In a groundbreaking collaboration, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) and one of Singapore’s largest foreign manufacturing investors with over S$25 billion in fixed asset investments have joined forces to establish a Corporate lab. This initiative aims to develop cutting-edge solutions that will not only lower carbon emissions but also contribute to resource efficiency, thus paving the way for a more sustainable future.
The launch of the Corporate Lab marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s journey towards embracing sustainable technologies and practices. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, also the Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Chairman of the National Research Foundation (NRF), officiated the launch, underscoring the government’s support for such innovative partnerships.
The Corporate Lab serves as a testament to Singapore’s strong foundation in scientific capabilities and its commitment to addressing real-world challenges. By bringing together industry players and academic institutions, these labs enhance the industry relevance of research and development efforts, ensuring that innovations remain globally competitive.
The primary focus of the S$60 million Corporate Lab will be to advance research efforts in lower-emission technologies across various sectors. Five key areas have been identified for intensive research:
- Biomass Conversion: The lab will explore innovative methods to convert biomass into lower greenhouse gas emission fuels, with applications in aviation, maritime, and chemical sectors.
- Carbon Capture and Utilisation: Industrial brines, such as desalination brine, will be used to produce alternative construction materials, contributing to carbon capture and utilisation efforts.
- Methane Conversion: New process technologies will be developed to convert methane into low-carbon hydrogen and solid-carbon materials, paving the way for cleaner energy solutions.
- Carbon Capture Technology: The lab will focus on developing efficient carbon capture and carbonation technology for industry by-products, contributing to sustainable building and infrastructure applications.
- Carbon Integration in Concrete: Researchers will work on producing and validating concrete with carbon materials for large-scale deployment, ensuring durable and sustainable building applications.
The Corporate Lab, hosted by NTU’s Energy Research Institute @NTU (ERI@N) and A*STAR’s Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), will operate over the next five years. Joint research programmes will be conducted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resource efficiency, aligning with Singapore’s Research, Innovation, and Enterprise 2025 (RIE2025) plan.
NTU Vice President (Industry) Professor Lam Khin Yong expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting NTU’s commitment to accelerating research and development for a lower-carbon future. Collaborating with leading research institutions and like-minded companies drives innovation, develops impactful solutions and trains the next generation of talent in sustainable technologies.
ASTAR’s Assistant Chief Executive, Science and Engineering Research Council, Professor Lim Keng Hui stressed the importance of technological innovations in achieving a carbon circular economy. The collaboration between ASTAR and NTU combines industry expertise with cutting-edge research capabilities, accelerating technological deployments for a more resource-efficient future.
The Corporate Lab is not only focused on technological advancements but also on talent development. It is expected to train a talent pool of graduates, research engineers, postgraduates, and postdoctoral fellows in the emerging field of carbon circular economy. More than 50 researchers, students, and engineers from the partners will collaborate on various projects, providing unique opportunities for talent growth and practical skill development.
The establishment of the Corporate Lab represents a significant step forward in Singapore’s journey towards a sustainable and low-carbon future. By leveraging the expertise of industry leaders and academic institutions, the Corporate Lab aims to drive innovation, develop impactful solutions, and train the next generation of talent in sustainable technologies.
