05 Nov 2026
A Scottish university is helping its spin-outs and researchers build closer ties with the health tech industry in south-east Asia as part of a strategy to foster more international partnerships.
The University of Glasgow has launched the MedTech Innovation Singapore Fund, a pilot programme connecting Scottish innovators with Singapore's healthcare and MedTech ecosystem to accelerate collaboration, commercialisation and international growth.
Through the Fund, Scottish innovators will be supported to test and validate technologies, understand local healthcare needs, develop strategic partnerships and explore opportunities in Singapore and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
As part of the pilot, the University is working with Scottish Development International and collaborative partners to also support a trade mission to the city state in February next year.
The wider programme is designed to connect entrepreneurs with healthcare providers, investors, innovation agencies and commercial partners, helping them explore opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.
Co-designed by the Head of School at the James Watt School of Engineering and led by the University's Innovation & Enterprise Programmes team and University of Glasgow Singapore (UGS), the initiative supports the University's internationalisation strategy by creating new opportunities for researchers, students and spin-out companies to collaborate and expand overseas.
The initiative builds on the University's presence in Singapore through UGS, which was launched in 2011 as its first subsidiary outside Scotland. UGS delivers undergraduate programmes in partnership with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and has grown into a hub for education, research and industry collaboration across south-east Asia.
Launched during the University's 575th anniversary year and Singapore graduation week, the goals of the MedTech Singapore initiative embody values that have defined Glasgow for generations: innovation, resilience and global impact.
Such qualities have been recognised through the award of an honorary degree to Yip Pin Xiu, Singapore's most decorated Paralympian. Her determination to overcome barriers and her growth mindset mirror what the programme seeks to foster among researchers, entrepreneurs and future innovators.
Singapore combines advanced healthcare infrastructure, strong regulation, skilled talent and active investment, making it an attractive destination for health innovation.
The University of Glasgow has a strong track record in commercialisation, with its spin-out companies attracting more than £150 million in investment and generating over £500 million in enterprise value since 2010.
Commenting on the launch, Uzma Khan, Vice Principal for Innovation and Economic Development and Chief Operating Officer, said: “The University of Glasgow is committed to helping our researchers, entrepreneurs and spin-out companies realise their global potential.
“The MedTech Innovation Singapore Fund creates new opportunities to connect Scottish innovation with international partners, investors and healthcare systems, accelerating the translation of world-leading research into real-world impact. Singapore is an outstanding partner in this endeavour, and this initiative represents an exciting new chapter in strengthening innovation links between our two countries.”
Support is being provided by Scottish Enterprise’s international arm, Scottish Development International (SDI), aligning with the strategic alliance between Scottish Enterprise and Enterprise Singapore to strengthen cooperation in healthcare, deep technology and other high-growth sectors.
Prof. Cindy Goh, Director of University of Glasgow Singapore (UGS), said: “As the University of Glasgow's hub in South-East Asia, UGS is uniquely positioned to connect Scottish innovation with one of the world's most dynamic healthcare and technology ecosystems.
“The MedTech Innovation Singapore Fund builds on years of collaboration with partners including the Singapore Institute of Technology and creates new opportunities for researchers, students and spinout companies to engage internationally.”
Pictured: Professor Cindy Goh, Director of University of Glasgow Singapore (UGS); Professor Andy Schofield, Principal and Vice-Chancellor University of Glasgow; and Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice Chancellor External Engagement and Vice Principal External Relations, University of Glasgow.
