- Leads public sector research in science, engineering and biomedical science
- Bridges academia, industry and public policy for innovation
Role, organization and mission
ASTAR is Singapore’s lead public sector research and development agency. It operates under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Its mandate covers both physical sciences & engineering, and biomedical sciences. ASTAR’s research institutes are mainly located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. It supports industry, academia, government collaborations. The agency nurtures scientific talent and develops leaders in research. It creates open innovation platforms. It provides research infrastructure, funding, scientific services, talent development. A*STAR aims to translate research into economic growth and improved societal health. The agency launched key programmes for deep tech, semiconductors, sustainable manufacturing. It also invests in AI, materials research, quantum, diagnostics, urban solutions, and sustainability technologies. Its vision is to be a global leader in science, technology and open innovation.
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Research institutes, programmes and strategic partnerships
ASTAR oversees multiple research entities including institutes dedicated to microelectronics, high performance computing, genome research, infectious disease, materials engineering and advanced manufacturing. It runs platforms providing shared scientific services and national testbeds. It helps local small and medium enterprises access advanced technology and research. It partners with multinational corporations to co-develop solutions. It supports translational research to bring products and discoveries toward market. Some initiatives include quantum innovation centres, low-carbon energy research, semiconductor translation labs.
The agency provides national metrology, computational resource centres and platforms for diagnostics development. It also supports programmes that foster talent via scholarships, industry attachments, fellowships. ASTAR collaborates internationally to align with global research trends. Its output includes scientific publications, technology licences, startup spinouts and industry collaborations. It ensures research has societal benefit in healthcare, urban living, sustainability and economic impact.
