7 Singapore institutions you can shop for IP at, in time for new S$1b fund

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Singapore recently received a major boost in funding with a US$718 million (or S$1 billion) fund to commercialize globally competitive technologies.

This is on top of its RIE2020 program, a US$13 billion five-year R&D fund that “seeks to support and translate research into solutions that address national challenges, build up innovation and technology adoption in companies, and drive economic growth through value creation.”

For entrepreneurs, this is a windfall of intellectual property (IP) creation in many fields (particularly with the Smart Nation theme). Commercializing an existing IP can save time and resources on developing a product while gaining technology expertise from the creators of the IP.

It can, however, be quite difficult to find and identify the institutions that have IP and are willing to collaborate to commercialize it.

To save entrepreneurs the hassle, we have gathered a list of institutions that are open to exploring IP commercialization with the private sector.

1. Intellectual Property Intermediary (IPI) Singapore

Brief: According to its website, “IPI is a catalyst, enabler, and partner that connects Singapore-based businesses with solution providers to enhance innovation capability.”

Established by Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, IPI is an intermediary and does not own IP directly. Its goal: “To assess your business, help fill the gaps in your technology roadmap, uncover great innovation opportunities, and bring your business to the next level.”

Sector expertise includes: Chemicals, electronics, energy, environment, clean air/water, food, green building, healthcare, infocomm, life sciences, manufacturing materials, personal care, waste management, and recycling.

List of IPs available: 768

Click here to check their IP listing.

2. Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd (ETPL)

Brief: Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd (ETPL) is an arm of ASTAR or Agency for Science, Technology, and Research. According to its website, “ETPL supports ASTAR in transforming the economy through driving innovation and commercializing its research outcomes.”

Sector expertise includes: Biotechnology, medical technologies, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, electronics, and data systems.

List of IPs available: More than 1,000 (not all IPs are shown on the website).

3. NTUitive Pte Ltd (NTUitive)

4. Temasek Polytechnic’s Research & Technology Development Department

5. SMU’s Office of Research & Tech Transfer

6. NUS Enterprise Industry Liaison Office

7. Singapore Polytechnic Technology Innovation and Enterprise