Environmental Technology Centre (ENVTC)

Whether you're working on circular economy innovations or sustainable aquaculture, we provide the expertise and infrastructure to support your development journey.

Key research areas

Our team collaborates with industry to develop practical solutions in:

• Waste and water treatment technologies

• Waste-to-energy and resource recovery

• Environmental conservation and biodiversity

• Marine science and aquaculture systems

• Composting and applied mycology

Facilities and resources

Your project can tap into specialised labs equipped for sustainability-focused research:

• Water Technology Laboratory – for water quality monitoring and analysis

• Renewable Energy Laboratory – focused on bioenergy production and system evaluation

• Aquaculture Centre – indoor and outdoor systems supporting marine and freshwater studies

• RP–JCU Joint Lab – dedicated to coastal and marine ecology research

• Urban Farming Greenhouse – with hydroponics systems for controlled-environment agriculture

Industry project highlights

• Monitoring Bamboo Sharks in Singapore
  In collaboration with James Cook University (Singapore)
  We studied the biology and movement patterns of near-threatened bamboo sharks in Singapore using satellite tagging and behavioural tracking. The project, funded by Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund (WRSCF), supports efforts to define protected areas for marine species and promote conservation awareness.

• Mushroom R&D with Local SME
  Funded by SPRING Singapore’s TIP-ESS scheme
  We seconded an ENVTC expert to co-develop a pilot R&D facility with a local agritech SME. The team successfully cultivated new edible mushroom strains by combining practical engineering skills, commercial insights, and expertise in mycology.

• Recycling Incineration Ash into Composites
  Supported by NEA’s Environment Technology Research Programme (ETRP)
  We're developing a novel process using colloidal mesoporous silica to chemically stabilise incineration ash. The ash is repurposed into composite materials suitable for electronics, packaging, and construction—creating a safe and valuable use for waste by-products.

• Transforming Waste Grease into Renewable Energy
  We’ve licensed a proprietary process to a biofuels company that converts waste grease into biodiesel and other usable components. This collaboration includes validating the process and scaling up trial production for commercial testing and use.

Collaborative projects

Conservation of Mangrove Horseshoe Crabs

Funded by Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund (WRSCF)

This project supports the conservation of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, a mangrove horseshoe crab species. By identifying breeding sites and studying their population ecology, the goal is to advocate for the designation of protected spawning grounds in Singapore.

Advanced Catalysts for Biomass-to-Fuel Conversion

Supported by National Environment Agency’s Environment Technology Research Programme (NEA ETRP)

We are developing new capsule catalysts to convert synthetic gas (syngas) from biomass into liquid fuels in a single-stage process. This simplifies gas-to-liquid conversion and improves the energy efficiency of biomass utilisation.

Feeding Technology for Fish Larvae

Funded by Ministry of Education (MOE) - Translational R&D and Innovation Fund

In collaboration with the National University of Singapore, this project aims to design encapsulated feed for marine fish larvae. The capsules deliver essential proteins and lipids directly into their digestive systems, promoting better survival and growth.