Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. announced today at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) the call for participation in the Singapore QuickFire Challenge (QFC), where innovators with the best potential solution will be awarded grant funding from a pool of $100,000 for further development.

The announcement follows the launch of a first-of-its-kind, "universal" collaboration between Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS (JLABS) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) that will embed the services and resources of JLABS to accelerate innovation within Singapore's life science ecosystem and the wider Asia Pacific region, under a pioneering new collaboration model for Johnson & Johnson Innovation.

"In recognition of Singapore's thriving innovation ecosystem, collaborative avenues and expertise in science and technology, we are proud to collaborate with EDB to provide companies with access to our new, collaborative 'universal' JLABS model that builds on our legacy of driving innovation with external collaborators," said William N. Hait, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Chief External Innovation and Medical Officer, Johnson & Johnson.  "Our commitment to investing in Singapore's life science ecosystem is an affirmation of our unwavering dedication to scientific progress, healthcare excellence and sourcing innovation wherever it originates."

Under this new collaboration, JLABS will support companies in Singapore to help accelerate their early-stage discoveries into innovative medicines, medical technologies, and healthcare solutions. JLABS will work with local incubators and other strategic partners in the ecosystem on venture and talent development offerings to stimulate employment and commercialization opportunities for these early-stage companies.

"This a critical milestone for Johnson & Johnson Innovation. It deepens our commitment to support early innovation in the life science innovation ecosystem with a customized approach for Singapore that leverages 12 years of experience, a credible, recognized global brand, and the largest global life science network of startups, investors, and partners," said Melinda Richter, Global Head of JLABS.

Johnson & Johnson Innovation has supported a global network of open innovation ecosystems, enabling and empowering emerging companies with the knowledge, experience, partnerships, and venture connections across a broad healthcare spectrum, including the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors.  JLABS has supported nearly 1,000 companies and engaged more than 100 investment firms through its Investor Hub.

The following companies are the first to receive Universal JLABS services and resources through this new collaboration:

Singapore QuickFire Challenge
The Singapore QuickFire Challenge was announced at SWITCH, inviting innovators from across the globe who have an active interest in the Singapore innovation ecosystem to submit groundbreaking ideas, technologies, or potential healthcare solutions aiming to improve the trajectory of outcomes for patients.

The innovator(s) with the best potential solution will receive grant funding from a total pool of $100,000, access to the global JLABS network.

Applications are currently being accepted from biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and digital health companies.  Companies and innovators interested in JLABS are invited to visit https://jnjinnovation.com/locations/jlabs/jlabs-singapore.

Applicants to the Singapore QuickFire Challenge are invited to apply at https://jji.jnj/SG2023 by January 26, 2024.

* Subject to terms and conditions of applicable QuickFire Challenge and execution of an award agreement