A portable device that allows kidney failure patients to undergo hemodialysis, a treatment that filters waste from their blood, anytime, anywhere. Together with South-east Asia’s first bank that stores gut bacteria, fungi and viruses for research and medical purposes, these are just among the many groundbreaking and life-saving innovations being developed behind the closed laboratory doors at the Singapore Science Park.

The 55-hectare Singapore Science Park, which marked its 40th anniversary last year, is home to not just medtech company Nextkidney SG and precision gut microbiome company AMILI, but also a wider vibrant community of more than 350 multinational corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, Merck and Shopee, alongside Fortune 500 companies, home-grown start-ups and laboratories.

Since it was founded in the 1980s, Singapore Science Park has built a reputation of being a destination for producing leading-edge inventions and breakthroughs by teams from all over the world.

Armed with a deep understanding of the evolving needs of scientists, researchers and innovators, the park’s developer, CapitaLand, unveiled its newest precinct – Geneo – last year. The name is derived from “Gen Neo”, embodying the hub’s commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators through the reinvention of real estate experiences.

Designed by Serie Architects in collaboration with Multiply Architects, Geneo represents a reimagining of the concept of science and business parks. Principal architect Chris Lee’s research on knowledge hubs led him to a key conclusion: “The most thriving research environments share a distinct urban character.”

He explains: “What sets Geneo apart is its ‘cityness’. Consider it a mini city where work, life and play seamlessly intertwine. Lush greenery is woven into the fabric of the development, fostering a healthy balance within this innovative ecosystem.

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“When a research cluster has a ‘cityness’ character, it has that ability to evolve and propel itself forward and stay relevant for decades to come.”

A new concept for a business park model

Gone are the days of confining scientific work within the four walls of research labs, separated from the broader community. Sectors such as biotech, deep tech and information technology – and the globally mobile knowledge-based workforce supporting these fields – have different aspirations and needs.

Today’s workplace is not just about the physical office space anymore – it’s about what it can offer. Most companies are now leaning towards collaborative spaces that enhance employees’ work experience, prioritise their well-being and foster a strong sense of community.

Geneo aligns with this shift by offering purpose-built infrastructure designed for life sciences, innovation and tech companies, while also considering the lifestyle needs of its occupants.

To encourage an active lifestyle beyond work, Geneo’s state-of-the-art research infrastructure is integrated with fitness and recreational facilities that anyone can use. Tenants can choose from utilising the basketball court, an outdoor area dedicated to yoga enthusiasts and a running track that circles the development. Those looking for a workout with a twist can head to the fitness corner at 5 Science Park Drive, which houses a 7m-tall sculpture that doubles as an outdoor fitness system.

Besides providing a home for companies focusing on life sciences, innovation and tech, Geneo also offers a serviced residence catering to those who want to live near the workplace. Like the buildings dedicated to the companies, Citadines Science Park Singapore, which welcomed its first guests recently, is designed to foster more spaces for collaboration, including a shared working space and meeting rooms, a residents’ lounge and a cafe.

At the heart of bringing people together is the event plaza, which connects Geneo’s five landmark Grade A buildings: 1, 1A, 1B, 5 and 7 Science Park Drive. This area also seamlessly links 39,000 sq ft of retail and dining experiences across three levels.

Lee likens the space to that of a piazza in European cities, but designed for Singapore’s tropical climate.

The plaza’s louvred glass canopy is supported by 25m tall timber structures, creating a cathedral-like feel. The addition of cascading water terraces creates a grand and welcoming arrival experience.

The naturally ventilated plaza will also be opened to the public and has an amphitheatre, which seats 300. It will serve as the venue for large-scale community events and tenant activities, including Flavours of Tomorrow, Singapore’s first alternative food festival presented by CapitaLand’s Singapore Science Park, Innovate 360, and NUS Enterprise, showcasing the latest advances in food technology.

Siah Puay Lin, director of architecture at Surbana Jurong, who led the delivery of Geneo’s architectural requirements, says such “social spaces will help redefine how present and future business park models should be”.

“This plaza will be a hive of activity after office hours and on the weekends,” she adds.

When Geneo is fully operational by 2025, the population at Singapore Science Park is expected to surge from 12,000 to a bustling 21,000.

This is why connectivity is a paramount consideration in Geneo’s design. Its main entrance in Singapore Science Park 1 is seamlessly connected with Kent Ridge MRT station and fully sheltered via the underground pedestrian networks, making the hub accessible to people taking public transport. Geneo is also a 10-minute drive to the central business district and is conveniently linked to major expressways via the Ayer Rajah Expressway.

Spaces for greater collaboration

To support collaboration and resource sharing, Geneo boasts 1.8 million sq ft of Grade A customisable workspaces, wet labs, wet lab-ready units, and co-working labs – specifically designed for innovation, R&D activities, and high space efficiency.

“Additionally, Geneo prioritises the future with smart facilities and dedicated collaboration areas, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation,” says Lee.

Geneo is designed with CapitaLand’s cloud-based Intelligent Building Platform. It is used for real-time monitoring and optimising energy usage, building management and security. Tenants can also use the mobile app CapitaStar@Work to conveniently book meeting rooms across the hub, adding to Geneo’s dynamic collaborative space.

Beyond meeting rooms, Geneo’s event plaza will also serve as the space that creates buzz and brings users together, sparking connections, ideas and serendipitous encounters that are conducive to research and innovation, explains Lee.

A walk in nature and sustainability

Another strong feature of Geneo is its focus on sustainability. “Sustainability is woven into the fabric of Geneo, meeting the needs of environmentally conscious tenants,” says Lee.

Buildings boast accordion-like facades which are angled to minimise heat gain and glare.

A distributed cooling system optimises energy use, while solar panels minimise dependence on the grid. Rainwater harvesting systems further demonstrate Geneo’s commitment to resource conservation.

The event plaza takes eco-friendliness to new heights with the towering structures made from mass engineered timber (MET) harvested from sustainably managed forests.

Siah notes: “These structures are the tallest MET canopy in Singapore, and are a testament to innovation and responsible construction practices.”

7 Science Park Drive sets a new standard, achieving the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification. This marks a significant milestone as the first Singapore Science Park property to receive this prestigious distinction.

The remaining buildings are certified BCA Green Mark Platinum, further solidifying the commitment to environmental responsibility.

To promote sustainable commuting, Geneo offers 466 bicycle lots, 14 electric vehicle charging stations and end-of-trip facilities such as showers and lockers, catering to eco-conscious individuals. A dedicated 490m cycling path links to nearby park connectors, encouraging alternative modes of transportation.

It also boasts a thoughtfully designed central garden filled with winding paths among ponds and various plant species.

“Geneo represents a paradigm shift, demonstrating how innovation and sustainability can coexist and thrive. It’s a testament to a future where scientific advancement progresses hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility,” says Siah.

By integrating state-of-the-art research facilities, recreational amenities, collaborative spaces and a strong commitment to sustainability, Geneo offers an environment where innovation and creativity can thrive to elevate research and development in Singapore.

Visit the Geneo website to find out more about the new life sciences and innovation hub at Singapore Science Park. For leasing enquiries, contact Geneo on this page.