Living Lab initiative fosters real-world green solutions through hands-on collaboration.
A Platform for Green Innovation
SINGAPORE – Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) has launched the Living Lab initiative, an innovative partnership model aimed at fostering sustainability solutions. With a $10 million fund allocated over five years, companies collaborate with NYP students and staff to test and refine ideas on campus before implementing them in real-world scenarios.
“This is about generating ideas, testing them quickly, and implementing impactful changes,” says NYP principal and CEO Russell Chan. The initiative connects industry problem-solvers with NYP’s expertise, turning the campus into a dynamic testbed for green technologies.
Successful Collaborations Inspire Change
One standout success involves the use of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to optimize building operations. German multinational Sick adopted NYP-developed smart systems to monitor recycling bins, air quality, and lighting, reducing energy use. This collaboration showcased the initiative’s potential to influence sustainable practices beyond the campus.
Alternative protein firm Fisheroo is among the companies exploring the Living Lab’s potential, working on scalable production of lab-grown meat and seafood.
Sustainability Across Education and Community
The Living Lab is a pillar of NYP’s broader Sustainability Masterplan, which aims to integrate sustainable practices across education, research, and community outreach. NYP X, a series of replicable sustainability activities, complements this initiative.
The first NYP X event, Eco Fest, kicked off in Teck Ghee on 3 November 2024, attended by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. It includes freecycle markets, e-waste drives, and a Repair Kopitiam program, where residents can fix broken appliances.
“Sustainability at NYP is all-encompassing,” says Mr. Chan. “From our curriculum to campus operations and student experiences, we aim to inspire and enable meaningful change.”
Get Involved
Explore NYP’s commitment to sustainability at the NYP Open House from January 9 to 11, 2025, or visit their website to learn more about the Living Lab and other green initiatives.
