Singapore: Singapore Economic Development Board has invested in Rapid Micro Biosystems, a provider of automated, non-destructive, rapid microbial detection, to expand its global commercial and manufacturing operations.

Rapid Micro Biosystems has developed Growth Direct, a system for faster detection of microbial contamination in the manufacture of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and personal care products.

The Growth Direct System detects microbial contamination earlier across all key applications of environmental monitoring, bioburden and sterility testing, delivering compelling economic benefits to healthcare product manufacturers while improving their microbial quality processes.

"With our growing customer base in Asia, and specifically in Singapore, the partnership with EDBI will accelerate Rapid Micro Biosystems' strategic focus of growing our commercial and operational capabilities in the region," said Mr Robert Spignesi, CEO, Rapid Micro Biosystems.

"Rapid Micro Biosystems will enable Singapore's pharmaceutical and medical technology plants to capture substantial and sustainable productivity gains. We are excited to assist the company in gaining access to the fast-growing Asian market from Singapore through our network in the region," said Chu Swee Yeok, CEO and President, EDBI.