Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) has taken a significant step towards fostering sustainable innovation by introducing the Living Lab initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between academic institutions and industry in developing and implementing green solutions. Designed to offer firms a platform for creating environmentally friendly innovations, this project harnesses the expertise of both NYP faculty and students, supported by a generous $10 million fund set aside for testing and development over the next five years.
Inspiration Behind the Living Lab
Success Story with Sick
Drawing inspiration from an earlier successful collaboration, the NYP Living Lab was influenced by a project with German multinational company, Sick. This project spotlighted the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) into building management systems to achieve more sustainable operations. The smart sensors were utilized to oversee various building functions, such as monitoring recycling bin levels, detecting occupancy rates, and assessing indoor air quality, ultimately leading to more efficient management practices.
Implementation and Impact
The project began in 2022, when an NYP engineering team delved into the potential of long-range, low-power IoT sensors installed on campus. These sensors communicated seamlessly with each other and connected to a cloud server, tracking footfall in restrooms, measuring recycling bin levels, and optimizing cleaning schedules using AI based on real-time data rather than static timetables. This innovative approach significantly enhanced building management protocols and attracted interest from visiting industrial partners, including Sick, which subsequently implemented similar technologies in their commercial spaces.
Launch of the Living Lab Initiative
Collaborative Efforts
Buoyed by the success of the initial project, NYP launched the broader Living Lab initiative, extending an invitation to companies to work alongside NYP staff and students. Together, they aim to develop and test new sustainability concepts on the NYP campus. Each project under this broad initiative is a collaborative endeavor, pooling expertise from industry partners and the polytechnic’s academic resources. The NYP campus serves as a dynamic testbed, allowing the assessment of the sustainability impact and consumer acceptance of these ideas before their commercial roll-out.
Goals and Vision
Mr. Russell Chan, the principal and CEO of NYP, articulated that the core objective was to rapidly generate innovative ideas, test them within the campus environment, and scale them to create a far-reaching impact. NYP is particularly well-positioned to support such ventures thanks to its six diverse schools and three Continuing Education and Training (CET) institutes, which collectively offer a breadth of expertise. This structure ensures that each project benefits from the most experienced and suitable staff and students.
Hands-On Experience for Students
Practical Application of Sustainability Principles
The projects within the Living Lab not only drive innovation but also offer invaluable hands-on experience for students. By participating, students can apply sustainability principles in real-world scenarios, deepening their understanding of the sustainability concepts they’ve learned academically. Several companies have already shown keen interest in joining the NYP Living Lab initiative. For instance, Fisheroo, an alternative protein company, is working with NYP to explore new methods for large-scale production of lab-grown meat and seafood.
Diverse Industry Collaboration
This expanding collaboration exemplifies how different industry sectors can benefit from the innovative solutions developed through the Living Lab initiative. Tied into a larger Sustainability Masterplan, these projects bridge the gap between education, research, and practical applications. By involving industry partners and the broader community, NYP aims to generate substantial positive change beyond its campus boundaries. This initiative illustrates the significant role of collaborative efforts in driving the adoption and implementation of sustainable solutions on a wider scale.
Broader Sustainability Masterplan
NYP as a Catalyst for Change
Mr. Chan highlighted NYP’s vision of positioning itself as a catalyst and changemaker in the sustainability landscape. This vision extends beyond the campus, aiming to collaborate with various entities such as businesses pursuing sustainability, firms needing technological consulting, neighborhoods focusing on reducing their environmental footprints, and start-ups eager to test innovative solutions. By fostering these partnerships, NYP aims to drive collective action towards a more sustainable future.
NYP X and Community Engagement
Complementing the Living Lab, NYP launched NYP X, a series of sustainable activities designed for students, staff, and alumni to implement in local communities. The inaugural NYP X event, Eco Fest, was held on November 3 in Teck Ghee with Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong in attendance. This event marked the beginning of a series of collaborative efforts aimed at promoting sustainable living within the community. Over the ensuing six months, NYP students and alumni will engage with residents, organizing freecycle markets, conducting e-waste collection drives, and running repair programs for broken appliances.
Comprehensive Approach to Sustainability
Integration into Operations
Mr. Chan emphasized that sustainability within NYP encompasses an organization-wide commitment. This commitment is integrated across all facets of the institution’s operations, including recycling, waste reduction, energy and water conservation, as well as embedding sustainability into academic offerings, research endeavors, campus logistics, student experiences, and investments. Such a holistic approach ensures that impactful changes are achieved on campus and beyond, setting an example for the broader community.
Encouraging Participation
Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) is advancing sustainable innovation with the launch of its Living Lab initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between academic institutions and industry in the creation and implementation of eco-friendly solutions. This initiative provides companies with a platform to develop environmentally sustainable innovations by leveraging the expertise and collaboration of both NYP faculty and students. To support this endeavor, NYP has allocated a substantial $10 million fund dedicated to testing, research, and development over the coming five years. The Living Lab initiative not only encourages the fusion of academic insights and practical industry know-how but also demonstrates NYP’s commitment to driving change for a greener future. By enabling real-world applications and trials of green technologies, the initiative fosters a symbiotic relationship that enhances learning while pushing the boundaries of sustainable development. Through these concerted efforts, NYP reaffirms its role as a key player in promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness, preparing the next generation to tackle global ecological challenges.
