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Exploring Nanyang Technical University Singapore’s (NTU) pioneering strides in ultrathin, stretchable electronics unveils a promising technological revolution. Spearheaded by Professor Chen Xiaodong, these innovations bridge fantasy with reality, holding transformative potential across sectors like healthcare and agriculture.
Supporting this vision is the NTU Innovation and Entrepreneurship initiative, launched in March last year. As a pillar of the NTU 2025 five-year strategic plan, the initiative aims to accelerate the transition from research to commercialisation for faculty and students, providing mentorship and industry insights.
NTU Vice President (Innovation and Entrepreneurship) Professor Louis Phee explained, “In today’s fast-paced global market, accelerating disruptive innovations is not just an advantage, it’s a necessity for maintaining global leadership. NTU’s breakthroughs in soft electronics exemplify Singapore’s role as a frontrunner in advanced technology. Prof Chen Xiaodong’s innovations, borne at the world’s top university for materials science, are a testament to Singapore’s commitment to be a leader in the fields of science and technology.”
At the heart of NTU’s innovation lies the development of soft electronics capable of detecting bioelectric signals from skin, muscles, and organs. These sensors, encased in a gel-like skin, are not only soft and flexible but also stretchable, enabling seamless integration with the human body.
By harnessing alternative muscle movements and bio-signals, individuals with limb disabilities or mobility impairments can control robotic prostheses, machinery, and motorised wheelchairs with unprecedented ease and precision.
Professor Chen Xiaodong emerges as the visionary driving these remarkable advancements in soft electronics. With over 50 patents to his name and prestigious accolades such as the Kabiller Young Investigator Award, Prof. Chen has cemented his position as a trailblazer in the field. His pursuit of scientific excellence has yielded transformative technologies with profound practical applications, earning recognition both locally and internationally.
To kickstart the scaling-up process, Prof Chen has established the pilot laboratory which aims to co-develop and produce soft electronic devices with industry partners, including Small and Medium Enterprises.
With a strong emphasis on collaboration with industry partners and SMEs, Prof. Chen aims to accelerate the transition from research to commercialisation, “We aim to address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to healthcare advancements. My goal is to establish a new centre of excellence for soft electronics, building a team of industry experts and commercial partners to swiftly bring these technologies to market.”
Beyond enhancing accessibility, NTU’s soft electronics hold immense promise in revolutionising healthcare. Recent breakthroughs include the development of biocompatible materials capable of conforming to soft tissues like the heart, enabling real-time monitoring and reducing the risk of implant rejections. This technology not only paves the way for next-generation pacemakers but also heralds advancements in bio-monitoring and personalised healthcare.
The impact of NTU’s soft electronics extends far beyond healthcare. In agriculture, soft sensors attached to plants offer unprecedented insights into their health and behaviour, revolutionising crop disease management. Additionally, these sensors find applications in food packaging, enhancing food safety by providing real-time indications of freshness.
As Singapore’s economy increasingly relies on manufacturing, the burgeoning sector of soft electronics emerges as a key driver of economic growth and innovation. NTU Singapore’s innovations, supported by government initiatives such as the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) plan, position the nation as a leading-edge research and manufacturing hub for soft electronics.
NTU’s soft electronics breakthrough marks a pivotal shift in technology, offering vast applications from aiding disabilities to advancing healthcare and agriculture. With visionary leadership and strategic collaborations, NTU is set to shape the future of this field, driving economic growth and fostering innovation worldwide.
