SINGAPORE’S polytechnics will provide enhanced support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their research and development (R&D) efforts, by running new training programmes and allowing greater access to their facilities.

A new Centre of Innovation (COI) for the built environment sector has been established. This brings the total number COIs under Enterprise Singapore to 12.

The new COI is jointly run by Temasek Polytechnic (TP) and Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP). It focuses on R&D efforts related to robotics and automation.

SMEs in the food manufacturing sector will also receive innovation support in areas such as alternative proteins and sustainability. It expands upon an existing COI run by Singapore Polytechnic (SP). Nanyang Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic and TP will also be coming on board.

The two COIs will work with some 800 SMEs and embark on more than 100 innovation projects in the next two years.

Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong made the announcements on Thursday (Nov 2), where he was speaking at this year’s edition of the SME Tech Day, held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

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“We recognise the challenges faced by SMEs to develop their own in-house R&D and innovation capabilities and facilities,” said Gan.

“Hence, these COIs offer access to specialised equipment, labs, and training for product and process innovation.”

On the same day, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) also announced that it has inked memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with NP and SP, expanding on its Operation and Technology Roadmap programme.

Since the launch of the programme in 2003, A*Star has partnered with more than 800 SMEs to develop long-term technology roadmaps.

Under the MOUs, which were signed earlier on Tuesday, NP and SP will improve access for SMEs to tap on their facilities, equipment, technical capabilities and talent.

They will also work with A*Star to identify skill gaps in the industry and co-develop continuing education as well as training courses to help upskill Singapore’s workforce, the agency said.

The MOUs will also pilot an internship collaboration model. Students from NP and SP will be able to participate in A*Star’s Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-Up) programme, where research scientists and engineers are seconded to SMEs to aid in building in-house R&D capabilities.

The T-Up programme has had more than 1,000 research scientists and engineers seconded to over 1,000 local companies since 2003.

Said Gan: “The students will gain valuable R&D experience under the mentorship of A*Star’s research scientists.”