Shared Facilities Available for Deep Tech Startups and Ventures

Dr Neo Kok Beng asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) (a) to the Government's knowledge, how many shared facilities, inclusive of equipment for research and development, are available for deep tech startups and ventures; and (b) whether the Ministry or relevant agencies will consider setting up shared facilities in emerging areas, such as quantum and space technology, and life sciences, such as clean room and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) laboratories.

Dr Neo Kok Beng asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) whether the Government will consider implementing a national sandbox policy for emerging technologies or industries, where current legal or regulatory measures are not available.

The Government is committed to fostering a pro-innovation environment that enables businesses, including deep tech startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to support research and development (R&D) and deployment of emerging technologies.

The Government does work closely with our institutes of higher learning (IHLs) and research institutes to provide startups and SMEs with access to shared R&D facilities, equipment and technical expertise. Key initiatives include the centres of innovation established in partnership with the IHLs, and platforms operated by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), such as Innovation Factory@Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology. Specialised facilities are also available, such as Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) and Class 100 compliant laboratories through the National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP) Labs, advanced cleanroom infrastructure and industry-grade tools through national platforms, such as the National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre (NSTIC) and the National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF), as well as shared life sciences, chemistry and engineering facilities through ASTAR’s AStartCentral. Companies can also use the ASTAR Scientific Equipment and Services Finder (ASEF) to identify and access more than 1,500 scientific equipment and related services across ASTAR.

For regulatory sandboxes, the Government's approach is to design sector-specific frameworks that are tailored to the needs of each industry, as the risks, stakeholders and regulatory considerations differ significantly across industries. A single national sandbox policy may not adequately account for these differences.

Several agencies already operate sandboxes tailored to their respective sectors. For example, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) has introduced a regulatory sandbox for energy innovations, including novel business models in the electricity sector. In the digital and technology space, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has supported experimentation through initiatives, such as the GenAI Sandbox, which allows enterprises to trial generative artificial intelligence solutions before wider adoption.

The Government will continue to assess the needs of emerging technologies and industries, and where appropriate, establish shared R&D facilities and regulatory sandboxes to support technology development, testing and adoption.