A*Star expansion to encourage innovation, resourcefulness

SINGAPORE — To strengthen enterprises and support innovation, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) will help SMEs identify how technology can help in their business operations and provide them with access to resources.

These measures were shared by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat during his Budget speech yesterday.

A*Star currently works with firms to conduct operation and technology roadmapping, to identify how technology can help them innovate and compete.

The agency will expand its efforts to support 400 companies on this front over the next four years.

Support will be given to companies in the use of advanced machine tools for prototyping and testing, which may require costly specialised equipment. A*Star will provide access to such equipment, user training and advice under a new tech access initiative, Mr Heng said.

“With our consistent investment in research and development, we have built up excellent research institutes. We want to help companies better tap on these resources,” Mr Heng said.

Access to intellectual property (IP) will also be improved, the minister said. The headstart programme will allow SMEs to co-develop IP with A*Star and enjoy royalty-free and exclusive licences, for up to 36 months. For companies seeking access to IP, the intellectual property intermediary will work with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore to analyse and bundle complementary IP from Singapore and overseas.