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.

Yow Jia Hong is highly passionate about cars and it shows. Despite not having the relevant technical or industry experience in product formulation, he and his fellow co-founder of Artdeshine (ADS) set up the car detailing business and transformed it into a producer of experiential detailing products. Entirely self-taught, the duo’s emphasis on quality has made ADS a go-to brand for automotive care, with a strong portfolio of in-house formulated products favoured by discerning automotive aficionados across the globe.

When Robin Low, CEO of ARB Technologies (ARB), stepped through the doors of TechInnovation 2018, he was full of anticipation about meeting an innovation scout from Mitsui. It was his first time presenting his company to such a large MNC and one that could open new doors for the business.

A chance encounter with IPI in 2015 evolved into a unique opportunity for Nipo International to collaborate with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) on a groundbreaking innovation which can potentially help save money, lives and the environment. As a manufacturer of coating systems for the construction industry, Nipo is always exploring new technologies to bridge technology supply and demand.

Extending shelf life with food science and technology

Product customisation is not a new concept for many industries, but the true challenge comes with designing and developing products that serve the real needs of today’s consumers. Modern-day consumers desire greater convenience and customisation in the products they purchase. They want products that deliver an enjoyable experience that seamlessly integrates into their lifestyles and routines.

Scaling up food solutions for growth

With expert advice from IPI Innovation Advisor Dr Ong Mei Horng, HarriAnns Nonya Table found innovative ways to enhance its heritage food product portfolio and strengthen its market position during the challenging pandemic period.

MooVita and Sioux Technologies are exploring ways to improve communications between autonomous vehicles and passengers. Brought together by IPI, they aim to help Singapore become a smart nation.

A box-like vehicle revs its engine as an elderly passenger announces his destination to a large screen on the dashboard. He then settles into his seat and enjoys the journey as the self-driving car navigates itself on the roads.

The fragrant pandan leaf has long been an essential ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking, but it also has detoxification properties to nourish the body and skin. With IPI’s help, Restoration Essence teamed up with researchers to unravel some of the science behind it.

Growing up, Sara Soong would watch her mother and grandparents grind and pound plants and herbs in the kitchen. But often, these did not end up in their cooking but on their faces and bodies. 

As consumers are increasingly more mindful about what they are putting on their skin, personal care and pharmaceutical companies have been actively innovating through various technologies to meet consumers’ skincare needs and stay ahead of the game. JAH Tech, a local start-up that manages private companies’ deep tech research and its applications in our everyday environment, is no different.