By

Meet the NUS Enterprise and Industry Liaison Office start-ups helping to tackle COVID-19

Testing and Research

Biolidics’ rapid test kit for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 has been approved for sale in the US, EU, Singapore and the Philippines

Acumen Research Laboratories, together with Q&M Dental, plan to donate 20,000 of Acumen’s COVID-19 test kits to groups who need them

Inex Innovate is supplying thousands of RT-PCR test kits to the University of Malaya Medical Centre

 

Proteona is leading an international consortium to develop SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies to help vulnerable immunocompromised individuals. In addition, the company’s ESCAPE™ platform has been selected to characterise the clinical response to a new SARS-CoV-2 vaccine which will be starting clinical trials soon in Australia.

Curiox Biosystems, in conjunction with STEMCELL Technologies, has announced a new system to help researchers safely prepare COVID-19 blood samples for vaccine research

Lucence Diagnostics has developed the SAFER-Sample kit for use in stabilizing COVID-19 test samples; in addition, the company is making 10,000 of the kits freely available to the scientific community. Lucence Diagnostics has also launched its SARS-CoV-2 RNA RT-PCR clinical testing service to help support Singapore’s efforts to fight the disease. The test kit has been approved by the Ministry of Health and independently validated by the European QCMD

Tusense is planning to test its DewEasy™ cough-based specimen collection device, used to currently test for bacterial and viral infections causing pneumonia, on COVID-19 patients as a potential alternative to the current nasal swab

Safelight is exploring whether its light-based technology, which protects against a variety of bacteria, moulds and viruses, and can be used for the continuous disinfection of high-risk surfaces, can also be applied to the coronavirus

Providing Needed Supplies

Structo is using 3D printing technology to manufacture nasal swabs and face shields

Siege Advanced Manufacturing is donating its 3D-printed face shields to local beneficiaries and neighbouring countries

Lumiere32, a B2B medical supplies platform, has provided medical equipment to 750 clinics, 15 hospitals, and 100 corporate firms

 

Yonah is ready to help in the fight; their drones can carry COVID-19 test kits over 100km from hospitals to testing facilities -  providing a means of support to rural and isolated communities

Razer, founded by Outstanding NUS Innovator awardee Tan Min Liang, has launched a fully automated mask manufacturing line in Singapore, capable of producing up to 5M per month if necessary. The company has also set up a network of vending machines around the country to give out free surgical masks to Singapore residents

Kinxecs has innovated by quickly launching a FDA and CE approved N99 respirator as a move to play their part in COVID-19 mitigation.  These masks are being distributed to over 100 local businesses. Apart from this, Kinxecs continues to focus on getting innovative products such as the KIMIA remote monitoring and telerehabilitation device in the hands of Physiotherapists (who can now only do teleconsultations) and a rapid test kit for COVID-19

MIMO Motor is offering free, downloadable instructions for a foldable face shield on its website

Aruvii is a part of the IndVentr Emergency Ventilator initiative in India to develop innovative, frugal and highly connected ventilation solutions for treating COVID-19 patients

Employing Digital Technology

6Estates has developed “an AI-powered assistive CT-scan diagnosis platform” to recognise signs of the viral infection in patients’ lungs. The platform can read and process a scan 30x faster than a radiologist

Biofourmis is using AI and remote monitoring technology to help identify physiological changes in confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients to learn more about the disease and enable early medical interventions

BotMD’s clinical assistant chatbot, developed with NUHS, is enabling frontline healthcare workers to quickly access COVID-19 directives and protocols. Bot MD and NUHS have also launched SGDormBot, a new AI-powered chatbot that will help doctors monitor the health of migrant workers residing in the dormitories and enable early medical intervention

 

Lucep is offering its VirtuaQ queue management system free of charge to help F&B establishments and medical facilities manage their crowds during COVID-19

Mimirium has developed the Minimirum Anti-Pandemic Private Tracker, an app which utilises user location data to help users and healthcare professionals identify and flag potential contacts of confirmed cases

Patsnap is offering its innovation intelligence solutions for free at this time, helping companies “innovate smarter, better and faster” during this period

Mobilewalla is using AI and big data to help fight COVID-19.  The company is working with businesses and municipalities to provide individual mobility data (as a proxy for safe distancing) to better predict the spread of the disease, helping to determine resource needs and allocation

TranSwap has launched an e-remittance service for employers of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) to digitally send money back to their FDW's families during the Circuit Breaker

Brain Pool Tech has started talks with local authorities to explore the use of drones in mapping out strategic locations, and the use of AI to help with area surveillance (e.g. for the enforcement of safe distancing measures)

Cadi Scientific has seen its local sales and global inquiries rise in light of the pandemic; the health tech firm has several relevant technologies for the current crisis, including hospital staff contact tracing & hand hygiene monitoring systems; patient and asset monitoring, and more

GoQii has launched a new wristband it claims can help track early signs of COVID-19. Specifically, the fitness band detects changes in body temperature, in addition to tracking heart rate, blood pressure and activity.  GoQii has partnered with German start-up Thyrve to conduct a clinical study on the accuracy of wearables and early COVID-19 detection

The MyCare application, developed by 2359 Media in collaboration with SingHealth and the Integrated Health Information Systems (IHiS), is being used in isolation wards in SGH during COVID-19.  The app provides patients with information regarding their individual care, daily schedule and medical info—helping to enhance both the patient experience and communication between staff and patients

Invigilo Technologies is using AI to help companies minimise the risk of virus transmission through its flagship product, Invigilo-Shield.  Invigilo-Shield includes face mask and safe distancing detection systems, enabling real-time monitoring and identification of workers in breach of a company’s safe workplace measures

Singtel’s AI-driven Facial Recognition Fever Detection solution powered by Seventh Sense AI is now available in the market

Trakomatic’s sensors are being installed within malls and supermarkets to help enforce social distancing and crowd control

 

Wiz. Ai has revised their existing talkbot to recognize more accents, allowing company employees to maintain social distancing while providing customer service to clients and relieving manpower constraints. It can also be used to potentially supervise those on home isolation orders

Vouch SG has “developed a standalone F&B takeaway and delivery ordering system geared towards hotels, as well as a temperature recording and health monitoring feature on its digital concierge platform.”

Savioke has seen enquires for its service robots double during the pandemic.  The robots, which can be used in hospitals, have helped offload some of the work from hospital staff while reducing human contact and the need for protective gear

XRVision is using AI to help suppress the spread of COVID-19. Features of the company's technology include facial recognition, behaviour and crowd analytics

For schools and enrichment centres, Taidii is providing all-in-one e-learning solutions, including live class streaming and pre-recorded video-based e-lessons.  Their VAMS Fast Fever Screening and Attendance System is also fast, includes facial recognition features, and is compatible with SafeEntry

GTRIIP is helping hotels adapt to COVID-19 by making the check-in process quick, efficient, and contactless. Hotel guests can verify their identities with just a selfie, use digital keys to unlock their hotel rooms, and use the GTRIIP app as a virtual concierge to adjust room temperature, order room service, or contact staff

Helping Businesses & Employees

Several NUS alumni companies, many of which have founders from the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) programme, have pledged to offer employment and traineeship opportunities to NUS’ graduating class who are entering a tough job market

Carousell has launched numerous initiatives, including: #SuportLocal, to help small businesses and F&B operators impacted by COVID-19; MADE in SG, to spotlight local creatives; as well as “COVID-19 Free Ads for Charity," offering up to “$2 million in an advertising support program for non-profit organisations helping the communities impacted by COVID-19.” Carousell is also offering 1000 packages to heartland retailers and service merchants to take their businesses online.  Eligible merchants will receive 90% funding support from Enterprise Singapore as part of its Enhanced Enterprise Development Grant when they sign up for CarouBiz. In Malaysia, the company has partnered with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to launch the new #TetapBuka Carousell Business Grants worth RM1,000,000, in support of retailers and SMEs affected by the continuing Movement Control Order (MCO)

Anywhr has curated a “Keep Singapore United” gift box benefitting struggling local businesses. Get yours for $55 here

 

Hustle Fund is one of 25 VCs supporting “a talent database on SEAcosystem.com which connects startup employees impacted by COVID-19 layoffs with new opportunities.”

Circles.Life is supporting local buskers and musicians who can no longer perform in public during this period by helping them go online

Oddle, which enables F&B operators to build their own digital presence and take delivery orders via their websites, has seen a 15% increase in sign-ups since the end of March. The start-up has also partnered DBS to provide support to F&B SMEs

Tinvio has launched Save Our Nomnoms to help direct more orders to Singapore’s F&B operators

P2P lending start-up Funding Societies is offering deferment plans to help provide cash flow relief to SMEs

Viddsee will commission short-form content for its short film platform as part of a new SG $8M fund from IMDA to help create more production opportunities and preserve media jobs. This is line with Viddsee’s launch of StoriesTogether, a community initiative to provide hope through films

dltledger’s blockchain platform, used recently in executing a cross-commodity trade of wheat, is helping to “ensure the global agriculture supply chain delievers food to where it’s needed in a time of uncertainty.”

supportstartups.com is an initiative by the VC community to shine a spotlight on start-ups at this time; the site features many of our start-ups, including YoRipe, Novocall, Boxgreen, Outside, and Igloohome

In the US, Pod Foods is helping emerging food brands get on shelves at a time when retailers are prioritising established and well-known names

In India, Milaap has partnered with Intuit QuickBooks “to help small and micro businesses in India to raise money to tackle the challenges arising from the COVID-19 lockdown.”

In Portugal, Aptoide is one of more than 120 companies to join tech4COVID19, a movement to create technological solutions to the pandemic’s challenges

In Malaysia, Exabytes Network is one of 80 tech companies offering pro bono or discounted services to SMEs during the COVID-19 crisis

BLOCK71 is among the more than 140 VCs, accelerators, incubators and other members of the start-up community in Southeast Asia that have come together to support MentorForHope.  The initiative hopes to raise the equivalent of 50,000 meals for those in need, by offering mentoring and virtual classes to start-up founders affected by the COVID-19 crisis

StaffAny has launched a new mobile app to help ease workforce management during the Circuit Breaker.  Called CICO (Clock-in, Clock-out), the app enables “businesses to record staff attendance, track staff for contact tracing and notify employees for a shift.”

ION Orchard has partnered with NOC alumna and artist Grace Ciao to illustrate the enhanced safety measures it is taking as it re-opens to the public

Burpple is partnering ComfortDelGro to “offer more affordable delivery costs for merchants that are part of its subscription-based rewards programme, Burpple Beyond.” Burpple Beyond merchants will be onboarded to ComfortDelivery, a platform set up last month to provide another source of income for taxi drivers during the pandemic

Supporting the Community

Belanja Eat’s pay-it-forward initiative makes it easy to belanja (treat) someone to a free hawker meal while supporting local food vendors

SDI Academy has teamed up with FundedHere for a campaign to fund hygiene kits and daily necessities for the migrant worker community.  SDI Academy is also developing a mental health app to assist migrant workers, which, in addition to health resources, will offer English lessons and entrepreneurship modules

RedDoorz is offering its rooms in Singapore to foreign domestic workers required to be on 14-day quarantine, while in the Philippines and Indonesia the company is providing free accommodation to healthcare workers and first responders

 

In light of Malaysia’s lockdown, property portal 99.co has helped to  screen and connect stranded foreign workers to Singaporean accommodation

Carousell users around Singapore are turning to the platform to donate needed items and offer shelter for Malaysian workers through the #ChoosetoGive campaign

Travelhorse is offering free storage and dash services to all students affected by the MOE recall returning to Singapore

DBS is collaborating with social enterprises such as Foreword Coffee and Boxgreen to provide F&B treats to healthcare professionals

Carousell, Shopback and GRVTY Media are among the companies supporting the #SGPAYSITFORWARD initiative, which seeks to provide 100,000 care packs with essential items to vulnerable communities

Circles.Life has unveiled a special package to help support COVID-19 frontliners, inclusive of six-month’s worth of unlimited data with 4G rollover and unlimited talk time free of charge worth US $180

Give.Asia hosts a number of COVID-19 support campaigns on its crowdfunding website

Qisahn has donated SG $25,000 to the Singapore Children’s Society

NIUM, Patsnap and TickledMedia founders are among the entrepreneurs spearheading a campaign to raise SG $1M for low-income households in Singapore

NOC student Teo Xi Hui has launched a campaign to support foreign domestic workers during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.  Donate here; campaign ends 13 May

Thyrft is partnering with Books & Beer, with 50% of profits from books tagged “Books and Beer x Thryft” to be donated to the MWS’ Donate to Bless fund, supporting low-income families

In the US, scooter sharing start-up Spin is providing free 30-minute rides to healthcare professionals

IMDA is partnering with several organisations, including GlobalSign.In, on an innovation call seeking “to develop solutions to address the challenges faced by vulnerable Singaporeans and businesses.”  The challenge is open to professionals, start-ups, SMEs and large corporates, with total prize money amounting to SG$90K

Zilliqa ran its first blockchain-verified rewards-based CSR campaign powered by SocialPay this week, with matched proceeds going toward the Singapore Red Cross’ relief efforts for those affected by the pandemic

NOC alumni Goh Yiping (Partner at Quest Ventures) and Mohan Belani (CEO & Co-Founder at e27) are among several tech entrepreneurs who have initiated a fundraising campaign to help daily wage Indonesian workers during the pandemic.  The campaign aims to raise $10K to feed 200 families or more for a month

To help empower more than 30 million people with AI skills training for now and beyond, Sustainable Living Lab (SL2) has partnered with Intel to “Make Technology Fully Inclusive and Expand Digital Readiness” under the latter’s 2030 Corporate Responsibility Strategy

Anywhr has launched new mystery daycation packages, providing customised itineraries complete with activity and restaurant recommendations across Singapore for residents

Making Stay at Home Easier

Society Staple’s sswithyou.sg website provides a comprehensive platform of initiatives and resources to help SG through the circuit breaker, including stay home activities, support for home-based learning, errand and meal assistance, and more

Circles.Life has partnered with charities like Eton House community fund to provide SIM cards to home-based learning students in Singapore without broadband connections; it has also launched a Work from Home (WFH) package, as well as offered 300 minutes of free international calls to 15 countries impacted by the crisis (including Singapore)

With schools temporarily closed, portfolio company KooBits has launched two new products: ‘Home-Based Learning’, an online mathematics learning platform, and ‘Live Tutoring’, an AI-enabled online live tutoring service

 

Educators are using Padlet’s online bulletin board in remote learning situations in the wake of school closures

Jublia is making innovative changes to its platforms to enable virtual events and networking

PigeonLab is is upgrading its free plan to support video conferencing and live-streaming tools until 30 June 2020

Magda Chelly of Responsible Cyber provides tips on ensuring your data is protected as you work from home in this Money FM 89.3 interview

Digital Shadows provides tips on best practices for remote working given the cybersecurity threats that come from working at home

Asian filmmakers are coming together to offer their short films for free online (with a request for a donation to our healthcare workers), many of which are viewable on Viddsee

MindFi’s mindfulness app is keeping us calm; the start-up is also providing healthcare workers with free one-year subscriptions to the app in conjunction with Healthcare Academy

Kopi Date has launched a date-from-home kit to help couples stay in touch during the circuit breaker, inclusive of coffee/ tea delivered to two addresses, discussion topics and surprise challenges

YoRipe is collaborating with the People’s Association (PA) for virtual cooking classes, as part of an initiative to encourage Singaporeans to remain active while staying home

NUS Enterprise-related F&B operators providing delivery at this time: The Boiler; Boxgreen; Brewlander; Foreword Coffee; Fossa Chocolate; Greendot; The Lawn; Lean Bento; Mdm Ling Bakery; and Parallel

Brewlander is one of 15 Singapore breweries taking part in #SGCraftTogether, an initiative to offer customers a variety-pack of local beers during this circuit breaker period

De Kinder Club has created learning kits for parents to use at home, complete with materials, lesson plans, step-by-step guides and more

Popsical is hosting Zoom karaoke sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

With its flotation spaces closed, Palm Ave Float Club has launched its virtual meditation platform, Altered States, to help you relax. Join in for breathwork and active meditation classes

NOC alum Suphasak Udomkichdecha has launched a Live Online Workout for Good Campaign with his friends which raises funds for low-income families.  Each week until 1 June, 15+ instructors will be conducting live online workouts via Zoom or IG Live

Roceso Technologies is offering robotic upper limb rehabilitation with no human intervention. Patients with hand impairments can receive the EsoGLOVE  delivered to their home together with remote instructions to enable them to continue their rehabilitation journey. Roceso Technologies is also supplying NIOSH N95 masks, 3 Ply STERILE Surgical Masks, Medical and Safety Goggles and Medical Protective Suits to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic