HTX and the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF) came together and held insightful discussions on research, innovation and enterprise (RIE) at HTX’s headquarters on 27 March 2025.
The NRF is a department within the
Prime Minister’s Office that sets the national direction for R&D by developing policies, plans and strategies for RIE.
Established in 2006, its key vision is to develop Singapore as a vibrant science and technology (S&T) hub.
The exchange, organised by HTX’s Plans & Strategy division, introduced the R&D programmes managed by each party. These programmes have effectively shaped national imperatives: delivering S&T capabilities that exponentially
impact public safety and security in the case of HTX, and building up RIE capabilities to generate scientific breakthroughs which address strategic national challenges in the case of NRF.
Building key partnerships
One of the topics discussed was the importance of collaborations, be it with local or international partners, or with entities within the start-up ecosystem. HTX and NRF both hold collaborations with other parties in high regard, which is evidenced
by their regular open calls for innovative S&T solutions from start-ups and researchers around the world to address challenges faced by the Home Team or the nation.
Hatch,
HTX’s own innovation centre for public safety and security, is one shining example of how the agency has been striking up partnerships with start-ups. Since its inception in 2023, Hatch has worked with dozens of start-ups from around the world
to curate and accelerate dual-use start-up technologies.
Start-ups that make the cut for its Dimension X programme get to work closely with Champions – experts from either HTX or Home Team Departments – to solve public safety
and security challenges. The programme culminates with Demo Day, which is held twice a year.
A focus on AI, R&D
The two organisations also discussed ways to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) as an intentional strategy for innovation and growth. AI development programmes, infrastructure and compute resources, products, and responsible adoption and
use of AI were also discussed.
Prioritising R&D in areas such as large language models (LLMs), as well as multimodal, vision, speech, audio and embodied AI, HTX’s very own AI movement focuses on building an AI-enabled Home Team.
HTX also showcased two of its R&D labs set up by its Biometrics & Profiling Centre of Expertise (B&P CoE) and the Q Team CoE. These labs are dedicated to the development, prototyping and experimentation of its AI-driven technological solutions.
Senior Director of NRF’s Strategy team, Elizabeth Heng, commended the R&D efforts by HTX.
“HTX has clearly thought through its R&D strategies and frameworks, and its S&T solutions are interesting
and innovative. The people here are dedicated to understanding their users’ needs and engaging in new spaces such as with the start-up ecosystem,” she said.
She added that, from a citizen’s perspective, she feels
assured knowing that much is being done to keep Singapore safe and secure.
“HTX is delighted to have hosted NRF for this visit and showcased our capabilities and innovations that empower the Home
Team,” said Cheng Wee Kiang, Director of HTX’s Plans and Strategy.
“We also appreciate the NRF team's sharing on their RIE2025 plan and forthcoming initiatives, which will continue to drive the RIE ecosystem we
operate in.”
Moving forward, HTX and NRF will continue to explore avenues for collaboration on R&T projects.
