Singapore allocates S$118 million to boost bio-based chemical research

Singapore has set aside S$118 million in public funds to accelerate research into chemicals derived from biological feedstocks, marking the largest single commitment to this sector. Launched on Oct 5 under the S$37 billion Research, Innovation, Enterprise 2030 plan, the Bioeconomy Funding Initiative will focus on turning industrial sidestreams into valuable products, developing microbe and enzyme-based manufacturing, and optimizing mixed biological-chemical production routes for items such as synthetic rubber.

Jermaine Loy, managing director of the Economic Development Board, said the move aims to grow capabilities in specialty chemicals and advanced materials while greening the existing industrial base. The projects will be coordinated by a dedicated office within the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, with the EDB leading industry engagement. The effort builds on earlier funding, bringing total bio-economy investment to roughly S$200 million over five years. The announcement coincided with the opening of the S$50 million National Centre for Engineering Biology at the National University of Singapore, which houses over 150 researchers and is recruiting additional staff.