John Friedman, Director, AgFunder Asia
John is the Asia Director for AgFunder and GROW Accelerator - Southeast Asia's first dedicated agrifoodtech accelerator for impact. Prior to joining AgFunder, John spent over a decade in investment banking and is an advocate for the role capital markets can play in driving solutions for the world’s most pressing problems. In addition to serving on the AgFunder investment team, John is the founding director of Makana Ventures and an angel investor in several agrifoodtech ventures ranging from alternative protein to consumer marketplace. Originally from Hawaii, John studied in the UK, is a graduate of Cornell University and now lives in Singapore with his wife and children. He is a Singaporean citizen.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning / Machine Learning / Robotics
Deep tech companies differentiate themselves from traditional tech by their ability to offer cutting-edge and disruptive technologies based on profound scientific discoveries to solve big societal problems. One would think that any invention or innovation that helps make life easier would inevitably and almost automatically find its way into society. Still, a closer look at the process of commercialisation or, simply put, moving deep tech out of the lab and into the marketplace reveals that while it is one thing to discover, design or develop, it is quite another in taking the next step – to mass produce, monetise or market.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning / Machine Learning / Robotics
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and other Deep Tech are gaining more significant influence and foothold in society and the economy all across the globe. However, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2020, a mere 26% of AI and Data professionals and 18% of Robotics Engineers globally are women.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning / Machine Learning / Robotics
We invite you to join our third PLAN.AI webinar, on the role of technology and design in building resilient and sustainable cities of the future. Presented by SGInnovate and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Singapore, the PLAN.AI series aims to advance the discourse beyond the usual urban planning analytics to AI-powered city planning.
The Covid-19 pandemic has made the ideas and insights of smart technology in the fields of urban planning and design even more important, as many cities are looking to implement changes for a more resilient, sustainable and healthier future. Singapore’s National Development Minister Desmond Lee said in September 2020 that “this pandemic has strengthened our resolve to quicken the transformation of our entire construction and built environment sector, so that it becomes more integrated and resilient,” and urged developers to continue leading the charge in research and innovation efforts, and adopting advanced technologies and innovative designs.
Join us for an exclusive sharing by Sidewalk Labs, Alphabet Inc.’s urban innovation company working to make cities more sustainable and affordable for all, through technology tools such as Delve that brings machine learning into the urban development process. The sharing will be followed by a fireside chat on how we can work together to build sustainable, affordable and desirable cities of the future.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning / Machine Learning / Robotics
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global crisis. Nations, industries and organisations are reeling from its impact and some are even facing an existential crisis. There is no doubt that COVID-19 has changed our lives. History shows that such large changes are not always temporary - crises can fundamentally reshape our beliefs and behaviours.
The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to think about the kind of future we want. In various announcements, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat has emphasised the importance of R&D investments to prepare for critical challenges, such as in managing pandemics and ensuring food security, and that Singapore can be “a more digital, more resilient advanced manufacturing base” for the world. Germany’s response to the pandemic has highlighted pre-existing strengths – efficient government, low debt, a global reputation for industrial excellence.
In this dialogue, Dr Lim will be discussing with Dr Ploss and Dr Beh how Germany and Singapore can work together and shape a stronger, more resilient and sustainable future economy and society. The conversation would delve into what the ‘new normal’ would look like after the pandemic, major changes in international trade and industry, the role of science and technology innovation, and corporate-startup-government collaborations as we look to build back better.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning / Machine Learning / Robotics, Startups
Almost ten years on from the coining of ‘Industry 4.0’ by the German government in 2011, the term has found worldwide popularity, with countries racing to increase digitisation in industrial automation and manufacturing. The next decade will bring a new era of growth for Industry 4.0 and industrial robotics, with COVID-19 forcing businesses to rethink their operations and breaking down the remaining barriers to adoption.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning / Machine Learning / Robotics
Our lives have suddenly been forced into the core of the digital world this year. We are still able to work and socialise globally because of the advancement in technology. Despite the situation we are in today, scientists will continue to advance the technology to aid the human race.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning / Machine Learning / Robotics
The Covid-19 pandemic is an important reminder of the long-term importance of investing in and building human capital – health, knowledge, capabilities, skills and resilience - that are critical to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. This is especially true in Africa, which is home to the world’s youngest population and also to some of the toughest human capital challenges.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning / Machine Learning / Robotics, FoodTech, MedTech / HealthTech / BioTech
Join us in celebrating SG Women in Tech’s first anniversary at our live webinar! Themed Action for Impact, the event will celebrate our progress over the past year, update on new collaborations among industry partners and present actionable initiatives that companies can adopt to grow our Women in Tech community.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning / Machine Learning / Robotics, Data Science / Data Analytics, Talent
We have long awaited the introduction of robotics into the supply chain industry. Today, thanks to the convergence of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Mobility, and Advanced Sensors, the autonomous revolution is here.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning / Machine Learning / Robotics
Our lives have suddenly been forced into the core of the digital world this year. We are still able to work and socialise globally because of the advancement in technology. Despite the situation we are in today, scientists will continue to advance the technology to aid the human race.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning / Machine Learning / Robotics
In the current Covid-19 pandemic, the potential of AI technology in providing business continuity and sustainability is not to be underestimated.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning / Machine Learning / Robotics, Startups