A*STAR Launches Four Joint Labs with SAESL, Rolls-Royce and Singapore SMEs to Drive Innovation in Aerospace and Manufacturing

^{Launch of Phase Two of the Smart Manufacturing Joint Lab between A*STAR, Rolls-Royce, and SAESL.}

In a media release, Neil Mantle, Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Materials at Rolls-Royce expressed their delight in the continued collaboration with A*STAR and SAESL on Phase two of the SMJL.

“We look forward to the many technological innovations, efficiencies and relationships that the joint lab will unlock for Rolls-Royce, complementing our own efforts towards driving process improvements and harnessing advanced technologies to deliver marked efficiency across our operations. By pushing the boundaries of industrial, academic and business partnerships, we will jointly contribute to Singapore’s growth journey,” said Mr Mantle.

Chris Pattinson, Chief Executive Officer at SAESL notes that Phase one of the SMJL has “laid the foundation for smarter, more efficient operations.”

“Phase two, together with programmes like AI for manufacturing, will accelerate SAESL’s transformation. Our continued partnership with A*STAR is a key enabler in this journey; helping us grow capability, expand capacity, create more high-value jobs, and strengthen Singapore’s position as a global MRO hub,” Mr Pattinson added.

^{A Rolls-Royce Trent Engine.}

On the same day, A*STAR also announced the launch of three new industry joint labs in collaboration with three local SMEs in its efforts to drive innovation, advance Singapore’s capabilities in the advanced manufacturing sectors and strengthen the local supply chain ecosystem.

The new partnerships with Abrasive Engineering, Applied Total Control Treatment, and Grand Venture Technology aim to help local companies expand globally through innovation and enhance capabilities in key growth sectors. The joint labs are expected to generate new intellectual property (IP), develop product lines, and create business opportunities for SMEs, while generating high-value jobs in sectors like semiconductors, aerospace, and life sciences.

Through its collaboration with A*STAR, Abrasive Engineering (AE) has transformed from a service-based firm into a technology-driven product owner, more than doubling its revenue to S$12 million. The next phase of the AE – A*STAR Joint Lab will aim to deliver next-generation surface treatment solutions to support AE’s global growth and a projected S$25 million revenue by 2030.

Two new joint labs with Applied Total Control Treatment (ATC) and Grand Venture Technology (GVT) will focus on advanced surface engineering technologies as well as formulations and processing of high-value ceramics. These capabilities are crucial for industries such as semiconductors, aerospace, life sciences, and precision engineering.

Building on a successful collaboration in aerospace cabin interior development, the new ATC–A*STAR Joint Lab will develop advanced surface engineering solutions to improve coating uniformity across treated surfaces, such as microstructure inconsistencies in coatings caused by complex part geometries. The lack of uniformity can impact essential components, especially under extreme conditions, resulting in resource-intensive, costly processes with low yields.

^{Launch of the ATC-A*STAR Joint Lab}

New innovations in surface treatment technology are expected to generate multiple technology transfers and expand ATC’s presence across industries such as semiconductors, aerospace, medtech and precision engineering. This will help ATC open new market opportunities and drive up to 20% business growth while reducing wastewater and energy costs, strengthening its competitiveness as one of the few but critical local surface treatment specialists in Singapore.

Mr Marcus Sia, Founder and Managing Director of ATC Globe Holdings Pte Ltd said, “Partnering with A*STAR gave us the opportunity to level-up our value add with large companies like Singapore Airlines, and gain new capabilities. Our joint lab with A*STAR marks the next stage of our innovation journey, one that will enable us to better serve Singapore and global partners. It will also help us to embed sustainability into our operations and be a showcase of Singapore’s SME capabilities.”

The GVT–A*STAR Joint Lab will focus on formulations and manufacturing processes for high-value ceramics. These are specialised, high-performance materials designed to withstand extreme heat, pressure and wear, used in aerospace, life sciences, and semiconductor applications. Over the next three years, GVT aims to create a customised production platform for high-value, high-mix ceramic components and assemblies to support various industries. This would enable GVT to expand its capabilities and achieve up to 25% revenue growth by 2030.

In a media release, Mr Beh Kian Teik, Chief Executive Officer of A*STAR said, “A*STAR’s joint labs with Abrasive Engineering, Applied Total Control Treatment, and Grand Venture Technology show how innovation can empower our local SMEs to scale globally. By combining R&D with the agility of local enterprises, we are not only helping companies address bottlenecks and grow their capabilities and international footprint, but also reinforcing Singapore’s position in high-value manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, and life sciences.”

AAIS extends its congratulations to our members, Rolls-Royce, SAESL and ATC, on the establishment of their new joint labs with A*STAR in advancing aerospace innovation and manufacturing capabilities in Singapore.

^{Photo: AAIS}