Why collaborate with CDE?
CDE researchers bring extensive experience in translating cutting-edge technologies into viable commercial applications. Our multi-disciplinary expertise in design and engineering, supported by state-of-the-art facilities, positions us well to tackle complex challenges. We believe that collaboration with industry partners and government agencies will spark synergies to develop innovative solutions for real-world problems.
Learn more about our collaborative work and partnerships to address industry challenges
Modes of Collaboration
Regardless of whether you are a small business or a large corporation, you can access CDE's expertise and capabilities to meet your research and business needs. We adopt a wide range of partnership models to establish collaboration with industry partners, including contract research, research collaborations, larger-scale joint or corporate labs, and even industry consortia. Furthermore, partnership can be initiated through the Industrial Postgraduate Programme (IPP), a full-time programme leading to a thesis based on research in partnership with companies.
If you are interested in collaboration, please contact us.
Research Collaboration
Depending on the requirements of the research collaboration, there are various research agreements which may be applicable:
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – formalises the intent to collaborate without specific project details
- Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) – protects the confidentiality of pre-project discussions/evaluations
- Research Collaborative Agreement (RCA) – governs collaborative research projects, including terms relating to IP rights, publications, liabilities, etc
- Contract Research Agreement (CRA) – governs contracted research projects
Large Scale Collaboration
To deepen research efforts on large scale collaborations, industry partners can set up research centres or joint/corporate laboratories with CDE.
Joint Laboratories / Corporate Laboratories
Corporate Labs exemplify the highest level of collaboration between CDE researchers and industry, where we work together with our industry partners to develop solutions for significant real-world challenges. These partnerships are founded on common priorities and align closely with Singapore’s national research and development agenda, ensuring both impact and relevance.
Tap Into Funding Opportunities
CDE and industry partners can leverage on industry-relevant funding from Singapore public agencies, such as the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), to support public-private partnerships in R&D initiatives of mutual interest. Through these efforts and partnerships, CDE also seeks to deepen and encourage collaborations with existing and interested industry partners.
Industry-relevant grant funding programmes include:
Industry Alignment Fund – Pre-Positioning Programme (IAF-PP)
The IAF-PP is administered by A*STAR. The projects and programmes supported should be aligned with the Manufacturing, Trade and Connectivity (MTC) or Human Health and Potential (HHP) domain themes and strategies.
Industry Alignment Fund – Industry Collaboration Projects (IAF-ICP)
Through the IAF-ICP framework, CDE collaborates with our industry partners in various R&D projects of strategic interest with economic value. The state-of-the-art technology innovations and research capabilities created are targeted to address industry-relevant needs and problem statements. The IAF--ICP is administered and funded by A*STAR.
Licensing and Commercialisation
IP Licensing
Intellectual property (IP) generated from the research collaboration are eligible to be licensed for commercialisation. Funding, connections and expertise for marketplace translation is provided by Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI), NUS Enterprise, which is NUS’ technology translation and commercialisation arm.
Commercialisation
Industry partners embark on new product or service commercialisation with the licensed IP from the partnership.
How to Start a Partnership?
Contact us at CDE_industry@nus.edu.sg, and we will reach out to start a discussion. Alternatively, you can connect directly with our researchers. Discover more about CDE departments or research centres.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
CDE Industry Day
CDE Industry Day is a biennial event showcasing the successful translation of CDE’s research into industry practice.
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