• Partnership seeks to deepen symbiotic industry-academia collaborations in applied research and talent upskilling
• First-of-its-kind made-for-Asia sustainable R&D to develop kale stems as prebiotics

Key representatives representing SIT and AMILI at the MOU signing ceremony (from left): Dr Jeremy Lim, CEO & Co-Founder, AMILI; Ms Toh Kai Yee, Head of Lab and Research, AMILI; A/Prof Susanna Leong, Vice President (Applied Research), SIT; and Prof Chua Kee Chaing, President, SIT. (SIT Photo)

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore’s University of Applied Learning, and AMILI Pte Ltd, Southeast Asia’s first precision gut microbiome company, have formalised a three-year partnership today to accelerate innovations in human gut microbiome. SIT and AMILI will jointly embark on a series of research and development (R&D) programmes, staff upskilling initiatives, and work attachment opportunities for SIT students.

Commercialising Kale Stems as Prebiotics through First-of-its-Kind R&D Programme

As the human gut microbiome^[1] research continues to be an important field to advance human health, researchers from SIT and AMILI have embarked on a research programme to exploit the benefits of leftover farmed vegetables for gut health improvement. The first-of-its-kind applied research programme utilises food waste valorisation through drying and milling^[2] methodologies to optimise kale stems as prebiotics^[3] that will enhance the growth of probiotics^[4], with a focus on the Asian population. Kale stems, in its powder form, are found to be strong catalysts for the growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, both of which are essential intestinal bacteria that aid in the maintenance of a healthy gut system.

SIT will further develop kale stems as a prebiotic to be incorporated into AMILI’s next generation of gut health supplements. Coupled with AMILI’s findings from its fast-growing multi-ethnic microbiome database, the new commercial product will present a competitive edge to existing Western formulations. AMILI’s keen focus in Asian microbiome research and innovation enables the company to develop products and services that are based on comprehensive studies of the gut microbiome and dietary patterns of people living in Asia.

The joint R&D in optimising kale stems as prebiotics is a continuation of SIT’s work in food waste valorisation with home-grown agri-tech company Sustenir, which produces healthy vegetables such as kale, lettuce and spinach. Apart from the optimisation of kale stems as prebiotics, SIT and AMILI will also embark on other applied research initiatives that will contribute to leveraging technology platforms to accelerate the expansion of AMILI’s gut health studies and suite of commercial offerings.

Industry Upskilling and Strengthening Talent Pipeline through Skills-Based Learning

As part of the collaboration, SIT and AMILI will employ a skills-based approach in a symbiotic staff exchange programme that aims to strengthen industry and academia upskilling. SIT academic staff, comprising faculty and Professional Officers, will be closely engaged in AMILI’s product development efforts, while AMILI’s staff will benefit from SIT’s applied research expertise and laboratory contributions. Both SIT and AMILI employees will also co-develop and incorporate topics on gut microbiome in future coursework.

In addition, there will be work attachment opportunities for SIT students across multiple disciplines, including Food Technology, Pharmaceutical Engineering, and Dietetics and Nutrition. Students will gain real-world exposure through practical sessions in applied research and commercial product development.  

Shared Associate Professor Susanna Leong, Vice President (Applied Research), SIT, “One of SIT’s key applied research focus is sustainable food innovation. We aim to contribute to the growing functional foods and nutraceutical market through sustainable R&D methodologies such as food waste valorisation. We look forward to working with AMILI to develop products that meets the needs of Asian consumers.”

Dr Jeremy Lim, CEO & Co-Founder, AMILI, remarked: “We are honoured to partner SIT, a university that includes food science and innovation as one of their key areas of focus. As our tagline goes, ‘Good health starts with gut health’, and Asia has many traditional foods and ingredients that are only just being scientifically assessed to demonstrate their health benefits. We believe this partnership will be a key platform to achieve this.”

Footnotes: 

[1] The microbiome is the community of microorganisms (such as bacteria and viruses) that exists in a particular environment. The term is often used to describe the microorganisms that live in or on a particular part of the human body, such as the skin or gastrointestinal tract. The collaboration between SIT and AMILI focuses on gut microbiome.

[2] Food waste valorisation is a process of converting leftover food or by-products into higher value products that contribute back to the food supply chain.

[3] Prebiotics are types of fibre that feed the good bacteria found in the digestive system.

[4] Probiotics are good bacteria found in certain foods or supplements that are beneficial for the digestive system and enable crucial bodily functions.

About the Singapore Institute of Technology 

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is Singapore’s first University of Applied Learning, offering industry-relevant degree programmes that prepare its graduates to be work- and future-ready professionals. Its mission is to maximise the potential of its learners and to innovate with industry, through an integrated applied learning and research approach, so as to contribute to the economy and society. 

The University’s unique pedagogy integrates work and study, embracing authentic learning in a real-world environment through collaborations with key strategic partners. Its focus on applied research with business impact is aimed at helping industry innovate and grow. Targeted to be ready in 2024, SIT’s centralised campus within the larger Punggol Digital District will feature a vibrant learning environment where academia and industry will be tightly integrated with the community.

For more information, visit www.SingaporeTech.edu.sg.

About AMILI

AMILI is a precision gut microbiome company building the world’s largest multi-ethnic Asia-centric microbiome database, including Southeast Asia’s only stool bank. Applying advanced analytics to its database, AMILI is developing diagnostics tests, predictive algorithms and microbiome-modifying interventions to support the gut microbiome innovation and therapy to positively impact millions of lives across Asia. The company is based in Singapore.