How Singapore turns billion-dollar science research into real-world success
The Straits Times recaps some of the success stories that emerged from Singapore’s RIE efforts.
Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) roadmap, launched in 2010 with a $16.1 billion budget, has transformed the nation's research and technology priorities over the past 15 years. The National Research Foundation (NRF) is set to release its RIE2025 report in 2026, documenting progress from April 2021 to March 2026, while also presenting its RIE2030 plan with a new $37 billion budget.
One notable success story is Mencast Marine, a marine propeller manufacturer founded in 1981. Initially relying on traditional sand casting methods, Mencast tapped Singapore's research ecosystem, partnering Enterprise Singapore and A*STAR to integrate artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing (3D-printing). This shift resulted in a 30% increase in productivity, with automated processes reducing propeller production time from up to a month to just two weeks. Additionally, the carbon footprint of a 200kg propeller decreased by 36%, or 1,743kg of CO2.
Singapore's first 3D-printed marine propeller was created in 2023 and certified by Lloyd's Register and the American Bureau of Shipping as the world's first fully additively manufactured propeller. The company is now exploring the use of generative AI to design even more efficient propellers.
Another RIE success story is the establishment of Singapore as a hub in the global quantum supply chain. In 2025, the National Research Foundation planned to set out goals and priorities for the next five years, with a new $37 billion budget. Notably, Singapore launched its first commercial quantum computer for hire in one-north, boosting the nation's goal of achieving breakthrough applications.
Horizon Quantum, a deep-tech start-up developing tools for quantum software developers, became a key player in this initiative, raising US$18.1 million in its 2023 fund-raising round. The company was later listed on Nasdaq in March with a market capitalization of US$567 million.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
