Tech companies get springboard with grants

SINGAPORE — Local tech start-ups have got a boost from SPRING Singapore, the development agency committed to helping local enterprises grow, with a series of grants totalling S$6 million designed to help bring innovations closer to the market.

The grants were given to companies with new developments in areas including medical devices, electronics and engineering.

One of the companies was T.Ware, which could make an impact on the healthcare sector when its product gets to market, said SPRING. T.Ware is working on a therapy system to calm patients suffering from sensory processing disorders. The T.Jacket, unlike similar jackets on the market, is capable of varying its pressure at different points, such as the shoulders and lower back, to provide soothing relief for the patient — all through a smartphone, explained Founder and Executive Director James Teh. Those suffering from the disorder include autism and ADHD patients.

Dr Teh said: “The product that we plan to introduce to the market is rather risky from a business perspective, as with all new technology products. As such, it is difficult for us to get seed money to help the company progress. SPRING is one of the very few organisations in Singapore that invest in ideas with potential, and the grant helps to bridge the gap from concept to market.”

Members of SPRING’s evaluation panel were impressed with the quality of the projects.

Dr Sze Tiam Lin, Director at the Intellectual Property Intermediary and an evaluation panel member, said: “Some of these projects promise to have a far-reaching impact. For example, Water Optics Technology’s water quality monitoring system will provide a much-needed solution to address the increasing demand for real-time rapid detection of waterborne pathogens. With sizeable demand, especially in the developing countries, the start-up will do well to seize the opportunities there.” PETER YEO