The Smart Move: Three businesses innovating in Singapore to serve Asia’s fastest growing markets

Expedera: Silicon Valley semiconductor company sets up R&D centre in Singapore

Silicon Valley-based Expedera, a semiconductor technology company, is strengthening its global footprint with a new R&D centre in Singapore. The company develops Neural Processing Units (NPUs) – specialised chips that enable AI features in everyday devices like smartphones, smart home appliances, and advanced automotive systems.

The R&D centre will focus on developing proprietary NPU hardware microarchitecture (the internal structure and organisation of a processing unit) and memory systems.

Singapore's position as a hub for engineering talent, coupled with its vibrant semiconductor ecosystem and robust intellectual property (IP) protection framework, made it an ideal choice for Expedera's expansion.

Looking ahead, the company aims to leverage collaborations with local research institutes like the Institute of Microelectronics (IME) and Artificial Intelligence Analytics and Informatics (AI3), as well as top local universities, to develop new intellectual property and innovative solutions that will contribute to the next generation of AI processing technology from Singapore.
 

IDEMIA: French biometric solutions MNC sets up APAC headquarters in Singapore

From seamless airport immigration clearance to secure contactless payments to secure electronic voting – IDEMIA's technology empowers citizens and consumers to interact, pay, connect, travel, and vote safely in an increasingly digital world.

With its advanced biometric and identity security solutions, IDEMIA enables governments and businesses to provide safer, more efficient services through innovative payment systems, border control solutions, and identity verification technologies.

The Singapore office serves as IDEMIA's APAC headquarters, driving sales, delivery and support across the region. Additionally, the company will expand its R&D capabilities here, focusing on solutions for identification, border control, road safety, and public security.

IDEMIA plans to leverage Singapore's innovation ecosystem to develop new solutions for the region and potentially global markets through its local R&D centre. Singapore's vibrant digital ecosystem and strategic position supporting APAC markets made it an ideal choice for IDEMIA's regional headquarters. This expansion will strengthen the company's presence in Asia, and it hopes to contribute to Singapore's development as a leading digital security hub.
 

Gene Solutions: Biotech pioneer in genetic testing establishes regional hub in Singapore

A simple blood test that can detect cancer early or help expectant parents understand their baby's health – these are some of the genetic testing services that Gene Solutions is making accessible across Southeast Asia. 

The Vietnam-founded biotechnology pioneer has established its regional hub for clinical oncology testing and development in Singapore, marking a significant step in its mission to revolutionise healthcare through advanced genomics and AI.

With over 2 million tests provided to patients and families in the region, Gene Solutions specialises in next-generation genetic testing, such as Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) and clinical oncology solutions. Their Singapore hub will house a state-of-the-art laboratory, accredited by the US College of American Pathology, focusing on clinical oncology testing and innovative solutions that combine genomic science with artificial intelligence capabilities.

Singapore's robust capital markets environment and collaborative healthcare ecosystem made it a natural choice for Gene Solutions’ expansion. Between 2022 and 2024, startups in the healthcare sector closed 67 deals with a cumulative value of US$0.97 billion (S$1.3 billion), despite the recent global downturn in biotech investments². In addition, Singapore’s deep pool of biomedical talent and strong network of research institutes will support the company's R&D ambitions and provide opportunities to forge strategic partnerships across the region.

Through this new centre, Gene Solutions aims to further its mission of making advanced genetic testing more accessible throughout Southeast Asia.

Singapore – the best place in Asia to anchor your headquarters and your business

Singapore is home to leading MNCs, a vibrant ecosystem of 286,000 small and medium enterprises and 4,500 tech startups. Our compact size and high concentration of businesses creates unique advantages – leaders can easily connect, collaborate, and grow their professional networks here. This dynamic environment, recently recognised as the world's most innovative economy, is supported by a deep talent pool, strong intellectual property protection, and extensive connectivity to key Asian markets.

For businesses seeking a launchpad for growth, Singapore provides not just a strategic location, but an ecosystem of research partners that support business innovation.

Keen to set up your business in Singapore? Check out EDB’s Guide to Setting Up in Singapore for more information.
 

Check out past issues of “The Smart Move” here:

• The Smart Move: Empowering startups for global impact
• The Smart Move: European firms embrace Singapore as APAC's hub
• The Smart Move: Empowering Sustainable Innovation
• The Smart Move: Innovative tech startups solve for Asian customers from Singapore
• The Smart Move: Data-driven startups find growth in Asia through Singapore
• The Smart Move: Revolutionising industries from Singapore
• The Smart Move: Four tech trailblazers across Europe that have landed in Singapore
  
  

References:

¹  “Energising a sustainable future: Our CEO on advancing energy storage systems.” GivEnergy. Accessed 22 Jan 2025.

²  “How Singapore Punches Above Its Weight In Advancing Drug Discovery And Development” Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR). Accessed 27 Jan 2025.