Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) has committed S$4 million ($3.12 million) to support companies developing innovative solutions for Singapore’s built environment sector, including technologies to improve construction productivity, detect ageing infrastructure and mitigate urban heat.
EnterpriseSG and the Housing & Development Board (HDB) announced three initiatives on Wednesday to help enterprises turn innovative concepts into market-ready solutions, comprising a new funding call, a shared research and development facility and an inaugural Demo Day to connect solution providers with potential adopters.
The initiatives aim to address challenges facing the sector, including rising demand for construction, the need to improve productivity, ageing infrastructure and higher urban temperatures.
Under HDB’s Cool Ideas Enterprise (CIE) programme, a new call for proposals will seek solutions in construction productivity, infrastructure maintenance and heat resilience. Eligible enterprises can tap EnterpriseSG’s S$4 million funding commitment to develop their innovations.
Promising solutions may be piloted in HDB housing projects to assess their effectiveness and potential for wider adoption.
HDB will also open the 317-square-metre Building Research, Innovation & Collaboration (BRIC) Lab on Oct 28. Located at HDB’s Centre of Building Research, the shared workspace will support enterprises participating in the CIE and Cities of Tomorrow research and development programmes, as well as those developing solutions relevant to HDB.
Companies will have access to testing and validation facilities for technologies such as 3D printing, precast production, solar photovoltaic installation and cool coatings. They can also tap the technical expertise of HDB engineers and researchers and receive feedback from potential adopters.
The third initiative, the inaugural Demo Day jointly organised by EnterpriseSG and HDB, connects enterprises with developers, building contractors and precasters to explore partnerships and deployment opportunities.
Thirteen enterprises showcased solutions addressing construction productivity, ageing infrastructure and urban heat resilience at the event. These included Envicom’s anti-condensation coating, which helps reduce moisture build-up on indoor surfaces caused by temperature differences, such as during prolonged air-conditioning use.
EnterpriseSG deputy managing director for industry Joanne Tan said the partnership with HDB would create opportunities for promising solutions to be tested and deployed locally and overseas, strengthening Singapore’s position as a proving ground and launchpad for innovation.
HDB deputy chief executive officer for building Johnny Wong said the housing agency was exploring technologies to improve construction productivity, maintain ageing infrastructure and enhance thermal comfort in homes.
By sharing its technical expertise and testing facilities, HDB could help enterprises move innovations beyond the laboratory and accelerate their adoption in public housing projects, he added.
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