Bridging Units and Business Incubation in a Technology Research Lab

Arcot Desai Narasimhalu, Singapore Management University

Abstract

This paper describes a new model of incubation practices at Singapore’s Kent Ridge Digital Labs from 1998 till 2002. The model deviates from previously known models where by research institutions including institutions of higher learning license their technologies to companies or entrepreneurs who wished to either productize the technology or start a new company using the technology. The model was successfully applied towards the creation of more than fifteen start ups. These start ups attracted significant investments from venture capitalists from Singapore and elsewhere. Several of these companies are still in business.