Over the past few decades, Singapore has transformed its economy from one driven largely by manufacturing into one focused on innovation, technology, and knowledge-intensive industries. To support this shift, the government invested heavily in research, talent development, and infrastructure, particularly in sectors such as biomedical sciences, information technology, and advanced engineering.
As part of this long-term strategy, JTC Corporation launched one-north in the early 2000s as a dedicated hub for research, development, innovation, and high-growth industries. Designed as an integrated ecosystem rather than a traditional business park, one-north was planned around eight specialised precincts, each serving different industry clusters while encouraging collaboration across sectors.
Today, one-north has grown into one of Singapore’s most important innovation districts, housing hundreds of multinational corporations, research institutions, start-ups, and technology firms.
Building Singapore's Innovation Economy
Unlike conventional industrial parks that focus on a single industry, one-north was conceived as a multidisciplinary environment where businesses, researchers, entrepreneurs, and academics could work closely together.
Singapore’s consistent investment in research and development—averaging approximately 1% of GDP annually over the last two decades—has helped establish a thriving innovation ecosystem. One of the earliest success stories was Biopolis, which became a focal point for biomedical research and a magnet for scientific talent from around the world.
As the precinct expanded, the vision evolved beyond simply providing office and laboratory space. The government incorporated residential, lifestyle, educational, and recreational components to create a complete work-live-play-learn environment.
Residential communities such as Wessex Estate, known for its conserved black-and-white houses, were integrated into the district. Over time, serviced apartments, co-living concepts, hotels, and private housing developments were introduced to accommodate the growing workforce.
Educational institutions also became part of the ecosystem, including business schools and executive training facilities that further strengthened the exchange of knowledge and expertise within the precinct.
Today, one-north is home to more than 400 established companies, over 800 start-ups, and roughly 50,000 professionals, attracting investments exceeding S$8 billion. Its vibrant technology and innovation ecosystem has even drawn comparisons with Silicon Valley.
Key Industry Clusters Driving Growth
Biomedical Sciences and Research
Biopolis was the first major development within one-north and remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s biomedical research sector.
The precinct was designed to encourage collaboration between public research institutes, private companies, and academic organisations. It houses laboratories, research facilities, and specialised centres focused on fields such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, neuroscience, immunology, and clinical research.
Several multinational corporations have established a presence within Biopolis, alongside smaller supporting firms that contribute to the broader biomedical value chain. This clustering effect creates opportunities for partnerships, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
Technology, Engineering, and Physical Sciences
Fusionopolis serves as the primary hub for engineering, information technology, physical sciences, and advanced research activities.
The development accommodates technology companies, government agencies, research institutes, and innovation-focused organisations. By bringing together experts from various disciplines, Fusionopolis helps drive collaboration and technological advancement across multiple sectors.
Media, Digital Innovation, and Start-ups
Mediapolis has become a key pillar of Singapore’s media and digital economy.
The precinct houses major production facilities, including Mediacorp Campus and large-scale studio spaces. It also features modern office developments designed for media companies, digital businesses, and emerging technology firms.
One notable addition to the area is Grab’s regional headquarters. The facility serves as both a corporate office and research centre, reinforcing one-north’s position as a hub for technology innovation.
Nearby precincts such as LaunchPad and Ayer Rajah play an equally important role in nurturing entrepreneurship. LaunchPad, in particular, has earned a reputation as one of Singapore’s most important start-up ecosystems, providing entrepreneurs with access to incubators, accelerators, investors, and collaborative workspaces.
By clustering start-ups and innovation-driven companies together, one-north creates an environment where ideas can be tested, refined, and scaled more effectively.
Connectivity, Amenities, and Education
Accessibility has been a major factor in one-north’s success.
The district is served by both Buona Vista MRT Station and one-north MRT Station, providing convenient access for workers, residents, and visitors.
The area also offers a growing range of amenities, including retail outlets, dining options, recreational facilities, and community spaces that support daily living.
One of one-north’s greatest advantages is its proximity to leading educational institutions such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore Polytechnic.
This close relationship between academia and industry facilitates research partnerships, talent development, and knowledge transfer, helping businesses access a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.
The Role of Singapore Science Park
Complementing one-north is the nearby Singapore Science Park, one of Asia’s most established centres for research and technology businesses.
The park accommodates hundreds of multinational corporations, laboratories, and research organisations operating across sectors such as biomedical sciences, engineering, technology, and advanced manufacturing.
Its strategic location near universities, research institutions, and start-up communities makes it particularly attractive for companies seeking collaboration opportunities and access to talent.
A recent addition to the area is Geneo, a mixed-use development that combines research facilities, office space, retail offerings, serviced apartments, and public community areas. The project is expected to significantly increase the working population within the Science Park ecosystem.
The Next Phase of Growth
Singapore’s commitment to strengthening its innovation economy remains evident through continued investment in one-north.
During Budget 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced plans to modernise and expand Singapore’s bioscience and medical technology research infrastructure in the greater one-north area. These upgrades aim to support cutting-edge research, accelerate commercialisation efforts, and enhance collaboration across the scientific community.
Building on this momentum, Budget 2026 introduced plans for Kampong AI, a dedicated artificial intelligence innovation hub that will be developed within one-north.
Scheduled for completion in 2028, Kampong AI will offer a combination of workspaces, residential accommodation, networking areas, event venues, sports facilities, and lifestyle amenities. The goal is to create an integrated environment where AI entrepreneurs, researchers, developers, and investors can collaborate and innovate more effectively.
The project represents another significant step in positioning Singapore as a global centre for emerging technologies.
Residential Market in one-north
Despite its status as a major employment hub, residential supply within one-north remains relatively limited.
The precinct currently contains only a handful of private condominium developments, including:
- One-North Residences
- The Rochester Residences
- One-North Eden
- Blossoms By The Park
- The Hill @ One-North
These projects have generally benefited from the area’s rapid transformation and increasing demand from professionals working nearby.
Price appreciation has been particularly strong in several developments, reflecting both the growth of the district and the limited housing supply available within the precinct.
Growing Demand for Housing
As one-north continues to expand, urban planners recognise the importance of creating a larger residential population to support the area’s workforce and lifestyle ecosystem.
Introducing additional housing options will help transform the district from primarily a workplace destination into a more vibrant mixed-use community where people can live, work, learn, and socialise within the same environment.
A larger resident base is also expected to support retail, dining, and recreational amenities while enhancing overall vibrancy.
From an investment perspective, new housing supply may appeal to buyers seeking exposure to a large tenant pool that includes researchers, technology professionals, expatriates, academics, and students associated with nearby institutions.
Media Circle: The Next Residential Hotspot
Media Circle is emerging as one-north’s newest residential cluster.
Several residential sites have already been awarded to developers, while additional land parcels remain available for future development. These include sites earmarked for residential projects with commercial components as well as long-stay serviced apartment developments.
Current and upcoming projects such as Bloomsbury Residences and Hudson Place Residences are expected to play an important role in shaping the next chapter of Media Circle’s growth.
Because multiple developments are being undertaken by the same development consortium, there is potential for greater consistency in urban design and a more cohesive neighbourhood identity.
Looking Ahead
The future of one-north appears increasingly promising.
Continued investment in research, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and technology industries is expected to create new jobs and attract additional companies to the district. As employment opportunities grow, housing demand is likely to strengthen alongside them.
The addition of new residential developments, improved transport infrastructure, cycling networks, and enhanced community amenities will further support the area’s evolution into a complete work-live-play-learn destination.
For homebuyers and investors alike, one-north represents a unique opportunity to participate in the growth of one of Singapore’s most strategically important innovation districts. With a strong employment base, expanding residential offerings, and long-term government commitment, the precinct is well-positioned for continued growth in the years ahead.
- 2026
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