SINGAPORE--To grow the local technology ecosystem, the government is setting up a space to encourage experimentation and collaboration within the industry, and also support startups.
Called IDA Labs, the initiative is aimed at promoting a "tinkering environment", according to Yong Ying-I, chairperson of Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA).
"We want to encourage everyone, regardless of age or roles, to try 'tinkering with technology', to test things, make things yourself right wthin the office space," said Yong, during her keynote speech at industry event, Google Big Tent, on Tuesday.
She added the IDA Labs wiill start off as a collaborative space for IDA staff and industry participants. It will complement other labs in universities, research institutions and companies.
The initiative looks to hit four objectives:
Support local tech companies, through testing, assessing and marketing. This will help build the credibility of local startups and products.
- Give startups opportunities to demostrate and showcase their technology to government bodies and industry partners, potentially opening up new markets.
- Bring together ecosystem players to interoperate and develop technology standards, guidelines and reference architectures for the local IT industry.
- Develop tech talents by encouraging passionate sutudents and professionals to experiment.
This is the latest push from Singapore to give startups a leg up. Last month, it pumped another S$50 million (US$39.9 million) to fill the gap in early-stage funding which local startups face the most difficulty securing.