Kudos to (L-R) Dr Ajay Kottapalli, Dr Bee Luan Khoo & Dr Yok Hian Chionh for their innovations & research breakthroughs!
Not one, two but three SMART researchers have made it to the Top 10 Finalist List of MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 Asia!
Our heartiest congratulations to these trailblazers:
1. Dr Bee Luan Khoo (BioSyM), who designed microfluidic models to deliver real-time therapeutic read-outs with direct translational relevance for cancer. One of the core innovations that was developed is the circulating tumor cell (CTC) Cluster Assay. The CTC Cluster Assay aims to mimic parts of the tumor microenvironment in vitro by integrating a confined fluidic niche using microwells together with hypoxia and tumor-associated immune cells. This opens the pathway to early detection of cancer and diseases.
2. Dr Ajay Kottapalli (CENSAM), who developed bioinspired self-powered nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) sensors which could accurately monitor the drug infusion rates in intravenous infusions in hospitals. This could potentially eliminate erroneous dosages that have so far remained undetected. These sensors could automate infusions and reduce the nurse workload.
3. Dr Yok Hian Chionh (ID, now in Tychan Pte Ltd), who created systems that rapidly design cures, respond to, and treat patients during outbreaks. He discovered fundamental properties of genetic coding that enabled pathogens to survive hostile environments; and he helped bring an anti-Zika therapeutic from bench-to-bedside.
These trailblazers are leading the next gen of tech breakthroughs. They automatically become candidates and potential finalists for the global Innovators Under 35 list celebrated in the fall of 2018 in Boston.
MIT Technology Review will showcase the global winners in the September/October issue and online. The 10 honourees will each present a three-minute elevator pitch at EmTech Asia on 30-31 January 2018.
See media coverage in BusinessInsider.sg and FinTechNews.sg
