Leapfrogging Into New Growth Areas Through Open Innovation
Cuprina is a homegrown biotechnology start-up founded in 2019. It focuses on the medical applications of insects and particularly the benefits of using sterile maggots to clean and heal wounds faster since they can break down dead tissue and speed up healing process. With this concept, Cuprina created Wound Care Solutions to improve on the existing treatment methods available.
Source: Cuprina
Singapore’s ecosystem is the perfect primer for innovation. Ranking 7th in the global startup ecosystem (Startup Genome, 2024), Singapore is home to a vibrant ecosystem that supports commercialisation and innovation efforts, with robust infrastructure such as Centres of Innovation (COIs), Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), and a suite of innovation programmes. For one biotechnology startup, innovation programmes here opened doors for them to work with like-minded partners, finetune their solutions, and take them to market.
In 2021, Cuprina took part in the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC), where they got to work with Nanyang Technological University’s School of Material Science and Engineering, to enhance their solutions for wound care and medical offerings. The Wound Care industry worldwide, valued at US$3.44bn, is projected to grow annually at a CAGR of 0.40% from 2024 to 2029 (Statista, 2024). Leveraging Cuprina’s key capabilities, they developed a solution that converts waste bullfrog skin into collagen that can be used to heal wounds. The amphibian-derived collagen helps improve wound healing outcomes and quickens the healing process. By participating in open innovation, Cuprina learned first-hand about market demands and gained the opportunity to pilot new ideas, broadening their proprietary solutions for the medical industry.
Paving New Roads To Success
Forging partnerships through open innovation has inspired companies to grow, pivot and chart their business roadmaps more nimbly.
To expand their business horizontals and capabilities beyond wound care and shorten their time to market, Cuprina has since embarked on partnerships beyond the healthcare sector. In particular, they have pivoted and developed a pilot-scale manufacturing facility dedicated to the production of collagen sponges to be used in the cosmetics industry.
In a separate venture, Cuprina has also partnered the Urban Agriculture Centre of Innovation (UACOI) at Republic Polytechnic to address food sustainability needs using the Cuprina blowfly in indoor farming. Leveraging the expertise of UACOI researchers and their facilities to address food sustainability needs and with Cuprina bringing in their expertise in insect technology, this led to a joint discovery that the Cuprina blowfly could increase pollination efficiency in indoor farming.
Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
Innovation can be fast-tracked when different players collaborate and leverage each other’s strengths to meet market demands.
Our innovation programmes can lead you to the right partners. Learn more about how you can tap on our innovation programmes in Singapore to innovate and grow your business:
- View our ongoing innovation challenges here: OIN | Innovation Challenges (openinnovationnetwork.gov.sg)
- Tap on one of our 12 COI’s niche expertise and test bedding facilities to develop your solutions: OIN | Centres of Innovation (openinnovationnetwork.gov.sg)
- Source for suitable innovations and tech solutions through IPI tech matching: OIN | IPI Tech Marketplace (openinnovationnetwork.gov.sg)
Do stay updated on any Open Innovation related challenges, news and events by subscribing to OIN: OIN | Open Innovation Network Alerts
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