Aug 27 2009
Six project proposals from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have received research funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF), following its second call for proposals under the Proof of Concept (POC) scheme. To date, a total of nine NTU projects are funded under the POC scheme. This reflects the significant role that NTU plays in leading Singapore's drive for research and development (R+D) into new ideas, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The projects are selected based on technical feasibility, novelty, and commercial viability. Each project will receive up to S$250,000 under the POC scheme.
Here are some of the projects, for a full list, please click here
Increasing bandwidth
Associate Professor Liu Ai Qun’s project ‘Photonic Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) Tunable Laser’ will potentially have wide-ranging applications in biomedical technology and the telecommunications industry, for example, increasing the bandwidth for higher data rate transmission in Internet communications.
“NRF is doing the right thing. Its funding encourages and motivates researchers with innovative ideas,” said Associate Professor Liu, who is with the Division of Microelectronics at NTU’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. “I believe research and innovation should be the emphasis of Singapore for its next phase of development.”
Glowing solution
Associate Professor Sun Xiaowei‘s project aims to develop a new electro-generated chemi-luminescence (EGCL) technology with high efficiency and self-regeneration capability. EGCL is a kind of luminescence produced during electro-chemical reactions in a solution. “Solid organic light-emitting diode (OLED) has a reliability problem and bioluminescence cannot be powered by electricity,” said Associate Professor Sun. “EGCL provides a solution to both – it is liquid form with good regeneration capability and it uses charge recombination to emit light.”
“EGCL has great potential in a wide range of applications like smart phones and electronic wallets, interactive displays, flexible electronic devices, and micro display products, as well as indoor and outdoor decoration and lighting,” said Associate Professor Sun, who is with the Division of Microelectronics in NTU’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Anti-reflective coating
PhD student at NTU’s School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Ms Eunice Goh Shing Mei, said: “My project is about producing a low-cost, high-performance anti-reflective coating for use on optical and optoelectronic devices.”
“I feel honoured to be awarded,” said Ms Goh. “This is an opportunity to further develop my project and hopefully, it will be a stepping stone for me to contribute to society.”
The POC scheme is part of the National Framework for Innovation and Enterprise (NFIE) announced in March 2008. The NFIE is a comprehensive national programme to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Singapore, especially through the formation of start-up companies to commercialise cutting-edge demand-driven technologies developed from R&D.