The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and Singapore Space & Technology Ltd (SSTL) are launching the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Innovation Challenge on 25 February 2021 to offer polytechnic and tertiary students an opportunity to use high precision satellite positioning system in the creation of a wearable location tracking solution to assist in the care of the elderly, individuals with special needs, and even pets.

2.    GNSS encompasses different types of satellite navigation systems including the commonly known Global Positioning System (GPS). GNSS is commonly used for location positioning applications via our mobile devices and offers an accuracy range of between 2 to 10 metres. To achieve higher precision, navigation and real-time monitoring, GNSS is augmented with Differential GNSS (DGNSS) and Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) for positioning accuracy to the centimetre.

3.   SLA manages the Singapore Satellite Positioning Reference Network (SiReNT), which supports both DGNSS and RTK services, as well as the Post Process On-Demand (PP On-Demand) for millimetre accuracy post processing service. SiReNT is used across multiple fields which require high precision positioning including the development of self-mobility vehicles and platforms, construction automation, surveying and mapping, and intelligent transportation systems. The GNSS Innovation Challenge presents an opportunity for SiReNT to be leveraged beyond its current uses.

4.   Singapore is facing an increasingly greying population and we want to encourage the development of solutions to assist caregivers in caring for the elderly, as well as people with special needs. This challenge is intended to engage young minds to overcome limitations in the development of wearable solutions to solve real-life problems to benefit the community. Through this initiative, we also hope to build interest in the use of satellite positioning reference technology to power real-time, high precision positioning applications,” said SLA Acting Chief Executive Simon Ong.

5.   The inaugural GNSS Innovation Challenge brief is available at space.org.sg. Students studying in a Singapore-based institution are invited to register in teams of three to five by 5 March 2021. A review panel will select five teams to participate in the event, culminating in a final pitch to GNSS leaders and an awards ceremony at the Global Space and Technology Convention in June 2021.

6.    Student participants will get a chance to jump-start and build their ability to innovate in a real-world context and receive valuable mentoring and interaction with experts in the field, along with the chance to win cash prizes of up to S$3,000. In conjunction with the programme, SLA will invite participants for a possible internship position.

7.    “We are pleased to co-organise this challenge with SLA to seek ground-up solutions to address community problems that are dear to us. The global pandemic has especially brought to attention the importance of monitoring of our loved ones especially in times of social distancing. It has accelerated the use of tracking devices and there is no better time to tap into the doers and innovators of Singapore,” said Lynette Tan, Chief Executive of SSTL.

8.    The GNSS Innovation Challenge is one of the youth challenges hosted by SSTL this year. SSTL believes in talent development, engaging and inspiring youths to find a career in space. With experience in hosting youth engagements in this new digital environment, SSTL looks forward to providing the students with ways to share, collaborate and connect; materials, research and industry exchange sessions to help create pathways to opportunities and solutions.

9.    Registration is now open. A ‘GNSS Innovation Challenge Introductory Workshop’ will be held on 25 February 2021 and all are welcomed to register and attend the workshop, with or without teammates.

Issued by:

Singapore Space and Technology Limited
Singapore Land Authority

16 February 2021