What is deep tech?
Most tech start-ups are usually engaged in the Internet, mobile and e-commerce work, based on business model innovation, incremental service improvements or the deployment of standardised technologies. On the other hand, deep tech start-ups focus on patent-backed technologies that are based on hardcore scientific research in the fields like life sciences, medical technology, clean technology, renewable energy, urban solutions and autonomous technology.
The commercialisation of scientific discoveries is a high-risk venture, which requires large investments and long gestation periods. Such ventures are usually undertaken by academia and require extensive testing and regulatory approvals.
*Estimated
Source: JTC, Google Earth, JLL Research
Up north, a new 500-hectare Sungei Kadut Eco-District is planned to accommodate new growth industries like agri-tech and environmental technology. Some 18 hectares will be set aside for Phase 1 of a new Agri-Food Innovation Park. It will be meant for companies and research and development centres across the entire agri-tech value chain, as well as for high-tech production segments such as indoor farming, aquaculture hatcheries and alternative protein manufacturers. Another 200 hectares of land is reserved for future growth industries, potentially including deep tech.
These holistic government support schemes should encourage the growth of a vibrant deep tech community and provide a nurturing ground for them to mature. This, in turn, should drive new peripheral and supporting industries and generate new demand for industrial space.
Figure 3: Examples of deep tech start-ups in Singapore
Company | Brief Description | Location | Type of Space |
ViSenze | ViSenze powers visual commerce at scale for retailers and publishers. The company delivers intelligent image recognition solutions that shorten the path to purchase as consumers search and discover on the visual web. | JTC Launchpad @ one-north | Industrial |
Biolidics | A medical technology company, Biolidics has developed and commercialised the ClearCell® FX1 System, a fully automated CE-IVD medical device that relies on a novel patented technology to separate and enrich cancer cells from biofluids (e.g. blood). | Mapex Building | Industrial |
Seventh Sense | Founded with the vision of making the world a safer and better place through the use of Computer Vision, Seventh Sense is a deep tech AI start-up. | JTC Launchpad @ one-north | Industrial |
Hamlit | Hamlit’s vision is to create a safer everyday ride for millions of two-wheeler riders around the world. The company offers a machine learning-powered hardware attachment, which senses blind spot areas around the vehicle and warns riders of any danger through intuitive light notification. This reduces situational unawareness, empowering the rider to avoid accidents proactively. | National University of Singapore | Educational Institution |
TAIGER | TAIGER is the market leader and pioneer of Knowledge Process Optimisation, with a mission to help organisations optimise operational efficiencies by automating complex cognitive tasks. With headquarters in Singapore, they have expanded their global offices to Hong Kong, Dubai, Madrid, Mexico City, and New York. | Orchard Building | Office |
RWDC Industries | RWDC Industries is a biotech company that aims to harness nature for the production of everyday materials. RWDC is currently working on its innovation, Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) — a sustainably sourced, biodegradable, commercially viable biopolymer, that acts as an alternative to single-use plastics. | Woodlands Bizhub | Industrial |