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Autonomous underwater drone developer BeeX has partnered with the Singapore Institute of Technology to inaugurate the Autonomous Marine Foundry at the university’s Punggol Campus.
The purpose-built hub integrates BeeX’s expertise in underwater autonomy with the Singapore Institute of Technology’s applied learning framework to advance maritime robotics innovation, applied research, and engineering talent development. Situated along the waterfront, the facility features a live test zone for autonomous systems, equipped with a BeeX-funded davit crane to support the launch and recovery of underwater drones, such as the BETTA inspection and light intervention drone.
Designed to support the full innovation lifecycle, the center provides the infrastructure needed to move projects from early-stage research and prototyping to field trials and real-world operational deployment. The joint initiative aims to strengthen capabilities across key maritime sectors, including port management, national infrastructure, coastal protection, and offshore energy, while supporting the broader development of the Punggol Digital District as a precinct-scale technology testbed.
Grace Chia, BeeX CEO & Co-founder, commented, “Partnering with SIT to establish the Autonomous Marine Foundry is a milestone for BeeX and for the autonomous marine industry in Singapore. The AMF gives us the infrastructure, the institutional relationship, and the talent access to accelerate the development and real-world deployment of autonomous underwater systems. Together, we are building the ecosystem that will define maritime robotics in Singapore — and beyond.”
In addition to technology development, talent cultivation is central to the project’s mission. Through structured Integrated Work Study Programme attachments, capstone projects, co-developed workshops, and direct mentorship, the facility provides students with opportunities to address live engineering challenges alongside industry professionals.
As part of this hands-on learning approach, BeeX engineers will mentor Team OtiPrime, the university’s entry into the 2026 Maritime RobotX Challenge in Singapore, focusing on autonomous systems, underwater sensing, and robotics deployment.
Professor Susanna Leong, Provost, Singapore Institute of Technology, added, “The Autonomous Marine Foundry embodies what it means for SIT to be a premier university of applied learning. Through Integrated Work Study Programme attachments, capstone projects, mentorship and other applied learning opportunities, our students will work alongside BeeX engineers on real engineering challenges.”
