New fund to tap for water projects

Those with ideas on how to commercialise and develop water technologies for Singapore can now tap fresh government funding of up to $25 million.

National water agency PUB announced yesterday that it is looking for proposals from researchers on new ideas and technologies to increase water resources, improve water quality and security as well as reduce production costs.

Under its Request For Proposals (RFP), the agency said it is looking to fund technology providers and researchers who will look into commercialising ongoing research in water technologies. These include translating research projects in various areas, including seawater desalination and reuse.

Mr Harry Seah, PUB's chief engineering and technology officer, said the agency hopes to develop technologies that can keep Singapore's water supply sustainable and affordable. He added: "By providing funding support...we hope to work with partners to accelerate the journey from technology conceptualisation to commercialisation for enterprises."

This RFP is part of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2020 Plan. In July, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that the Government would pump $200 million into water research over the next five years.

Carolyn Khew

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 07, 2016, with the headline New fund to tap for water projects. Subscribe