Singapore’s Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) has entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 13 companies, including Rolls-Royce, to develop innovative technologies for the industrial sector.

The 13 companies are hailing from various nations and backgrounds, including enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as start-ups.

The new deal is a part of A*Star’s Digital Industrial Customer Care programme and initially expects to focus on developing solutions for the aerospace, offshore and marine and land transport industries.

As part of its deal with Rolls-Royce, A*Star is set to establish a joint manufacturing laboratory to develop new technologies in addition to improved maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the aerospace industry.

"By collaborating with organisations in the public and private spheres, Rolls-Royce leverages a ‘best of all worlds’ approach that allows us to tap into the diverse and unique expertise of different players."

Singapore Aero Engine Services (SAESL) will also engage in the development of the laboratory, which is expected to receive an investment of up to S$60m ($44m) from the three companies involved.

The five-year project aims to enable joint development of technologies expected to be used by Rolls-Royce and SAESL to improve productivity and competitiveness, as well as save costs.

Rolls-Royce chief technology officer Paul Stein was quoted by TODAY Online as saying: “By collaborating with organisations in the public and private spheres, Rolls-Royce leverages a ‘best of all worlds’ approach that allows us to tap into the diverse and unique expertise of different players.”

Earlier this month, A*Star introduced its Industrial Internet of Things Research Programme to develop and validate advanced technologies with industry partners and to deploy them within and outside Singapore.