The GEAR Startup CoLab Launches at GITEX Asia, Powering Next-Gen Built Environment Solutions

Through the Startup CoLab Programme, The GEAR by Kajima is driving the next frontier of built environment technologies as a globally recognised, industry-driven startup collaboration hub. In partnership with key industry leaders, The GEAR continues to advance Kajima’s vision of “Building for the Next 100 Years” 

Programme Launch at GITEX (from left to right): Beth Henderson (The GEAR by Kajima), Prof Winston Chow (SMU), Albert Wong (HKSTP), Luke Wu (The GEAR by Kajima), Heng Teck Thai (BCA), Christine Wong (JTC), Magdalene Loh (Enterprise SG), Patrick Lim (ACE.SG) 

SINGAPORE, April 24, 2025 – The GEAR by Kajima officially launched its Startup CoLab Programme at GITEX Asia, one of the world’s largest technology and startup events, 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 building 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.  

Panel speakers (from left to right) Luke Wu (The GEAR by Kajima), Heng Teck Thai (BCA) and Christine Wong (JTC), moderated by Prof Winston Chow (SMU & Co-Chair of Working Group II, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)

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% productivity saving for post-tensioning slab process, with this time saving having the potential to realise costs 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 here. 

Hear from The GEAR Startup CoLab Programme Partners (listed in alphabetical order): 

Industry Partners:

Mr Heng Teck Thai, Deputy CEO, Building & Construction Authority (BCA) 

“We welcome the launch of the Startup CoLab programme from The GEAR by Kajima, which enables collaborative innovation in our Built Environment sector.  Tapping Kajima’s engineering expertise, startups can develop ConTech solutions to enhance our local ecosystem and futureproof the sector.  The programme’s overseas network also fosters cross-border partnerships and fresh perspectives.  Singapore prioritises innovative solutions that could help us build better, faster, safer and more sustainably. BCA will facilitate the commercialisation of viable solutions.” 

Ms Christine Wong, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Cluster Group, JTC Corporation (JTC) 

“The GEAR by Kajima's Startup CoLab Programme is an excellent platform for startups to develop and deploy their solutions, and make a positive impact on Singapore’s built environment space. As the Singapore government’s Centre of Excellence for Building and Infrastructure, JTC is excited to shape challenge statements and offer our buildings for startups to test and refine promising solutions. This can play an enabling role to accelerate commercial deployment.” 

Network Partners: 

Mr Patrick Lim, Chief Executive Officer, Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE.SG) 

“ACE.SG is happy to partner The GEAR by Kajima’s efforts in driving the next frontier of built environment technologies developed by startups. We welcome more of such corporate initiatives which support growth opportunities for startups and further enhance Singapore's startup ecosystem.” 

Mr Soh Leng Wan, Assistant Managing Director (Manufacturing), Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) 

“We are happy to be a partner of The GEAR by Kajima's Startup CoLab Programme, where we will connect innovative early-stage startups with the needs of the built environment sector to develop new solutions and address practical real-world challenges. This initiative also aligns with EnterpriseSG's broader efforts to encourage and facilitate partnerships between startups and SMEs with larger corporates, creating more opportunities for technological innovation and scalable solutions in the built environment sector.” 

Mr Albert Wong, CEO, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) 

“We are delighted to partner with The GEAR by Kajima to drive innovation in the built environment sector. This collaboration exemplifies how cross-border partnerships can accelerate the development of innovative technologies. By connecting diverse ecosystem stakeholders, it also supports the commercialisation of solutions that address real-world challenges. Through mentorship, resources, and funding, we’re empowering startups to thrive and contribute to a vibrant innovation ecosystem that shapes sustainable, resilient, and smart cities of the future.” 

Prof. Winston Chow, Professor of Urban Climate, Singapore Management University (SMU) & Co-Chair of Working Group II, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 

“Embracing technology has been crucial in transforming Singapore’s built environments into world-class standards. As our priorities shift towards overcoming climate change and building a better world for future generations, diverse stakeholders – government, private sector, startups and academia – must actively collaborate on the right digital innovations in urban infrastructure and planning, that can unlock new and better approaches to climate adaption.