Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Ian Ferguson Innovation Seed Fund (IFISF)


Inculcating creativity and spirit of entrepreneurship


MSE and the Ian Ferguson Foundation aims to develop an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset among MSE students. To support this, the Ian Ferguson Innovation Seed Fund (IFISF) has been launched to provide seed funding for all MSE students to undertake prototyping projects by applying for funding, which will be evaluated by a committee comprised of MSE faculty.

Eligibility
• All current MSE undergraduate and postgraduate students. 
• Students may sign up individually or as a group with maximum 6 members.
• The group may have members from other NTU schools, comprising at least 50% MSE students.

Application
All year round

Rules
• Students are required to complete the application form by providing the details of the innovation ideas and requested amount for prototyping.
• Students are allowed to submit more than one invention. However, each invention must be submitted separately.
• All entries must be original inventions / ideas. Any form of plagiarism will result in disqualification.
• A panel of MSE faculty will review and approve the final amount to be awarded based on established criteria. The amount awarded is final.
• Recipients must expend the funds by purchasing through NTU’s procurement system or reimbursement basis within one financial year (e.g., April 2023 – March 2024).
• Students must submit a one-page Post Report upon completion of the prototyping.
• Students who are successful in their application for seed funding will be encouraged to submit their projects to the IFIC competition.
• All IFISF recipients will be required to showcase their prototype at MSE events (if any).

 

Winner of The Student Project Competition 2021

 

Elysia, a Year 3 (AY21/22) Materials Engineering student, and a team member from Environmental Engineering developed a ‘Remote-Controlled Biological Microscope’ to address inconveniences related to prolonged usage of microscopes, and emerged as the Winner of The Student Project Competition 2021, awarded by RS Component – DesignSpark. 

First developed as a project under the Making & Tinkering course to solve ergonomic issues from gradual strain to pain in the neck, eyes strain from looking through the eyepiece, as well as to reduce physical contact with dangerous pathogens and improve time efficiency, the Remote-Controlled Biological Microscope was conceptualized, designed and prototyped using their knowledge in electronic and 3D modeling, facilitated by relevant firmware and hardware. 


Year 4 (AY21/22) Materials Engineering student, Giang Nguyen founded a start-up Linh AI

 

Giang Nguyen, a Year 4 (AY21/22) Materials Engineering student, has founded a start-up even before getting his degree! Linh AI was setup with fellow NTU undergraduates and their feat was recently featured in the 24 February issue of Lianhe Zaobao.
 
Linh AI (linh.ai) is an offshoot of a data-labelling solution they proposed to ST Engineering, the company where Giang undertook his internship. This eventually led to the development of Graviton, their first artificial intelligence (AI) development platform. Linh AI will help ST Engineering in the development of Mobility-on-Demand-Vehicles (MODVs). The start-up aspires to develop a platform that can support the development of a wide range of AI applications and they have also gained support from an angel investor.

Ian Ferguson Innovation Challenge (IFIC) 2022/2023

 

Champion:


Group 22: SmartGrip


Group 24: xGlove

 

Group 4: Logic Toy for Adults

Congratulations to the winning teams in the Ian Ferguson Innovation Challenge AY22/23. Professor Lam Yeng Ming, Chair, presented the winners with the certificates and prizes on 26 January 2023. The winning teams are: 

 

  • Champion and Most Popular Project: SmartGrip by Tang Leng Ze and Su Jiangtao
  • 1st Runner-up: xGlove by Su Jiangtao, Jambulingam Padmapooja, Ruth Theresia Arwani, Zhu Yinqi
  • 2nd Runner-up: Logic Toy for Adults by Chan Eugene, Farhan Suhada Bin Rasip, Lee Bao Jun, Nathanael Tan Chih Eng, Sriniketh Krishnan, Yip Ying

The IFIC is supported by the Ian Ferguson Foundation. It is an annual ground-up, student-centric catalyst to spur innovation, encourage prototype development and develop an entrepreneurial mindset among students at MSE. Projects submitted are relevant to materials science and engineering and the teams have to demonstrate creativity and provide original and practical solutions to an engineering problem. They can also choose to prototype their project.

Ian Ferguson Innovation Challenge (IFIC) 2021/2022

 

Champion:

Group 1: Auxy Wrap

Group 5: PlastaSoil

Group 6: Nitinol Generator

Congratulations to the winning teams in the Ian Ferguson Innovation Challenge AY21/22. Prof Joachim Loo, Associate Chair (Students), presented the winners with the certificates and prizes on 3 March 2022. The winning teams are: 

 

  • Champion: PlastaSoil by Afrina Bte Zaidi, Natalie Teo, Tee Hui Min, Tan Si Xian
  • 1st Runner-up and Most Popular Project: Auxy Wrap by Natalie Teo, Mohamed Khwajah Syed Meera Lebbai Maricar, Tan Shao Yun, Nivasini
  • 2nd Runner-up: Nitinol Generator by Leo Fernando Tan and Welthan Ang
The IFIC is supported by the Ian Ferguson Foundation. It is an annual ground-up, student-centric catalyst to spur innovation, encourage prototype development and develop an entrepreneurial mindset among students at MSE. Projects submitted are relevant to materials science and engineering and the teams have to demonstrate creativity and provide original and practical solutions to an engineering problem. They can also choose to prototype their project.

Ian Ferguson Innovation Challenge (IFIC) 2020/2021

 

Two MSE undergraduate students won the Champion Prize in the AY2020/2021 Ian Ferguson Innovation Challenge (IFIC) for the project TERRAPIN– A Temperature-Controllable Thermal Flask. The team of Muhammad Naziruddin Bin Mohd Ali and Pang Pei Yi developed TERRAPIN thermal flask that aims to revolutionize the reusable water bottle industry by incorporating a unique temperature control that allows for heating and cooling of the liquid inside. Situated in the cap of the flask is a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), which utilizes the Peltier Effect and is capable of heating up to 100 degrees Celsius or cool down to - 40 degrees Celsius. This allows the flask to heat or cool its contents rapidly. This temperature can then be held for extended periods through vacuum insulated walls.
The team chose to prototype their project which they completed in early 2022. Learn about their prototyping journey here. 

The IFIC is supported by the Ian Ferguson Foundation. It is an annual ground-up, student-centric catalyst to spur innovation, encourage prototype development and develop an entrepreneurial mindset among students at MSE. Projects submitted are relevant to materials science and engineering and the teams have to demonstrate creativity and provide original and practical solutions to an engineering problem. They can also choose to prototype their project.

Ian Ferguson Innovation Challenge (IFIC) 2019/2020

 

Phileon Goh Ze Wei, MSE undergraduate student, won the Champion Prize in the AY2019/2020 Ian Ferguson Innovation Challenge (IFIC) for his project Bitez. It features piezoelectric pressure sensors in artificial teeth to monitor the distribution of biting pressure among teeth during use, allowing dentists to analyse information, and to adjust dentures more effectively than by manual examination/ tactile sensors. Quartz is used as a piezoelectric material, incorporating it within artificial resin teeth which improves hardness and mechanical stability, increasing biting power.
Phileon’s Bitez project has since evolved to Bruxol which he developed with other NTU students. They have also developed the OraHub app. Learn more about it here.

The IFIC, which is supported by the Ian Ferguson Foundation, is an annual ground-up, student-centric catalyst to spur innovation, encourage prototype development and develop an entrepreneurial mindset among students at MSE. Projects submitted are relevant to materials science and engineering and the teams have to demonstrate creativity and provide original and practical solutions to an engineering problem. They can also choose to prototype their project.

Ian Ferguson Innovation Challenge (IFIC) 2018/2019

 

Five MSE undergraduate students took home the Champion Prize (Undergraduate Category) in the AY2018/2019 Ian Ferguson Innovation Challenge (IFIC) for their proposed innovative new product. The team of  Jain Palash Abhineet, Low Ker Yang, Matthew Jun-Hui Reavley, Tan Zhen Yuan and Teo Ren Jie developed HyLite – a lightweight, low power electronic sensor to monitor dehydration through sweat. The sensor takes the form-factor of a watch, utilising electrode-less deposition of copper to integrate the circuit board with the actual watch itself, a simple display utilising electroluminescent paint for minimal weight and reduced power consumption while retaining maximum flexibility to achieve user comfort. It is intended to be a low-cost system with long battery life which is not invasive and simple to use by individuals at risk of heat injury.

Jerome Lim won the IFIC Champion Prize for the Postgraduate Category. His project on Responsive NasoGastric (NG) Tubes for Confident Intubation involves the use of a newly designed feeding tube in conjunction with a device adaptor. These feeding tubes have two copper wires embedded within the walls of the tube. When used with the device adaptor, it will give out a false or positive response of the tube-tip location. This invention can replace the current method of confirming tube-tip location using radiography, i.e. x-ray, which is inconvenient and may not be readily available (e.g. home-care nursing), considering the frequency at which feeding has to be carried out.


The IFIC, which is supported by the Ian Ferguson Foundation, is an annual ground-up, student-centric catalyst to spur innovation, encourage prototype development and develop an entrepreneurial mindset among students at MSE. Projects submitted are relevant to materials science and engineering and the teams have to demonstrate creativity and provide original and practical solutions to an engineering problem. They can also choose to prototype their project.

2017 Soft Robotics Design Competition

 

Photo of the winning team with their invention, B-Robot: (L-R) Febby Krisnadi, Nguyen Linh Lan, Muhammad Iszaki Bin Patdillah and Ankit

We are delighted to share that the NTU team comprising of Febby Krisnadi (2nd year MSE undergraduate), Nguyen Linh Lan (2nd year SPMS undergraduate) and Muhammad Iszaki Bin Patdillah (4th year MSE undergraduate) overcame stiff competition to emerge as the runner up for the college-level category of the 2017 Soft Robotics Design Competition.
The team’s project scored high marks for a very interesting project idea as well as for great documentation showcasing useful images and videos during prototyping and testing. The team’s robot, named B-Robot, inspired by the rolling robots of Star Wars, is a sphere controlled by the shift in weight within the centre of mass within the body of the robot. Using Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEA), the electrical signal causes the corresponding DEA to contract and cause the rolling motion of the robot. More details are available at https://softroboticstoolkit.com/b-robot.

The team’s novel idea, quality documentation and feasibility of implementation greatly impressed the judging panel, which comprised of industry experts and previous competition participants.
 
The team’s stellar performance on the international stage was made possible with the invaluable guidance and support of MSE Assistant Professor Nripan Mathews and Ankit (3rd year MSE PhD). The rigorous preparations and training have paid off handsomely. Well done, team!

Ian Ferguson Innovation Challenge (IFIC)

A ground-up, student-centric catalyst that spurs innovation, prototype development, and an entrepreneurial mindset among students at NTU MSE.

Congratulations to the 2 joint winning teams of the Ian Ferguson Challenge AY16/17.

 

Team “Versatile Personal Combat Helmet (VPCH)”
Under the supervision of Senior Lecturer Dr Eileen Fong, with members consisting of Kwan Han Yang, Lee Yong Pheng, Lim Shang Yi, Putri Nasriyah Yunos, Titus Tan Zhi Le

 

Team “Modified Belay Device, Yeti”
Under the supervision of Assistant Professor Jason Xu Zhichuan, with members consisting of Lim Zheng Peng, Seah Fung Ling, Verner Soh Qun Liang, Wong Lee Yan Serena and Yu Jing

Decarbonathon 2016

 

“Decarbonathon” is an international competition organized by the Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum to fight global warming.

In 2016, a team of NTU MSE undergraduates consisting of Mutiara, Christopher, Stener, Bob and Theresia, competed against 235 teams from 67 different countries and successfully emerged as one of the top 16 finalists for this global competition.

The judging panel were impressed by the team’s creative proposal of a walkway, named ““ZOLAR”, which generates electricity by utilizing the piezoelectric and solar cell technology.

In addition, the MSE undergraduates had the privilege of participating in a hackathon and final presentation in held in Paris, France. 

Schneider Electric: Go Green in the City 2016

 

"Go Green in the City" is the ultimate global student competition for sustainable energy solutions. In teams of two, students from all over the world are invited to enter the competition and share their innovative solutions to real world business challenges within energy management.

The top twelve teams will travel to Paris where they will compete for a trip around the world and a career opportunity with Schneider Electric.

The partnership of 2 MSE undergraduates, Mutiara and Christopher, produced stellar results. The student team emerged as 2nd runner up for the Singapore edition in 2016. Their proposal, which focused on heat ventilation and electricity generation system in houses and buildings, received positive commendation from the judges. 

P&G Tech Challenge 2016

 

A team of MSE undergraduates, comprising of Christopher, Mutiara, Matthew, Haziq and Natalia, participated in this prestigious competition and emerged as one of Asia’s top 14 finalist teams.

Through a culmination of tireless preparations and meticulous research, the team created a technological innovation that aims to disrupt the laundry experience through the intelligent and integrated usage of a smartphone application.

Vatican Youth Symposium 2016

 

The annual symposium held by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) brings together young leaders from around the world to devise solutions for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

"I am grateful for the one-in-a-million opportunity to represent MSE at the 2016 Vatican Youth Symposium. It was an eye-opener, as young leaders from all around the world come together and devise solutions for education, technology and environmental issues".

- Mutiara, MSE undergraduate

Security Awareness for Everyone (SAFE)

 

Winner for 2015

International Energy Innovation Challenge

 


Winner for 2015

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge 2015

 


Recognising the importance of education, Samsung creates programmes that support youth development and training through the use of technology, services and expertise. Supported by IDA, Solve for Tomorrow, reflects Samsung’s investment in youth, and the company’s continued commitment to empowering students so that they can create positive impact in the community. 

This competition encourages students to leverage technology to address social issues and come up with creative ideas to improve communities and shape a smart, sustainable future for Singapore.

A team of undergraduates flew the MSE flag high and proud by emerging as the top 10th finalist team. To address the social stigma associated with power naps in Singapore, the student team of Christopher, Mutiara, Wen Di, Haziq, incorporated the features of isochronic tones, high-tech glasses, sleep analysis data and personalization options into a single portable product – “The Samsloth”.

Collaboration with NTUitive (The University’s Innovation and Enterprise Company)