Since 1997, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and DSO have partnered to co-develop technologies and advance research for dual-use applications. Leveraging A*STAR’s research capabilities and DSO’s strength in translating research outcomes, our collaboration spans across areas such as Advanced Electronics, Additive Manufacturing, AI and Data Science, Production Automation, and Biomedical and Advanced Materials research. A testament to the successful collaboration is the development and commercialisation of the RESOLUTE test kit, Singapore’s first portable Direct-PCR test kit for COVID-19, in July 2020. In addition to technical collaboration, both organisations have developed initiatives to encourage cross-posting and the exchange of technical expertise, giving them greater exposure to the local R&D ecosystem.

National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre for Gallium Nitride: NSTIC (GaN)

First set up in 2023 as the National Gallium Nitride Technology Centre (NGTC), NSTIC (GaN) is a partnership between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), DSO National Laboratories (DSO), and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore). The Centre addresses common challenges faced by companies and researchers providing them access to advanced wafer fabrication and prototyping infrastructure, and thus strengthening Singapore’s position in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

NSTIC (GaN) is Singapore’s first national facility dedicated to Gallium Nitride semiconductors — a technology that enables smaller, faster and more energy-efficient electronic devices. The Centre brings advanced GaN manufacturing capabilities to Singapore, positioning local innovators to compete in high-growth global markets such as advanced 5G and 6G communication systems, radars and satellite communications.

DSO has a long-standing collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU). In 2001, we jointly established the Centre of Research in Satellite Technologies (CREST) to develop our first locally built microsatellite, X-Sat. DSO, NTU, and ST Engineering subsequently formed a joint-venture company, ST Engineering Satellite Systems, in 2010, to design, develop and manufacture advanced satellites for various earth observation applications.

In 2007, the Electro Magnetic Effects Research Laboratory (EMERL) was officially opened to support research and education in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), which contributes to both military and civilian applications.

DSO researchers are appointed as adjunct members to work alongside NTU researchers to strengthen interactions and enhance research collaborations. We also collaborate with many of NTU’s faculty members and research institutes, including Temasek Laboratories @ NTU (TL@NTU) and the Centre for Optical Fibre Technology (COFT). Since 2003, we have been working closely with TL@NTU in the key research areas of Hardware Assurance, Microsystem Technologies, Advanced Communications and Signal Processing, Advanced Materials development, and Laser Technology. With COFT, we develop and fabricate novel active fibres for high-power fibre laser applications.

Our engagements with the National University of Singapore (NUS) have strengthened through many collaborative initiatives over the years, including working on joint research projects and the establishment of joint facilities, research centres, and programmes. To date, DSO continues to have researchers holding joint and adjunct appointments in NUS to deepen this collaboration.

The first joint facility established was the Compact Range in 1999. The Compact Range is an anechoic chamber which facilitates far field EM measurements of antennas in a confined indoor space. At the time, this was a significant advancement because in-situ far field measurements of antennas and scatterers were not possible in noisy and land-scarce Singapore.

Temasek Laboratories @ NUS (TL@NUS) was established by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in 2000. Today, we continue to work closely with TL@NUS to build up technical expertise and human talent in critical research areas, such as Aeronautical Sciences, Electromagnetics, and Information Security for defence applications.

MINDEF and NUS set up the Singapore Wind Tunnel Facility (SWIFT) in 2004. SWIFT serves to cater to the needs of MINDEF and local academia for the advancement of R&D in aeronautical sciences and to foster international collaboration.

The Satellite Technology and Research Centre (STAR) was started in 2018 to advance research in satellite technology to develop cutting-edge capabilities in distributed satellite systems, i.e., multiple small satellites orbiting in formation or as a constellation. STAR also seeks to excite and nurture students to meet the manpower needs of Singapore’s fledgling space industry.

In 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a joint programme in Biosafety and Biosecurity with NUS and the National University Health System (NUHS) commenced as part of our efforts to enhance national preparedness and response against future pandemics.

A memorandum of understanding was signed in 2022 to jointly set up the DSO-NUS-Army Heat Resilience and Performance Centre (HRPC). HRPC will leverage best-in-class research to address the long-term operational challenges of rising ambient temperatures.

DSO and NUS have a shared vision to strengthen R&D capability and capacity in translational materials, to accelerate the maturation of R&D outcomes in functional intelligent materials for applications. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Jan 2023 with the Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials (I-FIM) with the intent to drive development in next generation materials.

The Quantum Sensing Centre (QSC) is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence of Singapore and National Quantum Office, implemented by DSO.

Designed as an open collaboration and laboratory space, QSC will bring together leading researchers, engineers, and Industrial Collaborations from around the world to advance quantum sensing technologies. By accelerating R&D efforts, QSC aims to develop high-performance quantum sensors for defence and commercial applications.

With a shared vision to push the boundaries of next-generation sensing capabilities, QSC is set to drive impactful advancements in the field.

The first DSO-Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) Joint Lab was officially inaugurated in Dec 2020, focusing on key areas such as Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Cybersecurity. The Joint Lab has since evolved into the Autonomous Systems & Applied Intelligence Laboratory (ASAIL).

Officially opened on 9 Oct 2025, ASAIL is a pioneering research initiative established through a strategic collaboration with SIT. ASAIL is dedicated to advancing next-generation disruptive technologies in Advanced Autonomous Systems, Cybersecurity, and Future Communications Systems, with a strong emphasis on real-world applications and national security.

The anchor of our collaboration with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) is through Temasek Laboratories @ SUTD (TL@SUTD) established by MINDEF in 2012. With TL@SUTD, we continue to pursue innovative design concepts in the areas of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. Research domains include Manned-Unmanned Teaming, Human-Robot Interaction, Multi-Robot Teaming, Intelligent Robotic Platforms, and Edge Intelligence. By working closely with TL@SUTD, we aim to develop the next generation of Robotics: highly intelligent robots that can operate in complex urban (indoor and outdoor) environments.

We have also established a joint appointment scheme to increase opportunities for research collaborations through the exchange of researchers.