The Technology Transfer Network (TTN) today announced that the Singapore Management University (SMU) has joined the Network as a Founding Member.
Media Release
15 July 2008 | For immediate release
The Technology Transfer Network (TTN) today announced that the Singapore Management University (SMU) has joined the Network as a Founding Member. In addition, TTN has also extended its global reach to add four new members to its fold, namely, Larta Institute and MaRS which would join as Affilate Members, and Motorola and Imprimatur Capital as Associate Members. With the newest members, the TTN, founded in February 2008, hopes to enhance the effectiveness in the transfer of technology to the industry and strengthen Singapore’s Technology transfer.
To tap this expanded capacity of the TTN, Mr Boon Swan Foo, Executive Chairman of Exploit Technologies, which is the strategic marketing and commercialisation arm of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), announced the launch of a new initiative on Innovation and Venture – Angel Investment Management (AIM) programme. AIM will be a catalyst and facilitator to encourage Angel networks to be formed in special interest groups. The programme seeks to encourage Angel investment in start-ups that will benefit aspiring entrepreneurs and inject new vibrancy into the Singapore economy. Exploit Technologies will establish and operate AIM with full-time resources, within the TTN alliance.
Said Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of A*STAR: “The new members will provide TTN with richer and more varied perspectives and insights that will further enhance and maximise the potential for the commercialisation of research outcomes. TTN is now well-placed to facilitate technology transfers in various industries and across geographical regions to extend Singapore’s outreach, advance the spirit of innovation and enterprise, and benefit the industry world-wide”.
Mr Boon Swan Foo, Executive Chairman of Exploit Technologies and the Chairman of the Technology Transfer Network said, “The TTN warmly welcomes SMU, Larta Institute, MaRS, Motorola and Imprimatur Capital onboard our TTN team. I am confident that SMU’s capabilities and industry relevance will add to the TTN a robust perspective in bringing good technologies to the industry.
“We would also like to cheer on our new global members, Larta Institute, MaRS, Motorola and Imprimatur Capital, which bring with them from the United States and Canada, their experiences and strengths in innovation and commercialisation.
“TTN has provided our members with an excellent window to the rest of the world. With the introduction of the Angel Investment Management programme, we urge all members to tap on the invaluable expertise and resources of our TTN colleagues in commercialisation, investment and innovation. We are at an important inflexion point of Singapore’s innovation and enterprise development, with strong collaboration both locally and internationally established with the formation of the TTN. Most importantly, we will see the fruits of a ‘network’ effect occurring with such an exponential increase of capabilities, skills and IPs in the network.”
Practice Professor Desai Arcot Narasimhalu, Chairman of the SMU Business Innovations Generator and Associate Dean, School of Information Systems, SMU said, “SMU is delighted to be a Founding Member of the TTN and we are committed to contribute to accelerating the transfer of technology to the industry. Research and innovation are important activities undertaken at SMU – both by students and at the faculty level. There is a wealth of untapped knowledge and expertise which have potential market viability. We look forward to an invigorating journey ahead where all TTN members share about the best practices in commercialisation of research outcomes, and a good opportunity to build strategic relationships with the industry.”
All enquiries on the TTN can be directed to:
Walter Lee
Head, TTN Secretariat
SVP & Fellow, Exploit Technologies
Email: walter@exploit-tech.com
Incorporated on 12 January 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) aims to groom outstanding business leaders and creative entrepreneurs capable of excelling in a rapidly changing and dynamic world. Today, SMU is home to more than 6,000 students and comprises six schools: Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Accountancy, School of Economics, School of Social Sciences, School of Information Systems and School of Law. SMU offers bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programmes in business and management-related areas, ranging from Accountancy, Economics, Finance, Wealth Management, Law, Information Systems and Social Science. It also has a dedicated Office of Research, a number of centres of excellence, and provides public and customized programmes through Executive Education. Collaborations with leading institutions, including The Wharton School, Carnegie Mellon, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago, allow SMU to draw on academic and research strengths across all major disciplines. The SMU campus is a state-of-the art facility located right in the heart of Singapore’s civic and business district.
SMU media contact:
Chua Loo Lin (Mr)
DID: 65 6828 0235
Email: llchua@smu.edu.sg
www.smu.edu.sg
