The GEAR by Kajima, which was officially launched its Startup CoLab Programme at GITEX Asia, is reinforcing its commitment to innovation in the built environment sector. The GEAR by Kajima has partnered with leading organisations from the built environment and startup ecosystems to jointly drive this Programme. Industry partners include JTC Corporation (JTC) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), while network partners comprise Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE.SG), and Singapore Management University (SMU).
The GEAR by Kajima operates as the technology services and open innovation platform of the Kajima group, a leading global construction, engineering, and real estate company. It facilitates collaboration between Kajima’s global network and local industry partners to drive innovation and elevate industry standards within the built environment, primarily through startup engagement programmes and the development, transfer, and commercialisation of advanced in-house technology.
The GEAR Startup CoLab Programme is designed to foster collaboration between global startups and Kajima’s regional business units, focusing on sustainability in construction and building operations, productivity and safety on construction sites, next-generation facilities and infrastructure management, and smart buildings for occupant wellbeing.
Selected startups will have access to The GEAR’s world-class facilities, mentorship from industry experts, and equity- free, non-dilutive grant funding to fast-track the commercialisation of new technologies. Open to startups worldwide, the Programme will be hosted at The GEAR’ in Singapore and will select 8 startups to participate in 2025.
“The GEAR by Kajima is committed to driving innovation in the built environment sector by facilitating the adoption of frontier technology within our organisation and beyond. Leveraging our purpose-built test-bedding facility in Changi Business Park and through our startup programmes, we hope to engage with the emerging startups that are pushing the boundaries of our imagination towards more productive processes, occupant-responsive environments, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable practices. With these initiatives, we aim to shape the future of our sector by bridging ideas, technology, and industry expertise in a way that creates lasting impact.” Luke Wu, Managing Director, The GEAR by Kajima.
The GEAR Startup CoLab launched with its vision further highlighted in the Fireside Chat at GITEX Asia, “Building Together: Collaboratively Driving Sustainability in the Urban Environment.” Panel speakers Heng Teck Thai, Deputy CEO, BCA, Christine Wong, Assistant CEO, Cluster Group, JTC and, Mr. Luke Wu, moderated by Prof Winston Chow, Professor of Urban Climate, SMU & Co-Chair of Working Group II, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, discussed the impact of public-private collaboration on the commercialisation of emerging technologies to shape the future of urban landscapes.
As Industry Partners of The GEAR Startup CoLab, JTC and BCA provide valuable insights from industry and regulatory standpoints to shape the Programme’s challenge statements, startup selection, and project designs, ensuring alignment with the most pressing needs of the built environment. Additionally, partners can offer access to their facilities and assets, expanding the scope of testbed opportunities and enhancing the types of startups and projects the programme can support.
Along with industry partners, the Programme’s Network Partners: ACE.SG, EnterpriseSG, HKSTP, and SMU, add value to The GEAR Startup CoLab by connecting their networks of local and global startups, providing access to mentorship and networking events, and providing ad-hoc advisory to startup projects to cultivate a dynamic ecosystem for innovation and growth.
The first cycle of Kajima’s startup engagement efforts – The GEAR Residency Programme, concluded in March 2024, and highlighted outstanding projects and strengthened collaboration between startups and Kajima to advance the built environment ecosystem. Building on the success and learnings of that pilot, its successor, The GEAR Startup CoLab, is now led by an in-house team of experts and represents a refreshed platform for deeper co-innovation.
One of the Programme’s cohort startups, ConcreteAI, successfully delivered two proof-of-concept (POC) projects with Kajima construction sites, with the results being a key contributing factor to increasing industry awareness and further adoption of the temperature matched curing method.
ConcreteAI’ system monitors, visualises, and validates the early-age strength and temperature development of job-site concrete in real-time for shorter structure cycle time and reduced embodied carbon. At Kajima’s construction site, the system demonstrated a 30 percent productivity saving for post-tensioning slab process, with this time saving having the potential to realise cost savings through reduced equipment rental across the lifespan of the project.
“The GEAR’s startup programme has been a game-changer for ConcreteAI, providing us with the platform to showcase and validate our technology in real-world conditions.
The support and endorsement from Kajima’s team has been pivotal in accelerating our growth and adoption in the industry. We are immensely grateful for their support and highly recommend the programme to other built environment startups.” said Chang Qingyang, CEO and Co-founder of ConcreteAI.
Applications for The GEAR’s Startup CoLab Programme 2025 are now open. Interested startups can learn more and apply through The GEAR by Kajima’s website.
