RP Grand Challenge: Building the Next Frontier of AI and Humanoids with RP

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.

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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 statement

• Apr - May 2026
  Problem review & shortlisting

• Jun - Aug 2026
  Proposal development

• Sep 2026
  Funding approval

• Oct 2026 – Sep 2027 (Estimated)
  Solution development
  

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For enquiries, please contact help-otd@rp.edu.sg.