The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency, and Flagship Pioneering, the bioplatform innovation company, have announced plans to collaborate to advance health and sustainability outcomes in Singapore and the broader Asia Pacific region. In this collaboration, A*STAR and Flagship will jointly commit up to SGD100 million over the next five years.

A*STAR and Flagship outlined the goals of their collaboration via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed recently. The collaboration will promote research and development activities between A*STAR research institutes and Flagship portfolio companies, to co-develop technologies in strategically important areas.

Talent development is another pillar of the collaboration, with potential scientific dialogues and internship opportunities at Flagship and its portfolio companies.

Together, A*STAR and Flagship seek to spur innovation and venture creation activities that help create and grow Flagship companies in Singapore. Flagship will contribute its signature approach to company creation and development while A*STAR will contribute its expertise in science and technology through access to its scientists and facilities. This MoU will have the potential to expand and foster collaborations among key players across Singapore's biotech ecosystem.

"By joining forces, Flagship and A*STAR can further boost the already thriving life sciences ecosystem in Singapore and beyond, with breakthrough research, purposeful entrepreneurship and accelerated talent development," said André Andonian, Chair of Asia Pacific and Strategic Advisor, Flagship Pioneering. 

Irene Cheong, Assistant Chief Executive at A*STAR's Innovation & Enterprise Group said, "This collaboration is a key step in nurturing our entrepreneurial talent and exploring new, innovative approaches to venture building. As we continue to expand these partnerships, we are confident that they will drive significant growth in Singapore's innovation landscape and advance Singapore'sposition as a global hub for biotechnological innovations."