Johnson & Johnson Innovation launches Singapore QuickFire Challenge with the Singapore Economic Development Board

Following launch of first-of-its-kind collaboration between Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS and Singapore’s Economic Development Board, the Singapore QuickFire Challenge invites innovators to pitch for grant funding from a pool of $100,000 for further development.

01 Nov 2023 3 min read

Johnson & Johnson Innovation Launches Singapore QuickFire Challenge with the Singapore Economic Development Board

Photo credit: Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. announced today at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) the call for participation in the Singapore QuickFire Challenge (QFC), where innovators with the best potential solution will be awarded grant funding from a pool of $100,000 for further development.

The announcement follows the launch of a first-of-its-kind, “universal” collaboration between Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS (JLABS) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) that will embed the services and resources of JLABS to accelerate innovation within Singapore’s life science ecosystem and the wider Asia Pacific region, under a pioneering new collaboration model for Johnson & Johnson Innovation.

Photo credit: Johnson & Johnson

“In recognition of Singapore’s thriving innovation ecosystem, collaborative avenues and expertise in science and technology, we are proud to collaborate with EDB to provide companies with access to our new, collaborative “universal” JLABS model that builds on our legacy of driving innovation with external collaborators. Our commitment to investing in Singapore's life science ecosystem is an affirmation of our unwavering dedication to scientific progress, healthcare excellence and sourcing innovation wherever it originates.”

William N. Hait, M.D., Ph.D

Executive Vice President, Chief External Innovation and Medical Officer

Johnson & Johnson

Under this new collaboration, JLABS will support companies in Singapore to help accelerate their early-stage discoveries into innovative medicines, medical technologies, and healthcare solutions. JLABS will work with local incubators and other strategic partners in the ecosystem on venture and talent development offerings to stimulate employment and commercialization opportunities for these early-stage companies.

“This a critical milestone for Johnson & Johnson Innovation. It deepens our commitment to support early innovation in the life science innovation ecosystem with a customized approach for Singapore that leverages 12 years of experience, a credible, recognized global brand, and the largest global life science network of startups, investors, and partners.”

Melinda Richter

Global Head

JLABS

Johnson & Johnson Innovation has supported a global network of open innovation ecosystems, enabling and empowering emerging companies with the knowledge, experience, partnerships, and venture connections across a broad healthcare spectrum, including the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors. JLABS has supported nearly 1,000 companies and engaged more than 100 investment firms through its Investor Hub.

The following companies are the first to receive Universal JLABS services and resources through this new collaboration:

Company name	About the company
Kinexcs	Kinexcs focuses on developing a smart recovery management solution for patients undergoing musculoskeletal surgeries combining wearables with AI-driven health monitoring system.
ChemLex Technologies	ChemLex focuses on developing an AI-driven automatic platform to redefine chemical synthesis.
Avecris	Avecris focuses on developing SPRING DNA, a novel non-viral DNA-based gene delivery platform for long-lasting and cell-type specific gene expression, offering the potential to transform gene therapy and next- generation genetic vaccination
Alt Atlas	Alt Atlas focuses on developing unique stem cell lines (iPSCs) with a breakthrough mRNA technology, combined with an AI digital manufacturing platform to advance drug development, disease modelling & cell therapy.
Rebee Health	Rebee Health focuses on developing a Tele-health ecosystem combining wearable device with AI-driven data analysis to support an efficient patient management system for physical rehabilitation.
Respiree	Respiree focuses on developing a unique patented wearable solution platform to real-time identify chronic lung dysfunctions for early diagnosis and treatment.
Zymedi	Zymedi focuses on developing novel therapeutic treatment for various inflammatory diseases through targeting aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (ARSs).
Qritive	Qritive focuses on developing an AI-powered platform of solutions that provides histopathologic diagnosis of cancer with higher efficiency, access, and quality, for better patient outcome.

Singapore QuickFire Challenge

The Singapore QuickFire Challenge was announced at SWITCH, inviting innovators from across the globe who have an active interest in the Singapore innovation ecosystem to submit groundbreaking ideas, technologies, or potential healthcare solutions aiming to improve the trajectory of outcomes for patients.

The innovator(s) with the best potential solution will receive grant funding from a total pool of $100,000, access to the global JLABS network.

Applications are currently being accepted from biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and digital health companies. Companies and innovators interested in JLABS are invited to visit https://jnjinnovation.com/locations/jlabs/jlabs-singapore.

Applicants to the Singapore QuickFire Challenge are invited to apply at https://jji.jnj/SG2023 by January 26, 2024.

* Subject to terms and conditions of applicable QuickFire Challenge and execution of an award agreement

01 November 2023

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