Singapore channels $222m into quantum tech advancement

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Singapore is set to invest S$300 million (US$221.7 million) in the National Quantum Strategy (NQS) over the next five years, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat at the Asia Tech x Singapore 2024 event.

The NQS aims to advance quantum technology – which refers to the physics of subatomic particles – through research, engineering, talent development, and business collaborations.

At the event, Heng also announced the launch of the Model AI Governance Framework for generative AI, which focuses on AI safety.

A key initiative in the NQS is the Centre for Quantum Technologies, which will serve as a national R&D hub. A new program, the National Quantum Scholarships Scheme, will fund 100 PhD-level scholars and another 100 at the Master’s level over five years. The goal to create a future-ready quantum workforce and strengthen industry collaborations.

Additionally, Heng announced the Green Data Centre Roadmap, aiming to add at least 300 megawatts of capacity using green energy for greater efficiency and sustainable growth. This initiative will involve partnerships with various companies to promote sustainable development.

The roadmap also outlines the plans of Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority to work with the industry to make data centers more sustainable. This includes improving energy efficiency at both hardware and software levels and using top technologies to get the most out of them.

Deeptech has long been a key focus for the Singapore government. In 2020, it set aside a similar amount for co-investments into such startups.

More recently, Temasek launched a US$55 million program to boost deeptech with the Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore.

See also: The US-China tech rift’s surprising beneficiary: Southeast Asia