College of Science Innovation Day 2025

 

The College of Science (CoS) held its second Innovation Day on 29 October where researchers showcased their groundbreaking research. Industry experts were also invited to share their valuable insights on how scientists can commercialise their innovations to significantly impact society and the world.

The event began with opening addresses from three key figures: Professor Simon Redfern, Dean of the College of Science; Mr. David Toh, Acting Associate Vice President (Technology Transfer), NTU Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NTU I&E) office; and Dr. Andreea Radulescu, Venture Building Director at ATUM Ventures.

 

CoS Tech Highlights Session

Following the addresses, researchers from the College’s four Schools presented their innovative work. This session was chaired by Associate Professor Bent Weber.

Professor Simon Redfern, who is also the President’s Chair in Earth Sciences, showcased the work of his team, carbonsynk. Their work focused on using natural solutions for climate mitigation and to create sustainable agriculture. His team aimed to turn farmland into carbon sinks by spreading silicate rock powder from mining waste over the land. Whilst carrying out their work, the team discovered that the rock powder not only helped to trap and store carbon but also led to significantly increased crop yields.

Professor Shen Zexiang, from the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, detailed his more than 15 years of experience working with graphene. His company, SG Graphene Technologies, focuses on the mass production of high-quality graphene. Made up of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, graphene is an exceptionally strong, chemically stable, flexible, and elastic material that is also incredibly thin and light. Its remarkable properties make it attractive for various industries, ranging from biotechnology to aerospace engineering.

Next up was Professor Peter Preiser, from the School of Biological Sciences, who highlighted his work on revolutionising biomarker detection and rapid assay generation. His company, Thrixen, founded in 2021, developed a rapid point-of-care multiplex diagnostic platform that uses proprietary engineered protein binders and a unique assay format. This diagnostic platform can test for multiple disease biomarkers, is easier to use, more accessible to patients and doctors, and delivers greater diagnostic performance.

Associate Professor Timothy Tan, from the School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology, discussed his work on scar treatment and repair. His company, RNAscence Biotechnology, has developed patches containing dissolvable microtips that can penetrate and introduce hyaluronic acid into the skin. This creates an environment that is ideal for tissue repair, and offers a treatment method that is easy to use, painless, and steroid-free.

To conclude the research and innovation presentations, Dr. Peter Chen, Co-Founder of Singapore Dental Star R&D Investment Company, delivered a closing address. He shared his personal journey from innovation to commercialisation. He also reminded researchers looking to introduce their work to the market that they must carefully build their management teams, and to focus on impact innovation – solving real world problems by combining scientific depth and industrial strength.

The day culminated in a fireside chat moderated by Mr. Toh. The panel featured Dr. Radulescu, Dr. Chen, Prof. Preiser, Prof. Shen, Assoc Prof. Tan and Dr. Shelby Zhang, Executive Director at Vertex Growth, who answered questions from the audience.

 

CoS Research Awards

Finally, the event concluded with the CoS Research Awards ceremony, which recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of the College’s faculty and research staff. The Awards were presented in three categories:

The CoS Innovation/Impact Award recognises those whose outstanding research and innovations have made a profound and lasting impact on society. This year, it was awarded to Associate Professor Soo Han Sen.

The CoS Research Award (Young Investigator) is dedicated to individuals or teams under the age of 39 who have demonstrated remarkable achievements in advancing the understanding of science. The recipients were Nanyang Assistant Professor Chang Guoqing, Nanyang Assistant Professor Qiao Yuan, and Nanyang Assistant Professor Lee Hiang Kwee.

The CoS Research Award honours individuals or teams who have made exceptional contributions in extending the frontiers of knowledge. The recipient was Professor Fan Hongjin.