SP Open House 2026 puts hands-on learning and entrepreneurship centre stage
SP Open House 2026 highlights hands-on learning, curriculum updates, and student entrepreneurship through immersive exhibits and talent programmes.
Singapore Polytechnic (SP) is positioning SP Open House 2026 as its most interactive edition yet, shifting away from static displays towards immersive, hands-on experiences that reflect real-world industry challenges. Taking place in January, the open house places strong emphasis on applied learning, entrepreneurship, data literacy, and human-centred skills, signalling how SP’s curriculum and student development initiatives are evolving to meet future workforce needs.
A key highlight of SP Open House 2026 is the introduction of Try-a-Skill booths at the SP Industry and Innovation Showcase. These booths are designed to give prospective students a practical and tactile understanding of modern engineering disciplines, encouraging them to actively build, experiment, and solve problems rather than observe passively. One of the headline activities is the Stick ’Em Challenge, where participants use sticks, 3D-printed connectors, motors, and wireless controls to construct dynamic, moving structures. The challenge blends creative problem-solving with technical and business thinking, and is linked to an affordable robotics kit developed by its co-founders, who were recently awarded the Hult Prize and its accompanying US$1 million in funding to support technology education for children.
The industry showcase also features a wide range of student-led projects spanning healthcare, gaming, and immersive entertainment. Among them is Serich’s Second-Skin Moisturising Cream, a non-steroidal eczema cream developed for all skin types, including sensitive and eczema-prone skin. The product distinguishes itself through the use of PETA-approved and EWG-certified ingredients, aligning skincare innovation with sustainability and non-toxic standards. Another notable project is The Paper Bride, a multiplayer location-based VR horror escape room inspired by Peranakan culture and Chinese Ghost Wedding traditions. Players explore intricately designed environments in teams of four, uncovering the fate of a fictional character, Yu Niang, while blending cultural storytelling with interactive game design.
Curriculum shifts towards data, teamwork, and industry relevance
Beyond the exhibition floor, SP Open House 2026 also highlights broader curriculum and structural changes across the institution. Strategic industry collaborations continue to play a central role in ensuring course relevance and applied learning outcomes. As part of these efforts, Diploma in Food Science and Technology students have conceptualised and developed two new beverage flavours to mark both SG60 and the School of Chemical and Life Sciences’ 60th anniversary. These flavours will be introduced to the Haus Brew range in the first quarter of 2026. SP has also formalised its ongoing collaboration with Gourmet Supplies through the signing of a memorandum of understanding.
At the same time, SP is strengthening its focus on human skills alongside technical competencies. The Teamwork Framework, launched in the 2023 to 2024 academic year, enables students’ collaboration abilities to be assessed objectively throughout their three years of study using a validated peer rating system. Upon graduation, students who rank in the top 50 percent will receive a digital certificate recognising their teamwork proficiency, underscoring SP’s emphasis on preparing graduates for collaborative, real-world environments.
Data fluency forms another pillar of SP’s evolving curriculum. The School of Mathematics and Science will be renamed the School of Mathematical Sciences and Analytics, reflecting a renewed mission to combine mathematical foundations with applied analytics. The school has expanded its offerings to include a Minor in Data and AI and a Certificate in Data and Analytics. It also supports adult learners through specialist diplomas in data science, covering areas such as analytics, predictive analytics, and vision and language analytics.
Student entrepreneurship and talent development take the spotlight
Entrepreneurship is expected to be a defining feature of SP Open House 2026, with a record number of student-run businesses showcased under the Business Essentials Through Action programme. For the first time, the entire Year 1 cohort from the School of Business has taken part, resulting in 60 active student businesses on display. These ventures range from sustainability-focused products to socially driven enterprises. Esscentials, for example, transforms surplus food and imperfect fruit into handcrafted fragrances designed for everyday home spaces, while REVAMP produces functional makeup pouches from upcycled denim in collaboration with individuals with special needs, providing both skills development and shared economic opportunities.
Supporting these student ventures is the SPiNOFF Entrepreneurship Centre, SP’s entrepreneurship incubator. The centre connects aspiring founders with programmes, resources, and national platforms such as the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology, helping translate early ideas into viable next steps. For the first time during the open house, SPiNOFF will open its doors to visitors, allowing them to engage directly with emerging student entrepreneurs and gain insights into their innovation journeys.
SP is also expanding support for high-potential students through initiatives such as the Media, Arts and Design School’s Changemaker Scholarships, as well as enhancements to the Singapore Polytechnic Outstanding Talent programme. With a new second entry point in Year 2, the refreshed programme aims to nurture leadership, service, and Asia-centric perspectives among students with diverse development paths.
