way of measuring how fast carbohydrate is absorbed into body and how that affects blood glucose levels. The technology is an in-vitro methodology / workflow that combines sample processing, enzymatic digestion and endpoint data analysis based in a laboratory. The Health Promotion Board in Singapore (HPB) has been actively engaging the public with its “Healthier Choice Symbol” (HCS) programme to encourage adoption of healthier diet options. For some category such as cereals and convenience meals, the GI logo is integrated with HCS. We envisioned more integration will take place to better serve consumers and health care providers in diet management. Currently, most food labels lack GI ratings, which limits information to consumers. The current “gold standard” of measuring GI involves measurement of blood glucose in human volunteers and this in vivo method suffers from variability issues in its GI measurements, along with significant lead time and cost of this method. The technology offered provides a solution for faster, cost-effective, and versatile GI screening of food, encouraging food manufacturing industry to adopt GI measurements as part of their product development and labelling GI on packaging, thus benefiting the public. The technology is available for IP licensing and R&D collaboration with industrial partners who are keen to adopt the solution. A laboratory-based integrated workflow for GI measurement that combines sample processing, in vitro enzymatic digestion and endpoint data analysis. The focus of this technology on in vitro digestion of food samples for GI measurement mimics the food digestion process along the gastrointestinal tract and adapts it into an in vitro, laboratory-based setting. The acceptable accuracy of the glucometer is measured at a coefficient of variation (CV) of below 5% and based on in vivo measurements and glucose standards. This technology aligns with the current trend of lowering GI in the food and beverage industry. It provides a rapid alternative to in vivo methods for GI screening and classification of food products, assisting food manufacturers in optimising product formulations towards lower GI status. This technology can be deployed in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. This technology will apply to, but not limited to the following types of products: Food and beverage ingredients and products formulated for consumption by diabetics General consumer food and beverage products aimed towards obtaining low GI ‘Healthier Choice’ symbol Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects more than 400 million adults globally, and this number is expected to increase to above 640 million, which equates to one in ten adults, by 2040. The global prevalence of diabetes among adults over 18 years of age rose from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% in 2014. It was estimated to be the seventh leading cause of death in 2016, where 1.6 million deaths were attributed to the condition. In Singapore, over 400,000 Singaporeans live with the disease. The lifetime risk of developing diabetes is one in three among Singaporeans, and the number of those with diabetes is projected to surpass one million by 2050. Since April 2016, the Ministry of Health in Singapore (MOH) has begun combating diabetes and diet management is a step in this initiative. The glycaemic index (GI) is an indicator that ranks food based on the rate of release and absorption of carbohydrates during digestion. Low GI food is perceived as healthier options than high GI food as carbohydrate release from food and absorption by the body are slower. The Health Promotion Board in Singapore (HPB) has been actively engaging the public with its “Healthier Choice Symbol” (HCS) programme to encourage healthier diet options. This method will acelerate GI testing and encourage more food manufacturers to label GI on its food packaging. Our technology offers a rapid alternative to in vivo methods for screening and GI classification of food products. Although it does not replace the “gold standard” of in vivo methods, our in vitro approach may be used as a fast-screening tool. Other benefits of our in vitro technology include, but not limited to: Faster test results (1-day in vitro vs 1 month in vivo) Cheaper testing costs (no human subjects needed, lower ethical level clearance involved) Reliable and accurate data The technology is available for IP licensing and R&D collaboration with industrial partners who are keen to adopt the solution. Diabetes Management, In vitro, healthier choice, glycemic index, GI, low GI, HCS Personal Care, Nutrition & Health Supplements, Foods, Quality & Safety

A non-dairy fermented beverage is now able to have enhanced levels of probiotics and bioactives. This fermentation process releases the bioactives from the plant material which is used as the base and elevates the levels of the probiotic bacteria and health promoting end products. The technology includes optimizing the beverage production for a particular probiotic. This probiotic has proven health benefits and has been shown to exhibit enhanced survival in the fermented beverage. With this fermentation process, the non-dairy beverage will be able to deliver high levels of efficacious probiotic together health promoting bioactive compounds. This will be suitable for people who are seeking to have a healthy gut microbiome and overall good health. The technology owner is seeking industry collaborators for commercial formulaton to expand the current technology scope such as freeze dried snacks and or to scale the technology up for commercialisation. While fermentation for food production is not novel and neither are probiotics, the combination of the ingredients in this beverage formulation and the fermentation parameters are novel and innovative. The technology is an improvement over the “State of the Art” technologies in that it allows to: Deliver multiple health promoting benefits in single product, Enhance probiotic survival as compared to other fermentation processes which yield a loss of the viability of the probiotic during storage. This technology provides the user with multiple benefits in the one product. The primary application area for this technology will be for food and beverage market. Because of the enhanced health benefits all delivered in the one product, the technology can be deployed for the following applications: Food and beverage Products designed for patients needing a boost to their overall health e.g. in hospitals, for post antibiotic treatments etc Beverages in different serving sizes to suit the target consumer group Freeze-dried snacks This technology can be taken up by any food and beverage production company to add a novel health promoting product to their product portfolio. Benefits of adopting this technology : Obtain multiple benefits in one product rather than having the need to purchase multiple different products. Enhanced survival of the probiotic. Other probiotic products may have over-dosed probiotics to allow for loss of viability of the probiotic on storage. Cost saving for the producer (competitive pricing or savings can be passed to consumer). Socio-economic benefits due to improved health through regular consumption of the beverage. Fermented beverage, Fermentation, Microbiome Life Sciences, Industrial Biotech Methods & Processes, Foods, Ingredients, Processes

Formed by the coordination of metal ions to organic ditopic ligands, metallo-supramolecular polymers (MSPs) are a class of polymers that exhibit electrochromic properties. Due to the nature of the MSPs, electrochromic materials of high stability and varying colours can be fabricated for several applications including smart windows, wearable IoT displays and displays. This technology on offer is a synthesis method to produce MSPs for fabrication of smart windows. By coating the MSP layer between layers of glass, indium tin oxide (ITO) and electrodes, electrochromic windows with high coloration efficiency, high stability and wide colour variation can be obtained. The incorporation of such electrochromic materials offers an energy-efficient solution to control the optical properties of windows and improve occupants’ comfort. The technology owner is seeking collaborations with partners for co-development projects including the fabrication of the MSPs and assembly of the components for smart window applications. Electrochromic windows utilising this technology can be fabricated by assembling glass, an ITO layer, a MSP layer, an electrolyte layer, a counter material layer, an ITO layer and glass. In addition, a drive device with a dry cell (1.5V), and wiring connecting the electrochromic component and the drive device are required. Some features of the synthesised MSPs include: High coloration efficiency (> 200 cm2/C) High stability to the repeated electrochromic changes (>100,000 cycles) Easy layer preparation by spray or spin-coating Wide colour variation including blue, red, green, yellow, black and infra-red. This technology has been developed primarily for smart window applications. Other possible reversible colour applications include (but not limited to): Automotive windows and mirrors Displays Sensors Catalysis As an emerging group of electrochromic materials, MSPs offers several advantages including quick colour changes, high contrast between the coloured and bleached states, high coloration efficiency, high durability to the repeated colour changes, and an abundance of colour variation. The technology owner is seeking collaborations with partners for co-development projects including the fabrication of the MSPs and assembly of the components for smart window applications. smart window, electrochromic, polymers, sun-shading, metallo-supramolecular polymers, energy efficient, glass, coating Electronics, Display, Chemicals, Coatings & Paints, Green Building, Façade & Envelope, Manufacturing, Chemical Processes