18 March 2024 · Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore
Speaking at the NUS Deep Tech Venture Showcase on 18 March 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said the paths between universities and industry must be open, and that researchers should feel empowered to turn their work into solutions for society.
He gave Microtube as an example. Dr Yeo Joo Chuan did his graduate research in microfluidics and went on to co-found the company, which develops stretchable sensors for healthcare, defence and aviation. Microtube took part in the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP) in 2019 and went on to close a seed round. Mr Heng also noted the credit Dr Yeo gives his supervisor, Professor Lim Chwee Teck, for teaching him to think as both a scientist and an entrepreneur.