12/06/2026
Singaporeans can expect more training and internship opportunities with the opening of a new joint lab in synthetic biology between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI) and the National University of Singapore 🔬🧑🔬
The SIFBI–NUS Synthetic Biology Joint Lab will allow companies keen to develop bio-based alternatives to conventional chemical manufacturing to innovate, pilot, and produce these solutions at scale. Led by Professor Jay Keasling, who is credited with pioneering the use of yeast to produce complex molecules, the lab will integrate AI-driven engineering capabilities and use fungi as a living cell factory for molecule production.
The lab also aims to serve as a training ground for future scientists and engineers through joint supervision arrangements, internships, and fellowships. This will help equip early-career researchers with the skill sets to operate between academia and industry settings.
The global bioeconomy is transforming industries, with the green chemicals market set to reach US$230b by 2030. Learn more about the opportunities in Singapore’s bioeconomy: https://go.gov.sg/edbnews120626