As we approach the halfway mark of the RIE2025 tranche, A*STAR is steadily transforming ourselves into a strategic innovation engine for Singapore. We continue to advance great science, address national and societal challenges, and create good opportunities for economic growth.

Sustainability remains a key focus for A*STAR, especially in developing innovations that promote energy efficiency. Underwater turbines designed by A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) and local SME Bluenergy Solutions contribute to supporting Singapore’s net zero aspirations by 2050. The turbines will be used in a trial to convert the tidal movement off Pulau Satumu into electricity for Raffles Lighthouse.

To improve health outcomes, A*STAR’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), and Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC) worked with the National Cancer Centre Singapore to develop EBC-129, the first made-in-Singapore antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). It has since been approved to enter clinical trials by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA). The ADC could be a more effective and targeted alternative to chemotherapy with its ability to selectively target cancer cells.

Strong partnerships with public and private agencies continue to be key enablers in translating our science into impact. For instance, CRISP Meats, a multi-institutional research programme by A*STAR, the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), was launched to address the challenges businesses encounter in accelerating the development and production of cultivated meat and seafood.

We also partner with other public agencies to support startups as they bring technologies to market. Lucence, an A*STAR spin-off and Singapore-based biotech startup, secured approval from Medicare, a US government-funded healthcare insurance programme, for one of its cancer tests.

A*STAR continues to focus its research in areas that will be crucial in shaping the future. We worked with the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at NUS and the National Supercomputing Centre Singapore (NSCC) to launch two platforms to elevate our local quantum technology ecosystem. One of the platforms, the National Quantum Fabless Foundry, is being hosted at A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) to support micro and nanofabrication of quantum devices under Singapore’s Quantum Engineering Programme.

Our people are at the heart of our push towards research excellence and innovation. They are dedicated to new discoveries and advancing technologies for sustainable economic and societal impact. A*STAR remains fully committed to nurturing talent for Singapore by providing them with the resources and opportunities to excel.

Looking forward, A*STAR remains well-positioned to continue impacting Singapore, Singaporeans and Science.

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