Temasek-backed UK industrial AI firm PhysicsX sets up Apac hub in Singapore

[SINGAPORE] British artificial intelligence firm PhysicsX, which builds software that simulates industrial designs and manufacturing processes, has set up its Asia-Pacific hub in Singapore.

It plans to grow its local team to more than 100 over the next three years and has signed a five-year, S$40 million partnership with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star).

The hub, announced on Thursday (Oct 8), was set up with support from Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB). It follows PhysicsX’s US$300 million Series C round in June, which was led by state investor Temasek.

PhysicsX already has 20 employees in Singapore and has plans to hire forward-deployed engineers, physics AI researchers and simulation engineers.

Under the A*Star partnership, both sides will commit S$40 million to develop AI-powered engineering simulation tools for complex design and manufacturing challenges.

Work will cover maritime engineering, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing and biotechnology.

Lim Keng Hui, A*Star assistant chief executive for the Science and Engineering Research Council, said the partnership reflects the agency’s commitment to building stronger AI capabilities and applying them to real-world engineering problems.

Separately, PhysicsX is working with offshore and marine engineering group Seatrium to speed up development cycles and support faster design decisions.

Lee Wey Lii, Seatrium’s digital senior vice-president, said the mainboard-listed company sees opportunites to scale the technology across its business – from engineering, procurement and construction delivery, to product development and lifecycle services.

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PhysicsX chief executive and co-founder Jacomo Corbo said: “Some of the most consequential applications of AI over the coming decade will be in the physical world, helping us design better aircraft, chips, energy systems, vehicles and industrial infrastructure.”

“Singapore is an extraordinary place from which to build that future,” he added. “It combines world-class advanced industry with deep technical talent, research excellence, long-term capital, and a government with a clear ambition for AI.”

Corbo said establishing the company’s Asia-Pacific hub in Singapore “brings our technology and people closer to the organisations shaping the region’s industrial future”.

EDB managing director Jermaine Loy said Singapore offers the engineering expertise, research strength and industry partnerships for PhysicsX to scale across Asia and beyond.

PhysicsX also plans to work with local universities on talent programmes, including possible support for PhD students.

Temasek has been an investor in PhysicsX since 2025. It has helped shape the company’s regional strategy and introduced potential partners, such as portfolio company Seatrium.

PhysicsX, headquartered in the UK, also has offices in London and New York.