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18 December 2008: Dr Zuruzi Abu Samah, Assistant Manager, Biomedical Engineering Group at NYP’s School of Engineering (Manufacturing) is one of nine researchers to receive a research grant of up to $250,000 each, from the National Research Foundation (NRF).
The grants, totalling more than S$2 million, come under the new Proof-of-Concept (POC) scheme which help researchers turn their ideas into commercial viabilities.
The POC scheme is part of the National Framework for Innovation and Enterprise (NFIE) announced by the Prime Minister at the 3 Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council (RIEC) meeting in March this year. The NFIErd2 is an extensive national programme to grow innovation and entrepreneurship in Singapore, especially through the formation of start-up companies to commercialise cutting-edge “demand-driven” technologies developed out of R&D laboratories.
The POC scheme attracted very enthusiastic response. The first grant call, which opened on 15 September 2008, received a total of 138 submissions from the local universities and polytechnics. 82 of them came from the National University of Singapore, 35 from the Nanyang Technological University and the rest from the Singapore Management University and the polytechnics.
Dr Zuruzi’s research proposal, flexible Pressure Sensors Using Area-Array Nanocomposites is the only submission from a polytechnic to be accepted.
The flexible pressure sensor technology in Dr Zuruzi’s proposal makes use of novel nanomaterials. The project uses flexible pressure sensor technology to achieve high pressure sensitivity across a large area. He aims to create a prototype mat to be used in physiotherapy to assess a patient’s movement. Other new potential applications include signature recognition.
“I think the project, if successful, will have a real impact on the market place in a few years time. The POC grant from NRF helps a lot towards realizing a prototype,” said Dr Zuruzi.
Nurul Hafiz and Eunice Ho |
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So far 5 students from the Diploma in Biomedical Engineering have contributed to materials development component for this project which started more than a year ago. “My final year project is a once in a life time experience. I learned a lot through hands-on work in formulating new materials,” says Nurul Hafiz.
Another student who worked on the project is Eunice Ho. “I had lots of fun working on materials for the pressure sensor project and the opportunity work with cutting edge equipments. The experience will help me when I get a job or for further studies” she says. |
Manager, Biomedical Engineering Group, Mr Leonard Loh said that recent achievements and successes in the development of the Ultra-Sensitive Nanosponge Gas Sensor as well as the Pressure Sensors using Nanotechnology, showcases NYP’s world class capabilities.
“These capabilities and knowledge will be passed on to NYP students in the new Diploma in Nanotechnology & Materials Science. This will augur well for them in supporting the industry and to further advance themselves after their graduation”, he said.
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