Hatching innovations for a safer Singapore
Hatch – HTX’s (Home Team Science and Technology Agency) innovation hub – offers start-ups the opportunity to take public safety and security-related technologies to a new dimension.
Mr Ng Yeow Boon, deputy chief executive (development) at HTX and Hatch’s chairman, leads the innovation hub that collaborates with Home Team departments such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Police Force. Photos: Hatch
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Picture this – drones soaring through Singapore’s vibrant cityscape, skilfully negotiating the twists and turns of the urban environment with their ‘eyes’. This isn’t a page out of science fiction, but a tangible reality Wonder Robotics, a pioneering start-up nurtured by Hatch, is aiming to shape.
The firm’s stereo-vision technology lends drones near-human vision, enabling them to fly, navigate and land autonomously. Such a breakthrough could pave the way for the introduction of autonomous aerial operations in the arena of public safety and security. This advancement is just one of many initiated through Hatch’s open innovation challenge, Dimension X.
Innovation is fundamental to public safety and security, says Mr Ng. Video: Mediacorp
Established by HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency) in collaboration with Knovel Engineering and open innovation company SOSA, Hatch seeks to attract and empower promising global start-ups with cutting-edge technologies to meet critical challenges in the public safety and security space.
“Hatch pairs the inventive firepower of start-ups with the operational and technical expertise of HTX and the Home Team,” said Mr Ng Yeow Boon, deputy chief executive (development) at HTX and Hatch’s chairman. This strategic partnership fosters a more dynamic approach to addressing complex public safety needs and offers start-ups a launchpad into the global market.
INNOVATIVE COLLABORATIONS, REAL-WORLD SOLUTIONS
Hatch’s Dimension X connects start-ups with scientists and engineers from HTX as well as end-users from the Home Team to collaborate on innovative concepts and solutions. Subsequently, these concepts undergo real-world trials and validation with the innovation centre.
Mr Mok Shao Hong, Hatch’s centre director, highlighted that since its inception in 2023, the centre has published 20 challenge statements covering a broad spectrum of fields, including the early detection of emotional distress, multi-lingual conversation transcription and even the detection of signs of life underneath rubble.
Last year, Hatch received over 170 applications from start-ups in more than 10 countries. Thus far, 11 start-ups have secured funding to validate their technologies in collaboration with the Home Team.
Dimension X is also making strides in border security. Mr Mok revealed that the programme is in the process of validating a start-up’s medical technology for rapid personnel screening at checkpoints, potentially streamlining clearance processes while minimising friction.
As an innovation centre, Hatch’s unique strength lies in facilitating direct access to end-user feedback, nurturing a continuous loop that refines innovations into impactful real-world solutions. “As a result, start-ups are able to grasp what truly matters, leading to the creation of revolutionary technologies tailored to specific needs,” said Mr Ng.
EXPANDING TECH HORIZONS FOR OPTIMAL MATCHES
Hatch goes beyond matching start-ups with challenge statements – it actively explores global hubs, usually cities with vibrant start-up ecosystems, for emerging technologies with transformative potential in security. Leveraging its extensive network of partners and scouts, Hatch’s Technology Scouting Programme identifies promising solutions and carefully aligns them with Home Team needs. This process brings to the table emerging technologies from unconventional sources for proof-of-concept experimentation and further development.
“By reducing noise in the scouting process, our analysts accelerate the innovation process through a no-nonsense approach towards challenge definition and technology matching,” explained Mr Mok.
BREAKING NEW GROUND IN SECURITY AND MARKET EXPANSION
According to Mr Ng, another distinctive feature of Hatch is its universal accessibility. He underscored its domain-agnostic approach, welcoming start-ups from various industries, regions and funding stages to participate in Dimension X and the Technology Scouting Programme. “This open-mindedness fuels success by constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” he shared.
In addition to testing and validation, Hatch supports start-ups with access to mentors, investors and practical guidance on navigating the homeland security landscape. “Working with Hatch and the Home Team enhances a start-up’s reputation and credibility, opening doors to new partnerships, funding and customer opportunities,” said Mr Mok.
If you have a groundbreaking idea, Hatch wants to hear from you. Join Dimension X or explore more on Hatch's LinkedIn page.
