- NTU Singapore opened a lab to advance soft, stretchable electronics with industry partners.
- Potential applications span healthcare, agriculture, and more.
- The goal is maturing and translating the technologies via a robust innovation ecosystem.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) has established a new pilot lab to prototype advanced ultra-thin soft electronics technologies with industry partners. The stretchable and flexible devices could transform fields like healthcare and agriculture.
A lab for real-time vital signs monitoring?
The new electronics resemble soft tissue rather than traditional rigid silicon chips. Electronic skin patches developed by Professor Chen Xiaodong’s team can conform to the body for real-time monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate.
The technologies also have applications in plant health monitoring to mitigate crop diseases.
Aiming for a centre of excellence
“We aim to address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to healthcare advancements,” said Prof Chen. “My goal is to establish a new center of excellence for soft electronics, building a team of industry experts and commercial partners to bring these technologies to market swiftly.”
Several of NTU’s soft electronics innovations are patent pending.
A promising new field of soft electronics
The new lab will focus on prototyping and maturing the technologies in collaboration with companies, including SMEs. By working closely with industry, the university aims to expedite the translation of soft electronics research into commercial and societal impact.
The promising new field of soft electronics could soon unlock breakthroughs in medical tech, agriculture, and beyond thanks to NTU Singapore’s robust innovation ecosystem.
