Synapxe, Singapore’s national HealthTech agency, has unveiled the HealthX Innovation Sandbox 2.0 (HX-IS 2.0) during the inaugural HealthTechX Asia event. This enhanced initiative builds upon its 2023 predecessor to further support HealthTech start-ups and developers in creating, testing, and validating emerging healthcare technologies.
As the only HealthTech sandbox in Singapore to operate on the Healthcare Commercial Cloud (HCC), HX-IS 2.0 now features broader multi-cloud support, improved data access, and more flexible development environments. It offers a safe and compliant space for innovation in public healthcare, encouraging faster development of practical solutions.
New tools and capabilities for HealthTech development
HX-IS 2.0 introduces several significant upgrades aimed at making development more agile and efficient. A key feature is the addition of Microsoft Azure, which joins Amazon Web Services (AWS) in supporting cloud-based HealthTech development. With access to Azure’s cloud infrastructure, start-ups can apply for Azure Trial Passes and sponsorship credits to help build and validate proof-of-concept projects. This includes access to platforms such as GitHub, Azure Copilot, and Azure OpenAI Service.
Developers can also benefit from over 2,300 healthcare APIs based on the HL7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard. These APIs simplify integration across healthcare systems, both locally and globally, by providing a consistent and reliable data exchange framework.
In collaboration with AWS, the sandbox also supports synthetic data generation through HEALIX, Singapore’s first public healthcare cloud-based analytics platform. This service generates anonymised datasets that mirror real patient data, allowing innovators to test their applications in a near real-world environment without compromising patient privacy.
Enabling faster and smoother integration
One of the main challenges in HealthTech innovation is limited access to realistic and relevant datasets. HX-IS 2.0 addresses this by expanding synthetic data capabilities through HEALIX, helping developers build and test more accurate healthcare applications.
Another barrier has been the complexity of integrating new solutions with existing healthcare systems. With HL7 FHIR APIs now readily available, developers can create interoperable applications that are easier to integrate across Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem. This reduces technical hurdles and accelerates the time needed to bring innovations from concept to real-world deployment.
Successful projects that emerge from the sandbox will also receive implementation guidance and support from Synapxe. This includes compliance and security advice to ensure integration into the national healthcare system meets regulatory and operational standards.
Strong partnerships with Microsoft and AWS
The enhanced sandbox programme is underpinned by strong collaborations with leading technology providers. Microsoft has joined the initiative to offer its infrastructure, AI platforms, and cloud services.
“Technology and AI have incredible potential to revolutionise healthcare, from making groundbreaking discoveries to delivering more personalised patient experience. We’re excited to collaborate with Synapxe to give local HealthTech innovators the opportunity to develop, deploy, and validate their transformative solutions even faster by using Microsoft Azure and AI platforms. We can’t wait to support the next big ideas to come out of Singapore’s start-up ecosystem through the HealthX Innovation Sandbox 2.0,” said Ms Wong Sook Huey, Public Sector Lead, Microsoft Singapore.
AWS also continues its partnership with Synapxe, providing credits and access to its suite of cloud services and tools tailored for healthcare innovation.
“AWS is excited to be a pioneer partner of the HealthX Innovation Sandbox, helping to bring multiple new innovative healthcare solutions from genesis to pilot. Our expanded collaboration with Synapxe for Sandbox 2.0 will enable healthcare innovators to leverage powerful AWS technologies to make data-driven clinical and operational decisions, enable precision medicine, and decrease the cost of care. Together, we are creating a future where technology and healthcare converge to deliver better patient outcomes,” said Ms Elsie Tan, Worldwide Public Sector Country Leader, AWS Singapore.
Building on early success and looking ahead
The first iteration of the HealthX Innovation Sandbox, launched in September 2023, saw 11 HealthTech use-cases tested on AWS, with five now being considered for piloting by public healthcare institutions. These projects span areas including artificial intelligence, generative AI, and 3D imaging.
“Based on the success of our first HealthX Innovation Sandbox, we want to make HealthTech innovation more accessible to our innovators and empower them to develop the next generation of HealthTech solutions. We are excited to provide more tools and product offerings for our Sandbox 2.0. Collaboration begets innovation, so we are pleased to now work with Microsoft, in addition to AWS, and welcome new innovators to create an impact for Singapore’s public healthcare sector,” said Mr Glenn Neo, Director of Innovation Capabilities Enablement at Synapxe.
