RP Grand Challenge: Building the Next Frontier of AI and Humanoids with RP
Events
4 February 2026
RP’s Grand Challenge connects businesses with RP’s expert researchers to tackle real-world humanoid and cyber-physical AI challenges. Join us to develop cutting-edge solutions, accelerate innovation, and drive commercial success.

About Open Innovation X Grand Challenge
Republic Polytechnic (RP) is a well-established institution in Singapore, advancing innovation through R&D and strategic industry partnerships. With over 3,000 projects and 1000 industry partners, we help companies enhance efficiency, improve productivity, and stay ahead of industry shifts.
Since 2019, RP has launched seven Grand Challenges in areas such as Sustainability, Agrifood, Health & Wellness, Supply Chain, and GenAI. This round of Grand Challenge follows an open innovation model, inviting companies to submit problem statements based on real-world challenges in the focus area of Humanoid & Cyber-Physical AI.

Key areas
RP’s Open Innovation x Grand Challenge focuses on humanoid & cyber-physical AI-driven solutions in the following areas:
Facility Management
Humanoids assisted by AI to support security
Facility management and cleaning
Hospitality
Perform housekeeping tasks
Manage guest requests
Deliver items
Enhance service efficiency
Logistics
Automate repetitive tasks and reduce workplace hazards
Example: Repetitive tasks such as sorting, loading and unloading
Sports and Health
Assist caretakers in monitoring patients’ or residents’ physical activities
Provide real-time support during exercise
Ensure well-being and safety
How it works?
This round of RP’s Grand Challenge adopts an open innovation model, inviting companies to submit real-world humanoid & cyber-physical AI challenges. Selected problem statements will receive expert collaboration, resources and access to funding opportunities to drive impactful solutions.
❓Problem Statement
Companies are invited to provide real-world challenges related to humanoid & cyber-physical AI.
📃Review and Shortlist
RP reviews and shortlists submissions for solution development.
✍️Proposal Development
RP will work closely with shortlisted partners to develop proposals.
✅Approval
RP seeks internal approval for project funding and will finalise the Research Collaboration Agreement with the partners if needed.
🌱Solution Development
Humanoid and cyber-physical AI solutions are developed and refined through iterative collaboration (up to a year).
🚀Testing and Development
RP will test and develop the solutions further.
Benefits For Your Company
Accelerate product development with lower risk
Build market-ready solutions from real industry needs
Gain priority access to IP and first-mover advantage
Speed up go-to-market with applied expertise
Participation Timeline
Feb - Mar 2026
Submit your problem statementApr - May 2026
Problem review & shortlistingJun - Aug 2026
Proposal developmentSep 2026
Funding approvalOct 2026 – Sep 2027 (Estimated)
Solution development
For enquiries, please contact help-otd@rp.edu.sg.
