Stronger Support and Partnerships to Bring Urban Innovations to the Market

The theme for this year’s Urban Solutions and Sustainability (USS) Research & Innovation Congress, “Re-inventing Cities of Tomorrow”, reflects the importance of harnessing technology and innovation to reimagine and reshape the future of Singapore’s urban environment. The Congress brings together participants across government agencies, academia and industry to exchange ideas and explore innovative solutions on urban sustainability.

In his opening speech, Minister for National Development Mr Chee Hong Tat highlighted the importance of research and innovation to maintain Singapore's competitive edge and ensure a high-quality living environment for Singaporeans. He announced the following key initiatives to accelerate the translation of research and innovation into meaningful, real-world outcomes:

a) USS Translation Fund

The USS Translation Fund is a new $40 million funding programme by the Ministry of National Development (MND) and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) to support local companies develop, pilot and commercialise promising urban and sustainability solutions. Administered by the USS Innovation & Enterprise Office (USS IEO), a national platform hosted by A*STAR, the fund helps companies translate high-potential USS research into cost-effective market-ready products. By supporting the commercialisation of innovative solutions, the Fund creates potential business opportunities across key USS sectors including the built environment, water, environmental services, and agri-food industries. More details are in Annex A.

b) Streamlined Procurement of Research Innovations & Technology (SPRINT)

MND will launch a new green lane procurement programme, SPRINT, to streamline procurement and expedite government adoption of innovative research products. SPRINT will be administered by HDB and BCA, and piloted by MND Family agencies. During the pilot phase, companies that meet SPRINT's requirements become qualified vendors, enabling direct procurement by MND Family agencies. This streamlined process is expected to halve procurement timelines. SPRINT will also help companies strengthen their credentials as part of the panel of qualified government suppliers, widen their market access, and build their industry track records. More details are in Annex B.

c) Built Environment AI Centre of Excellence

MND, in partnership with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), is launching a new $30 million Built Environment AI Centre of Excellence (BE AI CoE). This centre will foster collaboration between Government agencies, academia and industry to develop AI-driven solutions that address key challenges in the BE sector, such as manpower shortages in the labour-intensive construction and facilities management sectors, and climate change impacts. The CoE aims to transform work processes to enhance productivity, sustainability, and liveability whilst nurturing 'AI bilinguals' – professionals with both technical AI expertise and practical understanding of BE sector challenges. More details are in Annex C.

Additionally, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will launch a decarbonisation technology roadmap at the Heat Resilience Breakout session on 6 February 2026:

d) Built Environment Decarbonisation Technology Roadmap

BCA and Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC), with support from A*STAR, have jointly developed a roadmap which identifies close to 70 key technologies and strategies. This roadmap will guide research and innovation efforts towards achieving the Singapore Green Building Masterplan’s (SGBMP)’s “80-80-80” targets by 2030 and work towards our longer-term target for net-zero emissions by 2050. Market-ready strategies and solutions such as alternative cooling and ventilation technologies, AI-controlled energy optimisation systems and low carbon construction practices will help developers and building owners decarbonise their building portfolios, while identified emerging technology priorities will support Singapore’s Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) 2030 plan. More details are in Annex D.

Jointly issued by: Ministry of National Development (MND) and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE)

Date: 5 February 2026

Annex A: Urban Solutions & Sustainability (USS) Translation Fund

Annex B: Streamlined Procurement of Research Innovations & Technology (SPRINT)

Annex C: Establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence for the Built Environment

Annex D: Built Environment Decarbonisation Technology Roadmap