CSIJRI, a leading technology cooperation platform and research institution, seamlessly integrates innovation, research commercialization, and business incubation. As a bridge between China and Singapore, it plays a crucial role in helping overseas projects enter and navigate the Chinese market. At the forefront of Knowledge City's rapid development, the Institute has frequently been in the spotlight. On October 17, Guangzhou Daily's special report, "Smart Marriage of Knowledge City," highlighted its impact on the region's growth and innovation.
Located just a 40-minute drive northeast of central Guangzhou, Knowledge City is emerging as a dynamic hub, attracting leading companies and technology enterprises at an impressive pace. Its campus is home to high-tech firms specializing in semiconductors and biomedicine, while its laboratories and research centers are actively pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Since its inception, Knowledge City has been deeply involved in China-Singapore cooperation projects and has actively contributed to the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. Here unfolds a landscape of collaboration in science and technology — open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial.
The press team arrived at CSIJRI on Tenglong Avenue in Knowledge City, ready to delve into the vibrant tapestry of innovation and cooperation while exploring the practices of Chinese modernization.
"Our building has gone through scanning by multi-sensors, and a 3D model has been constructed," said Dr. Wen Mingxing, a researcher at the Intelligent Perception and Research Center. Pointing to the computer screen, he explained, "Now we have achieved intelligent perception by monitoring the changes in heat, distance, and speed." To demonstrate the operation of the intelligent sensing system, he invited reporters to scan and construct a model themselves. Mr. Wen, who joined Knowledge City after graduating from NTU Singapore, shared with the reporters, "CSIJRI allows me to continue my research from Singapore while facilitating collaboration with researchers in China. The smart sensing system represents the successful synergy between our two teams."
This project is just one of many intelligent sensing initiatives at the institute. CSIJRI, a joint venture between NTU Singapore and SCUT, has been actively commercializing projects since its establishment in 2017. The two universities work together to align their efforts with the industrial goals of the Greater Bay Area, attracting top universities and research institutions both domestically and internationally. They aim to foster collaborative development and translate research achievements into tangible products and services. To date, the institute has successfully commercialized nearly 80 projects, with over half being collaborative efforts between China and Singapore.
Each project at the institute has its own laboratory if it meets the requirements. Through the CSIJRI platform, projects can connect with universities and enterprises nationwide to foster collaboration. At the Turquoise and Green Hydrogen Preparation Laboratory, reporters observed SCUT graduate students conducting catalyst tests under the supervision of Dr. Zhang Lan, a scientist from NTU Singapore. Dr. Zhang and Prof. Shen Yi of SCUT jointly established this laboratory. By leveraging China's equipment manufacturing capabilities, the project has achieved breakthroughs in critical technologies and holds two patents. Dr. Zhang mentioned that they are preparing for a joint venture to commercialize their research.
In addition to the state-of-the-art laboratories, reporters also visited a shared laboratory on the third floor of the institute. This facility is equipped with various instruments for XRD scanning, quantitative analysis of inclusions, and substance identification testing. For projects lacking a dedicated laboratory, there is an option to apply for conducting experiments in this shared space. Here, every dream, whether big or small, has the opportunity to take off.
"First, add a certain amount of A, then add B in proportion and mix thoroughly," Shu Shijie instructed reporters in the Synthetic Soil Laboratory as they created a soil sponge. Within seconds, a chemical reaction occurred, and the mixture foamed rapidly in the mold. After placing the shaping cover on top and allowing it to set for a few minutes, the artificial soil sponge was ready.
"From project inception to commercialisation, we've received step-by-step services from the institute," Prof Shu Shijie told reporters. "Our project team has incorporated the company and is currently in the financing phase." This project was jointly developed by Prof Huang Weimin from NTU and the research teams from SCUT and Jiangsu University. Prof Shu highlighted the project's advantages: "Compared to traditional soil-like sponges in the market, our product has a low cost but an extended product life."
Some commercialisation projects originate from universities and may require additional management experience. In response, CSIJRI offers a comprehensive range of services, including technical support and entrepreneurial incubation. As the project progresses, services such as company incorporation and project financing are available. The institute facilitates matching for overseas projects and ensures their swift entry into the Chinese market. Take Simscop Instruments, a Singapore-based company dedicated to researching and manufacturing high-end optical microscopy imaging equipment, for instance. Within months of its incorporation last December, the company secured orders totalling several million yuan.
"We're seeking a win-win situation," stated the head of the institute, "Whether it is a project from Singapore or a joint project with China, our goal remains the same: to leverage our resources and drive their commercialization. In the future, we aspire to incubate more projects and become a key driver of innovation-driven industries in the Greater Bay Area. We aim to enhance our standing in research and talent development through exchanges and contribute to global innovation."
With the concept of "providing a conducive environment for investment and fostering mutual benefit and win-win results," CSIJRI has successfully incubated nearly 50 start-ups and offered solutions to one hundred enterprises. The seeds of innovation are germinating on this international platform.
Correspondents' Observation
Identifying Pain Points and Integration into the Global Innovation Network
The Guangzhou's 14th Five-Year Plan emphasises the necessity of integration into the global innovation network. It advocates for implementing an open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial international cooperation strategy. The plan aims to strengthen multi-level cooperation with innovative countries and cities globally and deepen the collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Deep cooperation requires identifying the pain points of both parties. The exploration of CSIJRI confirms this view. China has established a comprehensive industrial system and an innovation framework, with a large number of scientific talents. In contrast, Singapore has accumulated rich experience in technology transfer, capital market operations, and intellectual property protection. The two countries can complement each other at all forefronts. The synergy will enable better incubation and commercialisation of each black technology. Ultimately, this collaboration will promote both countries' innovative development and maximise the benefits of the cooperation.
CSIJRI aims to become a leading R&D hub, integrating innovation, research, business incubation, and technology transfer. As a driving force behind the growth of innovation-focused industries, it plays a pivotal role in helping the Greater Bay Area emerge as a global center of talent and innovation.
Source: Guangzhou Daily
