SINGAPORE, 18 September 2018 - In the first collaboration of its kind in Singapore, RB Health has today signed a partnership with IPI at its 7th flagship event TechInnovation, kicking off with a search to find solutions that will maximise mother and infant nutrition. IPI is a not-for-profit organisation with 20,000 innovation and enterprise partners worldwide and the organisation behind TechInnovation, which convenes technology providers and seekers from all over the world to explore technology collaboration opportunities through open innovation.
Guy Tweedie, Vice President Infant and Child Nutrition R&D, RB: “IPI has a world leading network of innovators and we are delighted and excited by the partnership potential. Together, we will be seeking health solutions for consumers in several areas. At RB, we support exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding up to two years of age and beyond. Breast-milk provides the best source of nutrition for infants, transmitting essential nutrients and antibodies to support the immune system. However, we recognise that not all mothers choose or are capable of breastfeeding, and so with IPI, we can collectively translate ground-breaking research on mother and infant nutrition and the impact of the microbiome on their health, into future products. Microbiome is key for providing adequate gut, immune and brain development and helping mothers and infants achieve optimal nutrition.”
Undernutrition, which includes suboptimal breastfeeding, is the underlying cause of death in an estimated 45% of all deaths among children under 5 years of age. The partnership with IPI’s network will play a critical role in helping RB find new ways to optimise the microbiome in both mother and infant to reduce undernourishment and its impact on infant development and disease prevention in later life, for infants that are not breastfed.
As the global health landscape shifts towards illness prevention and wellness, having a strong innovation pipeline of early warning and preventative solutions is the goal for RB and is crucial to delivering real-world solutions at speed and scale.
“IPI is thrilled to support RB’s mission to find consumer health solutions through this private-public partnership. We will reach out to our global network of technology partners for expertise and innovative solutions and facilitate open innovation collaborations between start-ups, digital health experts and RB to help improve nutritional health for millions of adults and children around the world,” said Professor Lam Khin Yong, Executive Director of IPI.
This is the first of several collaborations of its kind for RB and kicks off a wider global partnership drive that sets up key health innovation hubs around the world where collaboration with the brightest experts, entrepreneurs, health professionals in the social, digital and health space will help find solutions today, tomorrow and in the future.
Innovators who are keen to connect with RB can get in touch via IPI at techscout@ipi-singapore.org
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For further information contact:
RB Health
Jazz Rehal
Head of Scientific and Stakeholder Engagement
DL: T: +44 (0) 1628 744 440
Email: jazz.rehal@rb.com
IPI
Charlene Boh
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
DID: +65 6653 4913, Mobile: +65 9767 7792
About RB
RB is the global leading consumer health, hygiene and home company. Driven by a purpose to build healthier lives and happier homes, RB has operations in over 60 countries. From the foundations of wellness and infant nutrition, to the fundamentals of a hygienic home, our global brands help people live healthier, happier lives. RB has world leading Powerbrands which include household names such as Enfamil, Nutramigen, Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Clearasil, Lysol, Dettol, Veet, Harpic, Cillit Bang, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, Calgon, Woolite and Air Wick. RB’s unique culture is at the heart of its success. Its drive to achieve, passion to outperform and commitment to quality and scientific excellence are manifested in the work of over 40,000 RB employees worldwide.
About IPI
IPI catalyses and enables enterprises to grow their businesses through technology and innovation. An affiliate of Enterprise Singapore, IPI promotes open innovation, and works with enterprises to source for technologies locally and abroad. In addition, it facilitates technology partnerships to bring new and innovative products and services to the market. Connected to a global network of technology partners, including the Enterprise Europe Network, IPI is well-positioned to facilitate connections between technology seekers and providers, driving growth and innovation opportunities for Singapore enterprises. For more information, visit www.ipi-singapore.org.