Why Singapore is Deep Tech Innovation Frontrunner

Move over Artificial Intelligence Al) and Machine Learning ML), there's a new technology on the block Deep Tech. This latest technology holds immense potential for the life sciences industry, and Singapore is leaving no stone unturned in becoming a deep tech hub. From strategic investments to collaborative initiatives and a supportive regulatory environment, read on to find out about the country's initiatives in becoming a deep tech superpower.

- Ayesha Siddiqui

Singapore has emerged as a significant player S in the global deep tech landscape. Over the past decade, the government has committed more than S$19 billion to advance research and development in deep tech, according to the Sparkmate report.

There are several initiatives aimed to strengthen the startup landscape in this sector. One key initiative driving Singapore's deep tech agenda is the Singapore Deep-Tech Alliance (SDTA), which facilitates partnerships and provides avenues for companies to create new startups, bring existing ones to market, find solutions to challenges, and access protected technologies. This initiative enhances collaboration and accelerates the growth of deep tech ventures within Singapore's ecosystem.

In addition, Singapore launched A*StartCentral (A*SC) in 2016, a first-of-its-kind open innovation platform by the Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR). It aims to incubate and accelerate the growth of deep tech startups, and serves to bolster the startup ecosystem, including areas such as medtech and life sciences. Now it has over 150 deep tech startups.

"A*StartCentral (A*SC), a key player in Singapore's deep tech ecosystem, empowers earlystage startups in their entrepreneurial journey. By providing guidance and support, A*StartCentral enables startups to expand beyond Singapore and tap into global markets, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship on an international scale," said Emily Liew, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Innovation & Enterprise Services, Enterprise Singapore.

A*SC builds upon the foundation of an open innovation community to foster crosspollination and interaction amongst researchers, corporates, startups, investors and entrepreneurs across diverse disciplines. A*SC will continue to inspire, innovate with, and empower researcherentrepreneurs in building successful, deep technology enabled ventures.