Speech by Senior Minister of State Low Yen Ling at the Opening of Vidacity at One-North

Distinguished Guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Introduction 

1.            Good morning. I am happy to join you today for the launch of Vidacity @ One-North, which really marks a significant milestone for our innovation ecosystem. 

2.            Vidacity @ One-North is more than a physical space for start-ups. As a sustainability innovation and enterprise hub, Vidacity will enhance the vibrancy of our green economy, offering fresh opportunities for young enterprises.

3.            Increasingly, the green economy is becoming a key driver of growth – not just for Singapore, but for ASEAN and the wider region. At the same time, we are seeing shifts in how economies compete, as businesses respond to evolving technologies, market demands, and supply chains. 

4.            For Singapore, these changes pose challenges and also offer new potential. To stay competitive, we must not only develop new solutions, but also scale them quickly and effectively. 

5.            This is where hubs like Vidacity play a vital role in bringing together innovators, enterprises and partners to turn ideas into real-world solutions. The confluence of all these players forms a foundation critical for innovation and entrepreneurship.       

6.            Let me highlight three priorities for strengthening our foundation and innovation ecosystem. We must build, we must bridge and we must grow. Allow me to elaborate. 

Building Regional Sustainability Innovation Hubs 

7.            First, we must come together and continue to build vibrant innovation hubs. Vidacity is a timely addition to the reimagined LaunchPad @ One-North estate and Singapore’s broader innovation landscape. It also strengthens LaunchPad @ One-North’s position as Asia’s flagship start-up destination, with a growing focus on high-growth and emerging sectors. 

8.            The launch of Vidacity builds on the momentum from LaunchPad’s 10^th year anniversary last year. JTC has since revealed a refreshed masterplan to support the next phase of innovation in Singapore. JTC will introduce enhanced infrastructure to support industry clusters, facilitate policies to support start-ups at all stages, and spur new global and local partnerships to grow our start-up ecosystem. 

9.            For instance, LaunchPad Innovation Network, or LINK, has been recently rebranded. Beyond funding opportunities, it connects start-ups with corporates, investors, and strategic partners. This is really important in unlocking market opportunities and supporting commercialisation. 

10.         Vidacity forms an integral part of the LaunchPad. Designed to bring together startups, enterprises, researchers, and partners in an integrated ecosystem, Vidacity will make it easier for ideas to move from concept to pilot, and from pilot to market. 

Bridging Innovation to Real World Impact 

11.         Second, we must bridge innovation to real-world outcomes. Too often, good ideas remain in the lab. We need to move faster – from lab to market, and from pilot to scale. 

12.         I am greatly heartened that the three MOUs announced today are an important step in this direction. 

13.         Vidacity’s MOU with JTC will support the growth and scaling of start-ups in LaunchPad @ One-North and the Punggol Digital District. This includes accelerating start-up engagements and Proof-of-Concept opportunities. In addition, start-ups will be able to access Vidacity’s network of innovation spaces and platforms in Singapore and across the region. This gives start-ups more avenues to test solutions in real-world settings and scale beyond Singapore. 

14.         The MOU between Vidacity and Action Community for Entrepreneurship, or ACE SG, will strengthen the LaunchPad @ One-North startup community. Start-ups will be better connected to the resources and opportunities they need. They can look forward to deeper ecosystem connections, joint programmes, and referrals. 

15.         Further, Vidacity’s collaboration with A*STAR’s Urban Solutions & Sustainability Innovation & Enterprise Office will help accelerate the commercialisation of deep tech start-ups, particularly in urban sustainability and climate innovation. This includes support for pilot validation, venture development, and market deployment. 

16.         Taken together, these partnerships strengthen the link between innovation and implementation and help turn ideas into real world impact.

Growing a Strong and Connected Innovation Community 

17.         Third, we must grow a strong and connected innovation community. While infrastructure and partnerships are important, ecosystems are ultimately built by people. 

18.         I am encouraged by tenant partners such as Stage One, Lorong AI, VNTR Kitchen, and N9 Offices. Their programmes and services will create a dynamic environment where start-ups and enterprises can innovate, collaborate, and grow. 

19.         This provides start-ups access to markets, networks, mentorship, and partnership opportunities. By bringing these elements together, Vidacity provides a strong foundation for startups not just to succeed in Singapore, but to pilot their ideas across the region. 

20.         Let me close by congratulating Vidacity and all its partners on the launch of Vidacity @ One-North. I wish you every success and look forward to the ideas, partnerships, and innovations that will emerge from this green hub and fertile ecosystem. 

21.         Thank you.