China-Singapore green innovation exchange kicks off in Tianjin

The 2025 China-Singapore Green Development Enterprise Exchange Week and the second edition of the Market Validation Trip Event by the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) Eco-City Research and Innovation Centre (SERIC) officially opened on Tuesday at the Low Carbon Living Lab in the China-Singapore Eco-Business Park.

A second group of five standout startups from SUTD will take part in a five-day exchange program across Tianjin and Beijing. They will participate in roadshows in the Eco-City to assess the regional business environment and market access policies. The visit aims to connect resources and explore opportunities for the companies to establish a presence in the Eco-City.

The initiative seeks to deepen China-Singapore cooperation in areas including green and low-carbon technology, the low-altitude economy, artificial intelligence and big data, and STEAM education. It is expected to promote synergy in technological research and development, industrial application, and market expansion.

The event is co-hosted by the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co., the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Administrative Committee, and SUTD, and jointly organized by SERIC and Enlighten Star (Tianjin) Entrepreneurship Consulting Service Co.

SERIC focuses on nurturing and incubating promising technological innovations and entrepreneurial projects from SUTD, helping startups use the Eco-City as a launchpad for industrial collaboration and market entry into China.

One such startup, Castomize, which joined last year's inaugural trip, has used its 4D printed orthopedic cast technology to engage in specialized discussions with three Tianjin hospitals. These talks led to preliminary agreements on joint research and clinical trials.

At Tuesday's launch ceremony, Castomize signed memorandums of understanding with the hospitals, establishing frameworks for deeper collaboration. The company also announced plans to register a business entity at the Singapore Centre in the Eco-Business Park's Landmark building, marking its formal entry into the Eco-City. The local presence is expected to enhance cooperation with medical institutions and accelerate market penetration, bringing its advanced medical solutions to more patients in China.

During the event, five startups — Greenchar, Spinoff Robotics, Staple, Wefaa, and Betterdata — presented their projects to potential partners. After gaining insights into the Eco-City's development and industrial ecosystem, they will participate in matchmaking sessions with Tianjin-based enterprises and investors, followed by a roadshow in Beijing to seek further collaboration.

SERIC said it will continue to facilitate technological exchanges and industrial cooperation between China and Singapore, accelerating the commercialization of high-quality Singaporean innovations in China and fostering synergy in emerging sectors such as low-carbon smart economy and education.

yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn