Nordic Innovation House Singapore: Newsletter - September 2024

Features

Singapore Innovation Ecosystem Highlights

• The European Union and Singapore finalized a digital trade agreement on 25 July 2024, following negotiations that began on 20 July 2023. Digital trade encompasses commerce facilitated by electronic means, including telecommunications and ICT services, and involves the exchange of both goods and services. It plays a crucial role across all sectors of the economy and is particularly significant for European industry.
• Keppel and the Embassy of Denmark in Singapore recently partnered to advance emission reductions in Singapore’s built environment. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on energy surveys for commercial and retail buildings, share expertise in energy efficiency solutions, and facilitate connections between Keppel and Danish solution providers both in Singapore and internationally.
• Solar Foods, founded in Finland in 2017 has launched New Solein-powered products launched in Singapore this year. The limited edition launch in Singapore marks a significant leap forward, making Solein available for consumers and larger scale commercial use.
• Norway and Singapore partner to advance green maritime innovations - Maritime CleanTech and Ocean Hyway Cluster are partnering with Innovation Norway to enhance green maritime collaboration between Norway and Singapore.
• Saab has signed a contract with Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) to supply six composite superstructures for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)’s Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV).?

Insights

Sweden's fashion industry aims to transition from a linear production model to a circular one, emphasizing the recycling or alternative usage of materials to minimize waste.

New fashion paradigms are emerging, often redefining the essence of 'fashion.' An example is Kl?doteket, functioning as a 'fashion library,' allowing individuals to rent designer clothing. Further, at the Swedish School of Textiles, a division of the University of Bor?s, various promising research initiatives focus on textiles and fashion. Smart Textiles, for instance, explores novel technological applications, including the development of recycling and reusing textile fibers (Sweden.se).

Driven by world-class education, robust R&D culture, and government backing, Finland's tech ecosystem fosters a dynamic environment for startups and established companies.

From leading breakthroughs in mobile technology to spearheading innovations in gaming and software development, Finland remains a hub for a dynamic community of entrepreneurs, engineers, and creatives. For example, the Finnish company Virta, dedicated to sustainability and innovation, provides a comprehensive platform that includes EV charging stations, energy management tools, and a cloud-based system for monitoring and optimizing charging processes (Tech EU).

Supported by ongoing initiatives and adapting to global shifts, Norwegian startups are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future economy. Here are some notable examples to watch in 2024.

Otovo -?a renewable energy company that focuses on making solar energy accessible and affordable for homeowners.

Freyr - a renewable energy company based in Norway that specializes in the development and operation of solar and wind energy projects.

Scatec - a global renewable energy company, specializing in the development, construction, and operation of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants (Tech EU).

Opportunities

IMDA Open Innovation Platform challenges

Apply by 13 September, 2024 | Find out more

Stand a chance to win over $850k in the latest IMDA Open Innovation Platform challenges, partnered with Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre, Singapore Tourism Board, PSA Singapore, Changi Airport Group, National Council of Social Services, KONE, Amgen and United Nations Development Programme.

In this call, they are looking for tech solutions ranging from AI, robotics and IoT & networking to be deployed in use-cases across advanced manufacturing, MICE events, social services, infrastructure planning, inspection, finance & accounting and many more.?

Don’t miss this opportunity again! Apply now: https://www.openinnovation.sg/challenges

CHISEL Healthcare InnoMatch 2024 Final Pitching Event

27 September 2024 | Register here

Healthcare InnoMatch is an initiative from the CHI Start-up Enterprise Link (CHISEL) programme, a platform that seeks to accelerate the adoption of near-market or market ready healthcare innovations that are fit for mainstream use, to bridge the last mile from innovation to adoption at speed, at scale. 8 finalists have emerged from participants across 55 countries, and we would like to invite you to join us at the upcoming Final Pitching Event on 27 September 2024 to hear about this year’s innovative solutions!

Europe-ASEAN Innovation Event 2024

2 October 2024

Registration for all attendees?here?

Application for startups?pitching session registration here

We would like to bring to your attention the upcoming Europe-ASEAN Innovation Event 2024, which will take place in Hanoi, Vietnam on October 2, 2024, from 13:30 – 18:00 local time (or 14:30-19:00 Singapore time) in a hybrid format and will be co-hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Viet Nam and the European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation.

The event will include pitch sessions, showcasing a total of 20 start-ups (10 from Europe and 10 from ASEAN), with a special focus on circular economy (wastewater treatment, waste collection and management and reuse) or clean energy (advanced energy storage solutions, smart metering and energy efficiency).

TechInnovation

28-30 October?2024 | Get your complimentary pass here

TechInnovation, Asia's premier technology-matching platform, happens from 28 to 30 October 2024, at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.?

This year’s event, themed ‘Sustainable Urban Living’, promises three days of contentrich sessions designed to bridge business needs with cutting-edge technology. The agenda will deep dive into urban solutions, food, and health and wellness, all underpinned by themes of innovation, AI, digitalisation and sustainability; in addition to exhibition, crowdpitching sessions, IA Masterclasses, and pre-matched business meetings.?

Gain insights from industry experts and thought leaders as they share their perspectives on sustainability, innovation trends, upcoming market drivers, business opportunities and challenges, and market entry strategies.?

Attend TechInnovation to discover new technologies, connect with industry leaders, entrepreneurial innovators, technology seekers and providers, and collaborate with global innovation and technology ecosystem players.

Singapore FinTech Festival

6-8 November?2024 | Register here

Get ready for the Singapore FinTech Festival this November!

We’re thrilled to partner with the world’s most impactful FinTech event, where global leaders in Policy, Finance, and Technology come together.

NIHSG members enjoy a special 20% discount on Delegate Passes (discount applies to current rates).