PRESS RELEASE

16 September 2025

NUS Enterprise drives global innovation and deep tech growth through a new co-investment framework with SG Growth Capital and Lotus One Investment

• Complementing this, a S$2 million pilot with Stanford University gives NUS students hands-on experience in international teams to co-create and prototype solutions to real-world industry challenges

Singapore, 16 September 2025 - NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial heart of the National University of Singapore (NUS), today announced two major co-investment partnerships and an international education initiative to strengthen Singapore’s role as a global innovation hub for deep tech. The announcements were made at the opening of the revitalised i³ building, the new nucleus of NUS innovation.

Expanding capital and partnerships for deep tech ventures

NUS Enterprise launched a new co-investment framework with SG Growth Capital, the strategic investment platform of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore (ESG), to channel greater capital into deep tech start-ups and selected venture capital (VC) funds. The investment amount into a VC fund would match NUS Enterprise’s investment depending on SG Growth Capital’s evaluation of the fund.

In a parallel move, NUS Enterprise signed a S$20 million (approximately US$16 million) co-investment agreement with Lotus One Investment Pte Ltd, part of the Lotus Singapore Group, to jointly support both NUS spin-offs and VC funds. Profits from these collaborations will be significantly reinvested to strengthen NUS Enterprise’s innovation and entrepreneurship programmes, further amplifying impact.

Together, these initiatives will provide greater support for NUS-affiliated start-ups and broaden co-investments in VC funds, complementing the S$150 million (US$116 million) NUS VC Programme launched in July 2025. (Refer to Annexe B for details on the VC Programme.)

“NUS is committed to creating stronger pathways for deep tech start-ups to succeed,” said Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President. “These partnerships give our ventures greater access to capital, networks, and expertise, while reinforcing NUS’ role in advancing deep tech innovation and contributing to a vibrant start-up ecosystem in Singapore, the region, and globally.”

“With the support of SG Growth Capital and Lotus One Investment, deep tech ventures in the NUS ecosystem gain access to global expertise, quality capital, and expansive networks,” said Dr Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise). “These partnerships strengthen our integrated ecosystem - uniting education, research, and venture creation - to attract outstanding talent and nurture start-ups that deliver innovation with lasting global impact.”

Global learning opportunities with Stanford University

Complementing these capital partnerships, NUS Enterprise announced a S$2 million (US$1.5 million) pilot collaboration with Stanford University, made possible through a donation from the Khetan Foundation. The NUS-Stanford Khetan Foundation Launch Pad will give students from the NUS College of Design and Engineering hands-on experience in international teams, co-creating and prototyping solutions to real-world industry challenges. Guided by faculty from both universities, students will collaborate with partners such as Meta and Venture Corporation, gaining practical exposure while sharpening cross-border innovation skills.

The NUS Enterprise flywheel

Under Dr Tan’s leadership, NUS Enterprise has built a “flywheel” that unites education, research, venture creation, and capital. By nurturing talent and accelerating start-ups, each success attracts investment, creates jobs, and delivers real-world impact - momentum that in turn draws fresh talent and resources to power the next wave of innovation.

i³ as a hub for entrepreneurship

At its core, NUS Enterprise supports the founders, innovators, and risk-takers who drive change through its integrated focus on education, ecosystem and research, and venture building and investing. “i³ is the nexus on which the NUS Enterprise flywheel spins. It brings together all the pieces in the ecosystem, fuelling the momentum to drive global impact and Singapore’s entrepreneurial success,” said Dr Tan.

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Annexe A – Quotes from partners

“SG Growth Capital is proud to partner with NUS Enterprise to realise our shared mission to strengthen Singapore’s deep tech ecosystem. By leveraging SG Growth Capital’s global network of VCs, founders and venture builders, we support our partners to create high-potential start-ups and accelerate the launch and growth of these companies on the global stage from Singapore.”

Mr Choo Heng Tong, CEO of SG Growth Capital

“Our organisation is driven by the belief that today’s tech start-ups are tomorrow’s changemakers. Our contribution stems from this belief and reflects our strong commitment to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship. It is our commitment to nurture the Singapore ecosystem that will shape the future of technology, talent and sustainable growth.”

Mr Nirmal Singh, Chairman, Lotus One Investment

 

Annexe B – NUS Venture Capital Programme

The NUS Venture Capital (VC) Programme aims to enhance support for early-stage tech innovation by focusing on high-potential ventures within the NUS ecosystem, including start-ups from the National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (National GRIP). National GRIP empowers innovators to transform lab-based research discoveries into globally competitive, market-ready ventures.  

The programme comprises two key components:  

1. NUS will invest S$50 million (US$39 million) in selected VC firms with strong track records in early-stage deep tech investments. These firms will provide structured, hands-on support to start-ups, including time, expertise, and access to their networks to help them scale effectively. The first two VC partners are: 

• Granite Asia – a leading multi-asset investment platform with a 25-year track record of backing breakthrough technology ventures globally. 

• 4BIO Capital – a specialist life sciences investor focused on advanced therapeutics.

2. S$100 million (US$78 million) will be committed to an autonomous investment fund focused on NUS-affiliated start-ups, with the flexibility to invest alongside selected VC partners. 

 

Annexe C: NUS Innovation and Venture Creation Awards

Introduced in 2024, the NUS Innovation and Venture Creation (IVC) Awards is designed to spur NUS faculty and researchers, many of whom have a strong track record in deep tech, to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset as they pursue their research. The awards recognise and incentivise these innovators who are at varying stages of their academic careers, motivating them to commercialise their research into tangible solutions.  

Awardees will receive a two-year grant and guidance from NUS Enterprise to support them in their research commercialisation journey. This initiative aims to enrich the pipeline for new venture creation from Singapore’s deep tech innovations. 

More information on the awards below: 

Award	Eligibility	Quantum of Award
Innovation Fellow	Early Career Post Doctoral Fellow	S$80,000 per year for two years
Provost’s Innovation Chair Professor	Full-time faculty with some track record for research translation	S$150,000 per year for two years
President’s Venture Creation Chair Professor	Full-time faculty on the tenure track with a strong track record in research translation	S$250,000 per year for two years

There are eight recipients of the IVC awards this year. Please find more information below on some of the winners.  

S/N	Award	Fellow	Technology
1.	Provost’s Innovation Chair Professor	Professor Eric Chan Chun Yong   Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences,   NUS Faculty of Science	Developed Poyendarone, a new medicine developed for atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder.  Current treatments often cause serious side effects.  Using a specialised chemical process called deuteration, the new drug is designed to be safer and more effective, reducing harm to the heart and other organs.  This opens a new path in drug development, paving the way for better, safer treatments for patients.
2.	Innovation Fellow	Dr Chen Weidong  Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering at NUS	Research focuses on sorption material development, structural design, system integration, and intelligent control of adsorption chillers.  Invented a technology that enables deployment of adsorption chillers in water-cooled data centres for waste heat recovery and sustainable cooling.  The award will support the development of a prototype to demonstrate this potential.  Future opportunities include advancing the technology to deliver efficient cooling solutions for both hybrid (liquid- and air-cooled) and immersion-cooled data centres.
3.	Innovation Fellow	Dr Zhang Jingyun   Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering at NUS	Conventional chemical testing is slow and labour-intensive, with one instrument typically processing only 20 samples a day.  Researchers often need to analyse hundreds or even thousands of samples, creating bottlenecks in discovery and development.  New smart biosensors make chemical testing 600 times faster, simpler to use, and 90 per cent cheaper.  This enables the biopharma industry to accelerate the discovery of life-saving medicines and greener, more sustainable solutions.

 

Annexe D: Inaugural National GRIP Showcase

Launched in October 2024 by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and implemented in partnership with Singapore's leading academic institutions – NUS and the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) – National GRIP integrates NUS’ Graduate Research Innovation Programme (NUS GRIP) and NTU Singapore’s Lean Launchpad (LLP2.0).  

The programme is Singapore's national initiative to transform cutting-edge research from its autonomous universities and research institutes into market-ready deep tech start-ups. Established with the strategic vision of positioning Singapore as a global innovation hub, this programme bridges the critical gap between scientific discovery and commercial application.   

The inaugural National GRIP Showcase featured innovations spanning Artificial Intelligence, health tech, sustainability, and more, by 21 teams from NUS and NTU Singapore. More information on selected teams from the first cohort: 

S/N	National GRIP Team	Technology
1.	AeroFlux	AeroFlux empowers industries with ultra-compact, modular carbon capture that delivers 80 per cent lower costs, 70 per cent greater efficiency, and 90 per cent less space. Its patented membrane technology fits anywhere, making industrial decarbonisation finally achievable.
2.	ArcVance	ArcVance is a liquid biopsy company developing ExoArc, an automated microfluidic platform for point-of-care plasma isolation. ExoArc eliminates rapidly degrading blood cells, preserving cell-free DNA and RNA cancer biomarkers. By enhancing biomarker signal strength and reducing background noise from cellular contamination, ExoArc enables earlier and more accurate cancer detection.
3.	ChemT BioTechnology	ChemT Biotechnology transforms biologics manufacturing through an AI-powered platform, CelMo, that designs cell-modulating molecules 24 times faster than traditional screening methods. Its flagship product, Chemplify, is the first anti-senescence solution that can increase cell yield by up to ten times, improve quality, and reduce costs by up to 40 per cent, unlocking faster, smarter, and more efficient bioproduction.
4.	LoopForBio	LoopForBio’s CircuProtein is a next‑gen microbial protein proven in seven trials to beat fishmeal in shrimp survival, feed conversion, and cost. Produced all year‑round from food‑grade wastewater via AI‑optimised fermentation, it is rich in protein, amino acids, probiotics, and vitamins, cutting carbon, driving a circular bioeconomy, and strengthening Southeast Asia’s aquafeed resilience.

 

Annexe E: National GRIP Labs

Unlike conventional incubators that focus on specific industries, the National GRIP Labs (NGRIP Labs) adopts a tech-agnostic approach, enabling ventures across diverse domains, from artificial intelligence and fintech to biomedical sciences, to innovate and scale. Open to all deep tech start-ups from 1 October 2025, it creates a collaborative platform that connects local and international start-ups, bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners.  

It has specialised BSL-2 and Class 100 compliant facilities strategically embedded in the heart of Singapore's research and innovation hub. With 1,312 sqm of purpose-built space housed on NUS Kent Ridge campus, this sector-agnostic platform supports the full spectrum of deep-tech ventures – from advanced materials and space tech to biotechnology and food innovation, aligning with National GRIP's mission to transform research into market-ready solutions. 

Why NGRIP Labs 

Purpose-Built for Deep Tech Innovation	Expert Support Ecosystem
BSL-2 & Class 100 compliant facilities with expert-managed core equipment available on-demand  Accommodate diverse deep tech ventures  Shared office desks available as an add-on	Access to MVP Studio expertise (fee-based access)  Comprehensive prototyping services and technical guidance  Paid access to specialised NUS research equipment
Start-up-Focused at All Stages	Strategic Location & Access
Welcoming start-ups at all Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)  Open to local and international deep-tech start-ups  Start-up-friendly pricing structures - Singapore's most affordable lab	Prime location near NUS, National University Hospital (NUH), A*STAR, and One-North innovation district  24/7 lab access for maximum flexibility  Equipment placement options available

 

Annexe F: Highlighted NUS-Affiliated Start-ups and Teams 

The start-ups and teams featured at the NUS Innovation Showcase at the i3 building opening exemplify the next generation of solutions across three innovation tracks. Reflecting NUS Enterprise’s priorities, the themes of the tracks are also aligned with Singapore's national interests and areas of VC focus:  

• Future Pulse: Healthcare 
• Future Matter: Physical Sciences, Materials and Semiconductors 
• Future Logic: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Software 

S/N	Sector	Start-up/Team	Technology
1.	Future Pulse	TacnIQ.ai	TacnIQ.ai is redefining how machines sense and respond to the physical world, building the foundation of real-world AI through touch. A pioneer in tactile intelligence, TacnIQ.ai makes it simple for companies to plug in tactile sensors and instantly build, train, and deploy AI models that learn from touch.
2.	Future Pulse	Mycotech (MYCL)	MYCL transforms agricultural waste into high-performance, sustainable materials using mushroom mycelium, empowering local communities. Its breakthrough biotech delivers durable leather alternatives and eco-friendly boards, enabling fashion and industry to go green without compromise. Certified B Corp and globally recognised, MYCL is redefining materials for a cleaner, more equitable future, grown from the ground up, ready for the world.
3.	Future Pulse	Stratificare	StratifiCare is a Singapore-based precision diagnostics company delivering AI-powered tests for high-impact diseases. Its flagship solutions, StratifiDen and StratifiREY, enable clinicians to predict severe dengue progression and identify liver cancer patients suited for radioembolisation, transforming clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes across Asia-Pacific.
4.	Future Matter	Cityscape Farms	Cityscape Farms revolutionises offices with Crop Wall, a modular, app-controlled vertical farm that grows fresh greens year-round, maintenance-free. Designed in Singapore to fit any space, Crop Wall empowers businesses to meet ESG goals through sustainable, tech-driven urban farming, bringing freshness, innovation, and impact indoors.
5.	Future Matter	MIMO Motor	MIMO Motor is redefining sustainable urban mobility with the world’s first foldable cargo e-scooter, the MIMO C1. Designed for eco-conscious commuters and businesses, it folds into a trolley in just three seconds, requires no parking, and features swappable batteries for uninterrupted journeys. MIMO Motor empowers users with efficient, low-carbon transport that’s affordable, versatile, and convenient, perfect for modern urban life.
6.	Future Matter	Thiospark	Based in Singapore, Thiospark Energy pioneers solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries batteries offering high energy density, superior safety, and cost-effective performance. Their advanced technology powers the future of energy storage with innovation and reliability, driving a cleaner, more efficient energy landscape.
7.	Future Logic	AutoCodeRover and beyond	AutoCodeRover, the flagship AI-driven agent from the Strategic Platform for Autonomous Resilient and Trusted Agents at NUS (SPARTAN), accelerates software improvement with intelligent automation, enhancing and securing code autonomously. In 2025, it was acquired by Sonar (makers of SonarQube) to power the next generation of agentic AI for global software development. Behind AutoCodeRover, SPARTAN continues to pioneer the future of software with resilient, trusted AI agents.
8.	Future Logic	Protos Labs	Protos Labs pioneers next-gen cyber risk management with AI-driven agents that operate like human analysts. Their flagship Cyber Threat Intelligence agent autonomously analyses and refines threats, amplifying security teams with scalable expertise. Trusted by defense sectors and Singapore’s Cybersecurity Regulator, Protos Labs helps enterprises overcome budget and talent limits for stronger, smarter cybersecurity.
9.	Future Logic	Senquire	Senquire leads in AI-powered machine vision for manufacturing quality control. Their deep learning solutions deliver real-time defect detection, precise dimensioning, and predictive insights. Trusted globally, Senquire’s systems reduce errors and waste. Their Cobot-Assisted Solution and Handheld Inspection Console set new standards for inspecting 3D-contoured parts in high-mix, low-volume production, shaping the future of manufacturing QC.
10.	Future Matter	NUS Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)	NUS Formula SAE, Singapore’s pioneering university motorsport team, has competed at Formula SAE Michigan for nearly two decades. After establishing a strong record in the Internal Combustion class, the team debuted Singapore’s first student-built electric race car, the R22e, in 2022. In June 2025, NUS Formula SAE’s latest innovation, the R25e, achieved seventh place among 86 teams, affirming its leadership in student-driven electric motorsport.
11.	Future Logic	Bumblebee	NUS’ Team Bumblebee is a student-driven group pioneering autonomous maritime robotics with award-winning underwater and surface vessels. Harnessing cross-disciplinary expertise, the team has achieved global success, clinching RoboSub championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025, as well as first place at the Maritime RobotX Challenge 2024. Their innovations continue to impress with autonomous systems capable of navigating and executing complex missions both underwater and on the surface.