Singapore hospital signs technology partnership to tackle healthcare challenges
The first challenge seeks AI tools to spot fall hazards in patients’ homes, with applications closing in November 2026.
Singapore’s National University Hospital (NUH) has signed a Memorandum of Intent with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to bring technology developers into projects addressing healthcare needs. The partners described the agreement as the first involving a public healthcare institution within IMDA’s Open Innovation Platform (OIP).
An initial innovation challenge is seeking AI-enabled solutions that could identify hazards that may cause falls at patients’ homes, doing so earlier and at scale. The application deadline is in November 2026.
The hospital is taking part through its Kent Ridge Office of Innovation, which was established in April 2024. The office works alongside hospital staff to find ways to improve patient care, experiences and operational efficiency.
According to the partners, the arrangement combines NUH’s healthcare expertise with an OIP network numbering approximately 21,000 innovators and solution providers. Participants include technology businesses, startups and research institutions.
NUH intends to put forward further challenges through OIP each year in March, July and October. These will focus on priorities set by the hospital and offer developers opportunities to build and trial solutions.
The partners said the collaboration supports Singapore’s National AI Strategy. They added that OIP, introduced in 2018, has facilitated more than 450 challenges, with prize funding supported by the platform exceeding S$25 million.
