Trailblazing impact: How deep tech start-ups are accelerating public safety innovation

Focused initially on revolutionising medical screenings for early-stage breast cancer detection, imaging radar technology start-up Vayyar now finds its radar-on-chip technology poised to provide equally impactful solutions, albeit in a different capacity. 

“With an increasing number of clients seeking enhanced security solutions, we decided to look into delivering more effective security screenings at a lower cost,” said Mr Assaf Kartowsky, Vayyar’s research and development manager for the homeland security market. 

As part of its diversification strategy, Vayyar chose to participate in Dimension X, the open innovation challenge launched by Hatch. The latter was established in May 2023 by HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency) in collaboration with Knovel Engineering and open innovation company SOSA.

Leveraging technologies from various sectors, including the medical and logistics industries, start-ups like Vayyar are given the opportunity to refine their technologies for dual-use applications through Dimension X. Now in its third run, the programme has published 30 challenge statements, attracting over 250 applications from international start-ups keen to jointly develop and validate their technologies with the Home Team.

Since its inception, Dimension X has fast-tracked the validation process for a diverse range of solutions through proof-of-concepts. Among them are AI-powered tools such as Neural Guard’s EyeFox that streamlines baggage screening by detecting threats from traditional X-ray images and Wonder Robotics’ technologies that equip drones with autonomous capabilities designed for navigating urban landscapes.

Equally noteworthy is Flyz Robotics’ Drobot, an autonomous system that deploys sensors on vertical walls to gather and transmit data for first responders and security teams. Additionally, CyberBee’s navigation technology utilises custom computer vision algorithms for precise mapping, localisation and navigation in GPS-unavailable environments, such as indoor settings.  

To date, 11 start-ups, including Vayyar, Neural Guard, Wonder Robotics, Flyz Robotics and CyberBee, have secured funding to validate their technologies through their participation in Dimension X. On Jan 24 at the Dimension X Cohort One Demo Day, Ministry of Home Affairs personnel and industry leaders gathered to witness proof-of-concept demonstrations that showcased the start-ups’ technologies and their ability to effectively meet the challenge statements. 

COLLABORATING ON REAL-WORLD USE CASES

Through Dimension X, Hatch enables start-ups to develop their solutions in collaboration with HTX’s scientists, engineers and Home Team end-users for the duration of the programme. This supports start-ups in advancing their technologies by testing and validating their concepts and minimum viable products in real-world scenarios while incorporating end-user feedback, an essential element for early and viable solutions development. 

Mr Kartowsky noted that the in-depth engagement facilitated by Hatch as well as the innovation centre’s assistance in defining proof-of-concept requirements helped Vayyar achieve the right product-market fit from the get-go. 

“We gained direct insights into key user needs early on, ensuring no vital functionalities were overlooked. Furthermore, developing a proof-of-concept showcasing our capabilities builds partners’ confidence and opens more doors,” he said. 

Mr Ron Shafran, Flyz Robotics’ co-founder and CEO, values the high level of communication within the Dimension X ecosystem. The clear and precise feedback from Home Team end-users allowed him and his team to refine and complete their proof-of-concept with confidence. 

Mr Shafran added that participating in Dimension X was a strategic move for Flyz Robotics. He explained: “As a foreign start-up, it would have been difficult connecting with a government organisation independently. Being part of Dimension X smoothed our entry into Singapore, a key market for growth and expansion.”  

A MULTI-PRONGED APPROACH TO FOSTERING INNOVATION

As part of its mission to introduce cutting-edge technologies to bolster Singapore’s public safety and security, Hatch supports start-ups from the Dimension X cohort by facilitating networking sessions, offering market entry assistance and providing local insights.

Co-founder and CEO of Wonder Robotics Idan Shimon said that Hatch has been instrumental in helping the company build connections and understand native requirements. 

The partnership opportunities and potential for expansion into Singapore have also proven invaluable for CyberBee. Working closely with operational end-users, CyberBee developed the Tactical Wearable Localisation Responder for first responder units. The lightweight module transmits real-time indoor localisation data, thus enhancing situational awareness for commanders and improving operational efficiency and safety on the ground. 

“By collaborating with the Singapore Civil Defence Force, we ensured that the proof-of-concept solution would meet the requirements of real-world operations,” said Dr Hagay Klein, founder and CEO of CyberBee.   

Find out more about Hatch and its programmes on its website and LinkedIn page. Access the latest updates about Dimension X.