A*STAR’s ETPL showcases wearable technology, transforming innovative ideas into products through partnerships with designers, manufacturers and universities
Singapore—Preview latest design concepts that integrate the exciting realms of technology, fashion, smart fabrics and data analytics. Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd (ETPL), the technology transfer arm of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), today unveiled a wearable technology display titled "Next-to-the-Skin" Technology Exhibition and Smart Wear Runway Showcase, featuring technology prototypes and fashion concepts at Startup Asia 2014 today.
At the “Next-to-the-Skin" Technology Exhibition, 10 early prototypes incorporating A*STAR technologies will be pitched to an audience from the industry, research and academia. These prototypes combine A*STAR’s scientific expertise with design thinking, bringing together what is aesthetically attractive with what is technically and economically viable.
“Bringing together our scientists, designers, manufacturers and even investors early allows us to understand market needs, fine tune or even change our product offerings. Such platforms encourage more people from academia and industry to collaborate with us to prototype viable ideas,” said Mr Philip Lim, Chief Executive Officer of ETPL.
During the Smart Wear Runway Showcase, 20 different outfits will be modelled onstage. Under the guidance of Assistant Professor Galina Mihaleva, a veteran of the fashion industry, students from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) worked with A*STAR researchers to integrate wearable technologies and fashion into unique pieces. Outfits like “Scintillation” and “ἀήρ” (Greek, pronounced as aēr, meaning air) incorporate technologies from A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE). “Scintillation” uses luminescent silk to reinforce the design concept while “ἀήρ” uses phase change materials that absorb and dissipate heat efficiently to produce a self-cooling effect for the wearer.
“Fashion is one of the most innovative sectors in the world today. It naturally embraces the dynamism of technology by constantly reinventing itself. Technology plays an important role in synergising art, science and design,” noted Professor Galina.
“We have heard about technology companies that embrace design. Now, it is the reverse and designers today have a comprehensive toolbox of technologies to experiment with. We are excited to be catalysing this process,” Mr Lim added.
This event will showcase 10 prototype pitches, jointly developed by A*STAR’s Data Storage Institute (DSI), Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) and Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) and designers from Design Sojourn Pte. Ltd and M Design Solutions Pte. Ltd. The runway showcase of 20 fashion concepts was modelled by A*STAR staff and NTU students.
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For media queries and clarifications, please contact:
Ms Tan Hwee Har
Assistant Vice President, Corporate Communications for ETPL
30 Biopolis Street, #09-02 Matrix, Singapore 138671
DID: +65 6478 8459
E-mail: tan_hwee_har@etpl.sg
About ETPL
ETPL is the technology transfer arm of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore’s lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent. As a one-stop resource, ETPL supports A*STAR in transforming the economy through driving innovation and commercializing its research outcomes.
Also known as Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd, ETPL enhances the research output of A*STAR scientists by translating their inventions into marketable products or processes. Through shaping and facilitating licensing deals and spin-offs, ETPL actively engages industry leaders and players to commercialise A*STAR’s technologies and apply them to building ecosystems that benefit business, industry and economy.
For more information, please visit www.etpl.sg
About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector agency that fosters world-class scientific research and talent to drive economic growth and transform Singapore into a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation driven economy.
In line with its mission-oriented mandate, A*STAR spearheads research and development in fields that are essential to growing Singapore’s manufacturing sector and catalysing new growth industries. A*STAR supports these economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry.
A*STAR oversees 18 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research entities, located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis, as well as their vicinity. These two R&D hubs house a bustling and diverse community of local and international research scientists and engineers from A*STAR’s research entities as well as a growing number of corporate laboratories.
- ASIATODAY.COM