Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has announced a five-year, SGD 150 million research program focused on advanced additive manufacturing technologies. The initiative will fund projects in multi-material printing, in-process quality monitoring, and AM for sustainable manufacturing applications.

The program reflects Singapore’s strategy of leveraging R&D excellence to compete in high-value manufacturing despite its small size and high labor costs. The city-state has emerged as a regional center for AM innovation, hosting research facilities for major international companies and nurturing a growing ecosystem of startups.

“Singapore may not compete on volume manufacturing, but we can lead in innovation and high-mix, low-volume production,” said Dr. Lim Bee Hua, executive director of A*STAR’s advanced manufacturing program. “AM aligns perfectly with our strengths in design, materials science, and precision engineering.”

The research funding will support collaborations between A*STAR institutes, local universities including National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, and industry partners. Priority areas include bioprinting for regenerative medicine, metal AM for aerospace components, and sustainable materials for polymer printing.

Singapore’s AM ecosystem includes the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC), which provides access to advanced equipment and technical expertise for companies exploring the technology. Major manufacturers with AM operations in Singapore include Rolls-Royce, Siemens, and HP Inc.

The country has also become a hub for AM startups, with companies like Curiox Biosystems (bioprinting), TriTech 3D (medical applications), and Structo (desktop SLA printers) attracting international venture capital. Government support through agencies like Enterprise Singapore provides grants and mentorship to help these companies scale.

Education is another focus area. Singapore Polytechnic and other technical institutions have established AM training programs, and the government sponsors scholarships for students pursuing AM-related fields. The goal is to develop a workforce capable of supporting Singapore’s ambitions as a regional AM center.

The research initiative will run through 2030, with interim reviews to assess progress and adjust priorities based on market developments and technological breakthroughs.