A Jump in the Innovative and Vibrant Tech Start-up Ecosystem in Singapore

Entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, visionaries, students, politicians. Singapore is a mixture of great talents that collaborate to innovate and improve the future.

Ten sciencepreneurs recently embarked in the Academia-Industry Training program to Singapore organized by Venturelab and leading house Asia ETH to explore the vibrant ecosystem for tech startups. Among them, me, Noemi Gozzi, a PhD researcher at ETH Zurich, willing explore the potential of turning our research project, MY-SENSATION, into a real product. MY-SENSATION is a wearable system aiming at improving mobility and decreasing pain in diabetics, that we developed in the last years at the NeuroEngineering Lab. There is a growing need for innovative solutions that can improve the quality of life for people living with diabetes. This is where MY-SENSATION comes in.

Indeed, diabetes is a global health concern, and it is particularly prevalent in Asia. Around 60% of the world's population with diabetes lives in Asia, and this number is unfortunately expected to increase significantly in the coming years. With its strategic location, Singapore is well-positioned to tap into the growing diabetes market in countries like China, India, and Indonesia.

During this one week AIT program I met and discussed with people inside the Singapore ecosystem: it was so clear why the city is an attractive destination for start-ups and investors, with a business-friendly environment, highly developed healthcare industry, with world-class research institutions. I gained first-hand experience and contacts, which are potentially helpful with the regulatory strategy of MY-SENSATION, and built ideas about team building, business models and expansion strategies. But what really impressed me was the diverse group of people we met: researchers, entrepreneurs, incubators, investors, business experts, government agencies, ambassadors. I found fascinating to hear about the different approaches they were taking to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing society today, such as sustainability, healthcare, and innovation and how they continuously collaborate.

My best highlight is for sure the amazing group of 10 sciencepreneurs that share this trip: their passion and commitment, always willing to talk their experience, obstacles, and successes, and giving advice to each other. I feel really inspired by them! And beyond the working hours, there was always time to share beautiful moments, laughs and enjoy the city's many neighbourhoods, walk through one of the many breath-taking gardens and taste excellent food.

I found this experience inspiring and enlightening. I came away with a renewed motivation and drive for MY-SENSATION, to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people with diabetes, and a deeper appreciation for the power of collaboration and shared vision. As they say in Singapore, "shiok lah!" – it was an absolute pleasure.

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