Singapore has a new biomedtech incubator that aims to support start-ups in developing and commercialising their healthcare innovations. The incubator, called co11ab Novena, is the first of its kind in Singapore to be embedded in a healthcare precinct, where start-ups can access clinical and research expertise from nearby institutions.
co11ab Novena: A strategic location for biomedtech start-ups
co11ab Novena is a joint initiative by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and National Healthcare Group (NHG). The incubator was officially opened on 22 August 2023 by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Health, as the Guest of Honour.
The incubator is located at NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine’s Novena campus, within walking distance from Tan Tock Seng Hospital, national specialty centres, and research institutions. This gives start-ups the opportunity to collaborate with clinicians and researchers in the vicinity, as well as access to patient data and clinical trials.
co11ab Novena also provides start-ups with a comprehensive infrastructure, including a life science laboratory, an engineering makerspace, a co-working space, and core facilities with cutting-edge equipment and technology platforms. The incubator covers an area of 1001 square metres and can accommodate up to 30 start-ups.
co11ab Novena: A supportive ecosystem for biomedtech start-ups
co11ab Novena aims to foster a thriving ecosystem for biomedtech start-ups by offering them various benefits and resources. These include:
- Programmes: co11ab Novena organises workshops, seminars, mentoring sessions, and networking events to help start-ups develop their business skills and connect with potential partners, investors, and customers.
- Funding: co11ab Novena helps start-ups secure funding from various sources, such as grants, loans, equity investments, and crowdfunding platforms.
- Partners: co11ab Novena has established partnerships with local and international organisations, such as Enterprise Singapore, Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, MedTech Innovator Asia Pacific, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, and Philips HealthWorks. These partners provide start-ups with access to market insights, industry networks, technical support, and innovation challenges.
- Community: co11ab Novena fosters a collaborative culture among start-ups by encouraging them to share their ideas, feedback, and resources. The incubator also facilitates peer-to-peer learning and cross-disciplinary collaborations among start-ups from different domains.
co11ab Novena: A showcase of biomedtech innovations
co11ab Novena has already attracted 12 start-ups to join its incubation programme since its soft launch in January 2023. These start-ups are working on various biomedtech innovations that address unmet needs in the healthcare sector. Some examples are:
- BioMind AI: A start-up that uses artificial intelligence to analyse medical images and provide diagnosis and treatment recommendations for neurological disorders.
- Endofotonix: A start-up that develops implantable devices that monitor intra-abdominal pressure and prevent complications after abdominal surgery.
- NDR Medical Technology: A start-up that creates robotic systems that automate needle positioning and insertion for minimally invasive surgery.
- Privi Medical: A start-up that offers a disposable device that treats hemorrhoids at home using cryotherapy.
- QuantumTX: A start-up that leverages quantum technologies to create novel diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for cancer.
co11ab Novena hopes to attract more biomedtech start-ups to join its incubation programme and help them achieve their commercialisation goals. The incubator also aims to contribute to Singapore’s vision of becoming a global hub for biomedtech innovation and a leader in healthcare transformation.
