The Living Lab initiative empowers firms and students to co-create sustainable solutions, backed by a $10M fund.
SINGAPORE – Under Nanyang Polytechnic’s (NYP) groundbreaking Living Lab initiative, industry players can collaborate with NYP students and staff to innovate, test, and implement sustainability solutions on campus. Supported by a $10 million fund over five years, the program aims to bridge academia and real-world impact.
The initiative leverages NYP’s facilities as a testbed for green technologies. For example, a smart IoT system monitoring bin levels, restroom usage, and air quality has already transformed building management practices, impressing partners like German multinational Sick. Such projects not only provide hands-on experience for students but also pave the way for industry adoption.
Driving Sustainability Through Partnerships
Russell Chan, NYP’s principal and CEO, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “Our goal is to generate ideas quickly, test them on campus, and bring them into the real world,” he said. Companies like Fisheroo, focused on lab-grown meat, are already participating in the program.
The Living Lab is part of NYP’s Sustainability Masterplan, which seeks to integrate eco-conscious practices across education, research, and community engagement. The institution recently launched “NYP X,” a series of sustainability-driven events. These include freecycle markets, e-waste collection, and a repair program to promote sustainable living in local communities.
An Enterprise-Wide Effort
Chan underscored NYP’s comprehensive approach, integrating sustainability into academics, campus operations, and even dining services. He invites organizations and individuals to join the movement through NYP’s Sustainability Masterplan, which aims to make impactful changes beyond the campus.
