As Singapore strives to be a smart nation, manufacturing processes are also getting more intelligent. Local PE companies are starting to go digital by setting up smart factories where automation and artificial intelligence are redefining work processes. Here are some initiatives that you can explore to grow your business.
PE companies can test and co-develop new digital solutions through a model digital factory. You can experiment with new operations at model digital factories located at A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) and Advanced Remanufacturing & Technology Centre (ARTC) before rolling out the changes in your factories.
The Precision Engineering Centre of Innovation (PE COI) located at the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) covers areas such as technical manpower, equipment and facilities. SMEs looking to upgrade your manufacturing capabilities and accelerate the development of new products, equipment and processes may use the manufacturing IT resources at the COI.
The SIMTech Innovation Factory is a one-stop technology centre that provides specialised equipment and software tools for prototyping of products, on-site design and technology consultancy support. SMEs looking to enhance engineering design capabilities can tap SIMTech IF for product ideation, design, prototyping and transition to product owners.
The Global Innovation Alliance (GIA), an initiative by Enterprise Singapore and Singapore Economic Development Board, is a network of Singapore and overseas partners in 16 major innovation hubs and key demand markets around the world.
The network connects Singapore companies to overseas business and tech communities through its acceleration programmes and supports projects that catalyse cross-border collaboration on technology and co-innovation.
EUREKA is the world’s largest intergovernmental network for international cooperation in R&D and innovation – spanning 45 countries globally. Singapore companies interested to join innovation projects and cross-border collaborations with other countries can receive funding support by participating in the following EUREKA Programmes:
The Open Innovation Network (OIN), set up by Enterprise Singapore and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) provides a gateway to the open innovation ecosystem in Singapore.
Companies can develop open innovation challenges to invite solutions from a diverse pool of organisations or individuals with cross-industry expertise. They can also discover relevant challenges to join and seek out co-development, funding and test-bedding opportunities with local and global companies.
IPI Singapore accelerates innovation processes by providing companies with the ability to connect with a global network of technology partners to develop innovative products and services.
With the Innovation Advisors Programme (IAP), companies can access a pool of innovation advisors who provide mission critical insights and coaching to aid their journey in achieving accelerated growth.
The Industry Alignment Fund – Industry Collaboration Projects (IAF-ICP) supports strategic R&D projects with industry by applying and commercialising public sector research capabilities, IPs and technologies toward industry-relevant challenges. Led by public research institutions, this grant focuses on economic impact and the development of technology and human capital capabilities.
Start Digital is an initiative, in collaboration with IMDA, under the SMEs Go Digital programme to help SMEs adopt digital solutions right from the start.
New companies often prioritise business development and profit generation. As a result, operations management may take a backseat. By digitalising early, you can better focus and capture opportunities for your business without being constrained by day-to-day operations.
With our Start Digital Pack, SMEs can get access to modular digital solutions that will help accelerate their start up process and business growth. For more information, visit www.imda.gov.sg/StartDigital.
The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) supports companies keen on adopting IT solutions and equipment to enhance business processes and to improve productivity. PSG solutions have been pre-scoped by various government agencies, comprising both sector-specific solutions and solutions that cut across industries including advanced manufacturing.
Precision engineering companies provide strong industry expertise and supply quality products that are needed for a wide range of manufacturing businesses – including the aerospace and medical technology industries. With the continual emergence of new innovations and technologies, you can stay competitive by building new capabilities to support these growing sectors.
One way to do so is by adopting specialised standards such as AS 9100 and AS 9120 Quality Management Systems to enhance your business capabilities and capture new opportunities in the aerospace industry. You can find out more about other relevant standards here.
You can also read about how Fong's Engineering emerged as a market leader in the medical technology manufacturing sector through adoption of international standards here.