co11ab: The BioMedTech Heart of HealthCity Novena
22 August 2023

Uniting Healthcare, Research and Academia to Accelerate Translation of Biomedical Technologies.

More than just another incubator space in Singapore, co11ab Novena (co11ab) brings together giants in the healthcare, research and academia space to go beyond.

At its core, co11ab is a BioMedTech incubator – forged through a tripartite alliance between Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), and National Healthcare Group (NHG).

co11ab aims to be the national innovation and translational hub in HealthCity Novena by creating a platform to support medical technology translation, spin-off creation, and incubation.

 

 

The Space Within and Beyond

 

Sporting a fresh-new facility with a Life Science Lab, Engineering Makerspace and million-dollar views, co11ab is well equipped to nurture, support, translate and develop biomedical technologies, with focus on biotech, medtech and digital health. The collision and co-working space, designed to mirror the dynamic energy of atoms in motion, materialises collaboration and sparks transformative connections through chance encounters.

Beyond a physical space, co11ab is a network and community. Joining co11ab will connect companies to a diverse web of stakeholders in local agencies, renowned international industry partners, trade associations and venture firms.

 

 

The First Wave and the Next

 

From its inception, co11ab has incubated seven start-ups in the field of RNA therapeutics, eye tracking, and other healthcare areas.

 

 

One of them is RNAscence Biotech, a spin-off company from NTU and National Skin Centre (NSC) based on their research in RNA therapeutics nanoparticles. The team has developed a skin patch that reduces the appearance of scars, and it is the first of its kind RNA-based skin product with active ingredients delivered using bio-dissolvable microneedles.

 

 

Another medical start-up is Occutrack, a spin-off from A*STAR, NHG, and Trendlines Medical Singapore. In collaboration with NHG Eye Institute, Occutrack is developing a prototype eye movement tracking system for the management of visual deterioration, such as in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

 

co11ab also attracted Coronet Ventures to invest in 12-15 early-stage healthcare and biomedical science start-ups in Singapore over the next five years with funding ranging between US$100K-US$3M.

Coronet Ventures is a Singapore-based venture unit by Cedars-Sinai Intellectual Property Company (CSIP), the innovation arm of US hospital operator Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre.