The global tech leader HP along with the National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore are building a new digital manufacturing corporate lab at the university’s campus.

About 100 researchers and staffers will work in the $84 million corporate lab. The researchers’ focus areas will be digital manufacturing technologies in 3D printing, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, improved materials and various apps.

“Singapore is one of our key worldwide technology development and manufacturing centers in Print technology,” said Dion Weisler, CEO and President of HP Inc. “One out of every three jobs worldwide, more than 30 percent of global GDP, and nearly one-third of carbon emissions are related to manufacturing. We are committed to innovating with purpose, not only driving the technology breakthroughs that improve HP’s business but also contribute to creating economic opportunity and improving people’s lives.”

It is HP’s first collaboration with a university in Asia and will play a vital role in preparing the students for Industry 4.0. NTU’s partnership with HP with this lab will benefit in finding solutions to technological challenges and Singapore towards its goal of becoming a Smart Nation.

“It will also strengthen our capabilities to support multinational companies for expansion from Singapore into the region,” said Low Teck Seng, NRF CEO and Professor.

The first 15 projects to be undertaken by the researchers in the lab include developing 4D printed smart systems that adapt to temperature changes, enabling printers to predict and resolve issues through AI and machine learning and cybersecurity initiatives.

This lab is an example of how organizations and educators can come together to ensure targeted talent development that caters to the demands of the evolving industrial sector’s talent requirements.