Ideas Made Real: SMU Startups and Innovations
What does it take to turn ideas into real-world impact? The long answer: the right mindset, network, and support. The short answer: the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) to bring their innovations to market.
At WCS 2026, we showcase four SMU-supported startups and research innovations making a difference – from greening roads and conserving oceans, to reducing water and energy consumption and boosting food security.
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Magorium: Building Eco-roads with Plastic Waste
Bitumen, a petroleum-based material commonly used to pave roads, generates significant carbon emissions during production. Through a pioneering deep-tech process, Magorium converts unsorted, contaminated plastic waste into a high-performance, low-carbon road material called NEWBitumen. Compared to conventional bitumen, Magorium’s eco-asphalt premix with NEWBitumen cuts 300kg of CO₂ emissions per tonne.
Magorium is founded by SMU alum Oh Shu Xian (SMU School of Social Sciences, Class of 2018).
Find out more at: https://www.mgrium.com
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EcoFlow: Engineering Water Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Reducing water and energy waste without increasing infrastructure costs is now possible with EcoFlow’s WAVE Valve and NanoRefrigerant solutions. With rapid, one-day deployment and minimal infrastructural disruption, these technologies enable visibility over asset performance, consumption patterns, and savings, and are already adopted across over 200 properties in four countries.
EcoFlow is co-founded by SMU alumni Adriel Ng (SMU School of Accountancy, Class of 2021), Ang Wan Loong (SMU School of Social Science, Class of 2022), and Darren Cheng (SMU School of Business, Class of 2023).
Find out more at: https://www.ecoflow.sg
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Qarbotech: Leveraging Nanotechnology to Maximise Crop Yield
Using patented Carbon Quantum Dot (CQD) nanotechnology derived from biomass, Qarbotech converts UV rays into blue light, enhancing photosynthesis and boosting crop productivity by 20 to 30%. The solution is easy to apply, scalable, and environmentally sustainable, strengthening climate-resilient food systems without disrupting existing farming practices. It has been validated through field trials across multiple countries.
Qarbotech is supported by IIE’s Urban SustaInnovator programme (Cohort 1).
Find out more at: https://qarbotech.com
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IIE Showcase: Harnessing EVs for Resilient Power Grids
What if electric vehicles (EVs) could help power cities during periods of high demand? Through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services, EVs can discharge electricity back to the power grid, supported by an aggregator platform that coordinates participation and rewards drivers without shortening EVs’ battery life. This yet-to-be-commercialised business model has the potential to increase operator profits by up to 17% while reducing emissions by up to 25%.
This business model is the brainchild of Associate Professor Yangfang (Helen) Zhou of SMU.
Developing Tomorrow’s Sustainability and Urban Innovation Talent
Sustainable cities are built by people who understand them – visionary leaders, practitioners, and innovators. Beyond undergraduate education, SMU offers postgraduate degrees and executive programmes that combine research rigour with real-world relevance – empowering professionals to drive meaningful change in their cities and organisations.
