Workato has launched its AI Lab in Singapore, supported by the Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), as part of its mission to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption and cultivate future-ready talent. The initiative highlights Singapore’s growing position as a global hub for applied AI innovation and workforce transformation.
The AI Lab will focus on translational AI research and the development of practical, deployable solutions that solve real-world business challenges. Acting as a bridge between research and enterprise, it will bring together Workato, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), and industry partners to co-develop technologies that drive automation and enhance productivity.
Ee Shan Sim, Head of Workato’s AI Lab Singapore, said the launch represents an important milestone in the company’s commitment to advancing AI innovation through collaboration. “By working together with postgraduate students, researchers, and business leaders, we are co-developing practical AI solutions that address real-world challenges and help shape the workforce of the future. This initiative is about creating meaningful connections between research and enterprise, ensuring that Singapore remains at the forefront of applied AI and talent development,” he said.
Philbert Gomez, Senior Vice President, Head and Executive Director of DISG, welcomed the decision. “This initiative will foster greater collaboration between Singapore’s institutes of higher learning and industry partners, accelerating the translation of AI research into innovative applications. The co-development of automation and agentic AI solutions across multiple industry sectors will reinforce Singapore’s position as a global leader in AI, and create exciting opportunities for our local workforce,” he said.
Building AI talent and fostering innovation
The AI Lab is expected to create 65 high-value jobs and strengthen public-private partnerships across Singapore’s AI ecosystem. Through collaboration with IHLs, it will provide students and educators with direct access to advanced AI automation tools, giving them opportunities to work on real-world projects that address global business demands. This effort is intended to bridge the skills gap and equip Singapore’s workforce to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
The Lab’s research will focus on advancing autonomous agents and multi-agent orchestration, enabling intelligent systems that can adapt, collaborate, and learn in complex business environments. By connecting academia, industry, government, and community, it aims to translate breakthrough research into practical innovations with measurable business impact.
Vijay Tella, CEO and Co-founder of Workato, described the new Lab as a key step towards the company’s vision of an AI-powered enterprise future. “As we advance autonomous agents and multi-agent orchestration, we’re not just building new technology—we’re deepening the connection between people, processes, and technology. Singapore’s vibrant innovation ecosystem and rich talent base make it the ideal hub to accelerate applied AI,” he said. “Through this Lab, we’re uniting industry, academia, government, and community to shape the next generation of intelligent, connected enterprises.”
Expanding the AI Institute Alliance
The AI Lab builds on Workato’s AI Institute Alliance, launched during the World of Workato (WOW) 2025 conference in September. The alliance includes partnerships with major educational institutions such as Nanyang Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore University of Social Sciences, and the National University of Singapore.
More than 3,000 students and educators have already been trained in automation and integration skills through the alliance. The AI Lab will further this impact by offering hands-on experience in developing AI agents, digital twins, and generative AI applications for business transformation.
Workato, which employs over 1,000 people globally and serves more than 12,000 customers, continues to strengthen its presence in Singapore. Its AI-driven platform helps organisations unify data, processes, and experiences, setting new benchmarks for business automation and workforce innovation worldwide.
