When Xander Sim, the inventor of Quiz biochip-based PCR, co-founded Cell ID in 2014, he had one goal in mind – to combine engineering and biological sciences to deliver fast, accurate, affordable and mass-deployable diagnostic solutions for home and near-patient use.

As the medtech firm’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Sim oversaw the R&D for several products. This included Cell ID’s flagship biochip-based PCR test kit for HIV viral load, malaria parasitaemia, nucleic acid test (NAT) for COVID-19 extracted ribonucleic acid (RNA) and one-step (OS) COVID-19 saliva tests.

Healthcare facilities are susceptible to the spread of infections, but developments in antimicrobial technologies are working to wipe the danger of harmful microorganisms out.

Each time a patient visits a clinic, emergency room or other care facility, they place their trust in the hands of healthcare professionals—not just to provide quality care for existing ailments, but to also  prevent new concerns like infections.

Professionalising processes to attract investment
With a keen understanding of the medtech ecosystem, IPI Innovation Advisor Prof Ignatius Rasiah helps companies take their technology from research to market-ready products.

How the pandemic gave global healthcare a push
Healthcare technology and services have developed exponentially in the past two years. At TechInnovation 2021, experts discussed the role of medical professionals and the patient journey in a post-pandemic world.

Taking herbal remedies to the lab 
As experts pursue evidence-based research and develop regulatory standards, traditional herbal medicine moves towards more mainstream clinical use.

Amid the data-driven nature of today’s clinical practice, herbal medicine is typically seen as outdated—like old wives’ tales that lack scientific basis. However, as wellness and wellbeing continue to gain popularity and interest from around the world, these traditional interventions may have a place in modern medicine as much as novel drugs do.

Why together is better for innovation
At TechInnovation 2021, enterprises went digital in search of innovative solutions and valuable partnerships globally.

While trade secrets and confidential recipes remain a part of commercial success, in recent years, companies have become more open to collaboration and sharing information.

An appetite for change
Technological advances and design thinking approaches offered food for thought at TechInnovation 2021 as experts discussed the future of Asia’s agricultural sector.

Humans have an inseparable relationship with food that is deeply embedded in our culture, health and environmental footprint. However, mass producing an extensive array of fresh produce or processed food for billions of people worldwide comes with a steep resource cost.

Fancy eating insects for lunch? Though many people will understandably be sceptical and quite hesitant to eat such food products, the team at SPACE10 succeeded in crafting an alternative to traditional meatballs that is not only delicious but far more environmentally friendly. I described how during my talk at TechInnovation 2021 organised by IPI, where I presented a session on Future Food Today. Here’s a précis of that talk.

Rethinking what we eat

Harnessing open innovation for growth in healthcare
With over 30 years of experience in Asia’s healthcare sector, IPI Innovation Advisor Ramachandran Rajamanickam is passionate about helping local SMEs navigate the industry.

Innovation spearheading Singapore’s food sector
As a proud nation of foodies, Singapore has also invested heavily into its food innovation sector, welcoming global MNCs, supporting local SMEs and pioneering future developments.