SINGAPORE, 28 NOVEMBER 2012 – ETPL, the technology transfer arm of A*STAR, today announced it has earmarked five Innovation Clusters or Hotspots aimed at strengthening Singapore’s research and business ecosystem.
Its goal: to drive a consistent pipeline of technologies for commercialisation as well as build clusters of industries around these Hotspots. Spanning both the Biomedical Science and Science & Engineering sectors, the focus areas are: Diagnostics, Anti-Microbials, Bio-imaging, Printed Electronics and Business Analytics.
These areas were selected based on market potential as well as the strength and leadership of A*STAR’s research in those areas. Patent strength in technologies that support the Hotspots was also a factor, along with the speed at which each Hotspot is likely to mature, deliver results, and reach leadership position.
“Technology transfer isn’t just about numbers and revenue,” said ETPL CEO Philip Lim. “ETPL’s role includes creating new jobs, transforming industry and giving Singapore businesses a competitive edge. The world beyond 2012 will rely increasingly on ecosystems of partnership for success. It is a world of collaborative business models in which marketing savvy and IP prowess go hand in hand. ETPL will continue to build on our results and partnerships to grow these ecosystems.”
ETPL was set up in January 2002 to commercialise the outcomes of A*STAR’s research institutes and to consolidate the research organisation’s patent portfolio. Today, ETPL:
• Manages more than 3,500 active patents and applications
• Has granted more than 400 licences for A*STAR technologies – with expected revenues of more than $500 million
• Has spun off more than 40 start-ups
• Serves diverse industries including biotechnology, ICT, manufacturing, shipping, and more
In 2011 alone, ETPL achieved 40% of MTI’s 5-year targets for licences as well as Realised Imputed Commercial Value, defined as the revenue the licensee is expected to generate from incorporating the technology. Its patent utilisation rate tripled year-on-year and it saw double-digit growth in the number of A*STAR start-ups.
ETPL is a one stop resource that bridges the gap between research and market. Its officers work extremely closely with their A*STAR counterparts to identify market opportunities and promising research as well as work with scientists and industry players to create licensing and spin-off opportunities.
ETPL identifies A*STAR technology that businesses can license and build into their products and/or improve processes. It also works within A*STAR and its ecosystem to build an environment for entrepreneurship to thrive as well as engage the community via outreach opportunities such as Distinguished Technopreneur Speaker Forum series, Industry Forums, public-private collaborations.
“Moving ahead, we will continue our focus on integrative industry engagement and look to becoming international in our outlook as well as commandeering industry leadership for all technology transfer services,” said Philip.
Media Contact
Geraldine Kan
Storey3 Pte Ltd
DID: (65) 8157 8832
Email: geri@storeythree.com
Amanda Lee
Corporate Communications
ETPL
DID: (65) 6478 8443
Email: amandalee@exploit-tech.com
About ETPL
ETPL is the commercialization arm of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Its mission is to support A*STAR in transforming the economy through commercializing R&D. Formerly referred to as Exploit Technologies, the organisation enhances the research output of A*STAR scientists by translating their inventions into marketable products or processes.
Through licensing deals and spin-offs with industry partners, ETPL is a key driver of technology transfer in Singapore. It actively engages industry leaders and players to commercialise A*STAR’s technologies and capabilities, bridging the gap from Mind to Market. ETPL’s charter is to identify, protect and exploit promising intellectual property (IP) created by A*STAR’s research institutes.
