Collaboration is a word often used in business but perhaps is seldom understood. For me, collaboration is like chemistry. When the right people meet, sparks fly and, when it’s done right, the result is positive, creating something new and useful.
In Singapore’s innovation landscape, collaboration has become a key driver of progress. The strongest partnerships are rarely accidental; they come from preparation, openness, and a shared focus on solving real problems. Across industries, businesses are learning that effective collaboration starts long before the meeting room, with clarity of purpose and an understanding of what each party can bring to the table.
At IPI Singapore, we see our role as facilitators of that chemistry. We do the due diligence upfront, so that when enterprises come together, they don’t just talk, they get to work. That spirit is at the heart of TechInnovation, where the focus is on collaboration that drives real impact.
Here’s an example. One multinational had developed an AI tool for anomaly detection and was seeking an SME to apply it. Through a local innovation network, it connected with a Singapore company serving data centres, where energy efficiency is critical. Together, they tested a robotic inspection solution. The SME gained access to advanced technology without building it from scratch, while the larger company found a practical partner to apply its innovation. That is collaboration with real results.
Another example is how traditional, family-run businesses are finding new life through co-innovation. Heritage brands such as Eu Yan Sang, Kwong Cheong Thye, and Scanteak are partnering with technology providers and startups to modernise processes, improve sustainability, and reach new markets. Their experiences show that innovation is not limited to young or digital-native companies. Even established firms can adapt and stay competitive when they work with the right partners.
What makes collaboration truly effective is not just enthusiasm, but discipline. It is about matching real needs with the right technologies and staying committed to shared goals. In practice, collaboration works best when broken into bite-size steps that deliver early wins and build momentum over time. This approach helps enterprises of all sizes maintain focus, measure progress, and gain confidence to scale larger initiatives.
Looking ahead, Singapore’s innovation community will continue to thrive when collaboration begins at home, among corporates, startups, researchers, and enablers who share a common purpose. As more enterprises work together to solve challenges and open new opportunities, IPI Singapore will continue supporting them to build the partnerships and confidence needed to scale beyond our shores. Real progress starts here, through collaboration that builds trust, creates value, and delivers growth that lasts.