A*STAR Enhances A*StartCentral's Capabilities To Accelerate Deep Tech Venture Creation And Commercialisation
A*StartCentral marks its 10th anniversary with doubled footprint and sector-specific pathways to strengthen Singapore's pipeline of globally competitive deep tech companies
(Left to right) Ms Irene Cheong, Assistant Chief Executive, Innovation and Enterprise, A*STAR; Prof Tan Chorh Chuan, Chairman, A*STAR; Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry); Mr Beh Kian Teik, Chief Executive Officer, A*STAR; Prof Yeo Yee Chia, Deputy Chief Executive, Innovation and Enterprise, A*STAR; and Mr Anthony Chong, Acting Director, Innovation and Enterprise, A*STAR, during the launch of A*StartCentral 2.0 on 23 September 2026.
SINGAPORE – The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) today unveiled A*StartCentral (A*SC) 2.0, to better help founders translate research into commercial opportunities and scale their ventures.
Officiated by Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), A*SC 2.0 provides founders with more integrated support across the venture-building journey, from technology development to commercialisation and growth. Over the past decade, A*SC has supported more than 100 ventures with access to infrastructure, mentorship, networks and venture-building support. These ventures have collectively raised over S$1.6 billion in capital and created more than 1,800 jobs.
Examples of startups supported by A*SC can be found in Annex A.
Deep tech ventures are expected to play an increasingly important role in Singapore's growth by translating research and innovation into new products, companies and industries. Yet bringing these innovations to market can be challenging, as they often involve longer development timelines, higher capital requirements and more complex pathways to market adoption than conventional startups. A*SC’s first decade focused on helping founders bridge the gap between research and commercialisation. Building on these foundations, A*SC 2.0 will strengthen support for ventures as they scale, access global markets, and build globally competitive businesses from Singapore.
"Many founders begin with strong technologies and deep technical expertise, but building a successful company requires much more than a breakthrough innovation. A*StartCentral's next phase is about helping more founders move beyond commercialisation towards international growth. Through expanded infrastructure and sector-specific venture-building pathways, we aim to help promising ventures access new markets, strategic partnerships, and growth opportunities. We welcome aspiring entrepreneurs to co-create with A*STAR to transform innovations into globally competitive businesses, and bring Singapore-grown technologies to the world,” said Ms Irene Cheong, Assistant Chief Executive, Innovation and Enterprise, A*STAR.
Expanded infrastructure and sector-specific pathways for technology translationA*SC 2.0’s footprint has expanded from 10,000 square feet to 18,000 square feet, and now includes:
- Life sciences and chemistry facilities that have doubled in size, from 4,000 square feet of open bench space to 8,000 square feet of dedicated laboratory suites and open benches. These new facilities provide dedicated space that strengthen intellectual property protection and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
- Engineering workshop that has evolved from supporting basic prototyping to enabling advanced prototype development and pre-compliance testing. For instance, the space includes a radio frequency shielding room, the first of its kind available to startups in Singapore, allowing them to conduct pre-compliance testing on-site and reducing the cost, complexity and delays associated with external testing. Startups can also access specialised equipment that supports capabilities such as metal 3D printing, printed circuit board fabrication, metal laser cutting and material testing
Startups developing technologies in areas such as decarbonisation can also tap on A*STAR Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment’s (A*STAR ISCE²) facilities and expertise on Jurong Island. This gives founders access to capabilities that can help them test and refine technologies for the energy and chemicals sector, to support the translation of promising innovations towards real-world application.
Similarly, healthcare ventures can tap co11ab Novena, a partnership between A*STAR, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and the National Healthcare Group that supports the translation of biotech, medtech and digital health innovations through access to clinical expertise, partners and test-bedding opportunities.
A decade of building deep tech ventures
Established in 2016, A*SC is A*STAR's venture-building platform for researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs, supporting the creation and growth of deep tech ventures.
This support is delivered through structured venture-building programmes that help founders at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Early exposure initiatives such as Open Mike encourage researchers to explore entrepreneurship and test ideas, while capability-building programmes like Essentials Bootcamp help them assess commercial opportunities, validate customer needs and develop venture-building skills. Founders also gain access to mentors, industry partners, investors and overseas networks that support their growth ambitions.
More information on A*SC’s venture-building programmes can be found in Annex B.
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Enclosed:
ANNEX A – Examples of startups supported by A*SC
ANNEX B – How A*SC supports deep tech venture building
About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis.
ANNEX A – Examples of startups supported by A*SC
CartiFuse
Regenerating damaged cartilage for patients with knee injuries and osteoarthritis
Cartilage injuries and degeneration are notoriously difficult to treat because cartilage has limited ability to heal itself. Existing treatment options often relieve symptoms but may not fully restore healthy cartilage, creating a need for more effective regenerative solutions.
CartiFuse is developing a novel cartilage regeneration technology for knee osteoarthritis and osteochondral defects. Its patented biphasic bioactive implant is designed to regenerate hyaline cartilage, a natural type of cartilage found in healthy joints. By promoting authentic cartilage regeneration rather than temporary repair, CartiFuse aims to provide a potentially more durable solution for patients suffering from joint damage.
CartiFuse’s chief scientific officer, Dr Park Eun Ju participated in A*StartCentral’s Essentials Bootcamp, which helped the team sharpen its commercial strategy and better articulate how its technology is differentiated from existing treatment options.
The company is currently preparing for its first-in-human clinical trial in 2027, following successful regeneration of hyaline cartilage in a porcine study.
Matwerkz Technologies
Making batteries safer for electric vehicles and energy storage systems
From smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and energy storage systems, batteries power much of modern life. However, safety remains a key challenge. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and, in severe cases, trigger thermal runaway events that lead to fires or explosions. As electrification accelerates, there is growing demand for technologies that can improve battery safety without compromising performance.
Founded by Dr Leong Yew Wei, who left the A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (A*STAR IMRE) to start Matwerkz Technologies, the company is developing advanced materials that make batteries safer and more reliable. Its flagship innovation, Thermorphous , is a patented dual-function composite material that dissipates heat during normal operation and transforms into a fire-resistant barrier during overheating, helping to prevent the spread of flames.
Matwerkz Technologies participated in A*StartCentral’s Envision Global Programme, which equips startups with the networks, market insights and capabilities needed to expand overseas. Today, Matwerkz has expanded its operations to Suzhou and established partnerships in Japan, Europe and India.
Building on this momentum, Matwerkz Technologies continues to advance its portfolio of next-generation materials solutions, with Thermorphous positioned to improve safety and efficiency across applications ranging from data centres to electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Ocellivision
Bringing real-time microscopic insights into the operating theatre
During surgery, clinicians often need to make critical decisions without access to detailed microscopic information about tissue. While pathology remains the gold standard for diagnosis, results are typically available only after a procedure has been completed. This can make it challenging to assess tissue accurately at the point of care.
Founded by Dr Rachel Sim and Dr Gaurav Manek from the A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (A*STAR IMCB), Ocellivision is developing an advanced optical imaging platform that enables real-time, AI-assisted tissue assessment during surgery. By providing high-resolution, histology-like images directly in the operating theatre, the technology aims to bridge the gap between surgery and pathology, helping clinicians make more informed decisions during procedures. The platform translates years of research in optical imaging and probe development into a clinically deployable system with the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce repeat surgeries, and lower healthcare costs.
Ocellivision first surfaced its idea at A*StartCentral’s Open Mike programme before progressing to Essentials Bootcamp. These programmes helped Ocellivision bridge its journey from research to venture creation by providing opportunities to test ideas, gather feedback and refine its commercial strategy. Through access to entrepreneurial expertise, industry stakeholders and innovation networks, the team strengthened its understanding of clinical and market needs while building confidence in translating research into a viable business.
Today, Ocellivision is testing prototypes of its imaging system with clinical partners in local hospitals, with the long-term vision of transforming how tissue assessment is performed during surgery and advancing the development of impactful medical technologies from Singapore.
Prefer
Creating sustainable alternatives to coffee and cocoa through fermentation
Global demand for coffee and cocoa continues to rise, even as climate change, supply chain disruptions and resource constraints place increasing pressure on traditional agricultural production. This has created growing interest in sustainable alternatives that can reduce reliance on conventional crops while meeting consumer expectations for taste and quality.
Founded by Tan Ding Jie while he was with the A*STAR Bioprocessing Technology Institute (A*STAR BTI), Prefer is a Singapore-based food technology company that uses fermentation to create sustainable coffee and cocoa alternatives. By transforming food ingredients, such as rice and chickpea, into flavour compounds, Prefer aims to reduce the environmental footprint associated with traditional coffee and cocoa production while offering food and beverage manufacturers more resilient ingredient options.
Prefer first surfaced its idea through A*StartCentral's Open Mike programme, where the team received feedback from investors and ecosystem stakeholders. The company subsequently participated in the Food Tech Innovation Challenge, helping to validate its business proposition and market opportunity. As Prefer progressed from concept development to commercialisation, it benefitted from mentorship, industry connections and market access support through A*STAR's venture-building ecosystem. The team was able to refine its commercial strategy, strengthen its fundraising approach and explore opportunities for international expansion.
Since its incorporation in 2023, Prefer has grown steadily, raising S$2.42 million in seed funding before securing a further S$5.5 million in pre-Series A funding in 2025. The company has also established partnerships with organisations including Ajinomoto (Thailand) as it expands its international footprint.
Today, Prefer operates from A*StartCentral, where it benefits from proximity to specialised facilities, investors, and a community of fellow founders. This collaborative environment supports the company's continued growth as it scales the development and commercial deployment of its sustainable coffee and cocoa alternatives.
REVIVO Biosystems
From human tissue models to a preclinical data generation engine
The development of new therapeutics, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic ingredients depends on generating reliable preclinical data to understand how potential products interact with human biology. There is increasing demand for New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) that can better replicate human biology than conventional preclinical models, which do not fully reproduce the complexity and dynamic behaviour of human tissues, while also reducing reliance on animal testing.
REVIVO Biosystems was founded by a team of engineers and biologists who recognised the commercial potential of their “skin-on-a-chip” research conducted at A*STAR. Today, it combines advanced functionalised tissue models, microfluidic engineering and novel bioanalytical solutions for generating human-relevant preclinical data. Covering in vitro safety and efficacy testing, skin penetration studies, barrier-function restoration and wound healing applications, REVIVO Biosystems helps companies understand how drugs, active ingredients, formulations behave in human tissues, accelerating the development of safer and more effective products.
During its formative years, A*StartCentral connected the team to expertise, facilities and networks that supported its growth from a deep tech venture into an internationally recognised startup. In 2025, REVIVO Biosystems was recognised as one of the Top 60 Global Startups at SLINGSHOT, Singapore’s premier global deep-tech startup competition. Its Chronological Aging Skin Model also received the 2024 COSMETIC 360 Outstanding Innovation Award, highlighting the relevance of its technology to skin longevity and healthy ageing.
Today, REVIVO Biosystems continues to tap A*StartCentral’s unique combination of life sciences laboratories and engineering facilities to advance both its tissue engineering and hardware development capabilities. The company’s use of both facilities highlights how interdisciplinary teams can draw on A*StartCentral’s integrated infrastructure to accelerate the translation of research into commercial solutions. REVIVO Biosystems also participated in A*StartCentral’s Envision Global programme and received support through investor engagement initiatives.
REVIVO Biosystems is now focused on the next stage of that journey: scaling a Singapore-developed technology into a global platform for generating the human-relevant preclinical data needed to make better R&D decisions.
ANNEX B – How A*SC supports deep tech venture building
Today, A*SC plays a key role in strengthening Singapore's deep tech ecosystem by supporting ventures across both biomedical sciences and science and engineering domains. Around 30 per cent of ventures supported originate outside A*STAR, reflecting A*SC's commitment to supporting Singapore-based founders beyond A*STAR spin-offs.
Building community and entrepreneurial mindsets
- One-North Stories: A podcast series featuring conversations with deep tech founders, innovators and ecosystem leaders, offering insights into entrepreneurship, venture creation and technology commercialisation. To date, the series has produced more than 88 episodes and reached listeners in over 90 countries.
- Fireside Chats: Regular engagements with entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders that provide aspiring founders with insights into venture building, fundraising and growth opportunities within the deep-tech ecosystem.
Discovering ideas and talent
- Open Mike: An open pitching platform where researchers and innovators can test ideas, gather feedback and explore commercial opportunities for emerging technologies. Over eight editions, Open Mike has helped uncover and advance some of A*STAR's most promising innovations, leading to 18 spin-offs and 13 more ventures in development, with more than S$4 million in development grants and over S$11 million in private fundraising secured.
- Level-Up Competency Kit (LUCK): An introductory programme that equips A*STAR researchers with foundational entrepreneurship and venture-building skills.
- ASPIRE: A founder- and talent-matching initiative that helps aspiring founders identify co-founders and build multidisciplinary startup teams by connecting them with entrepreneurs, researchers and industry professionals.
Building venture-ready teams
- Essentials Bootcamp: A structured venture-building programme that helps founding teams validate customer needs, refine value propositions and assess commercial opportunities. Participants develop the commercial, entrepreneurial and team-building capabilities needed to transform promising technologies into venture-ready businesses.
- Business Champions Network: A community of mentors, subject matter experts, investors and entrepreneurs who provide strategic guidance and support to founders.
Enabling scale and global growth
- Envision Global: A leadership and market-access programme that helps founders strengthen business leadership capabilities while connecting them to customers, partners and overseas markets to support international growth.
- Elevate: A programme that supports startups in accelerating commercialisation by connecting them with customers, partners and investors.
