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Danone has announced a new phase of investment into its Digital Lab (D-Lab) in Singapore, strengthening its focus on digital health innovation and expanding its global research and innovation (R&I) network.

The investment will enhance D-Lab’s capabilities in digital science, data analytics and AI-powered health tools, with a particular focus on healthy nutrition for the aging population, a growing health priority across Asia.

The expansion builds on Danone’s partnership with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), which began with a 2018 digital health initiative and the launch of its OneBiome Lab focused on gut microbiome research.

With support from EDB, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and other institutions, Danone has developed a digital health ecosystem in Singapore aimed at early screening, continuous monitoring and nutritional management of health conditions. These services are now being scaled globally.

Christian Stammkoetter, Danone’s president of Asia, Middle East and Africa, said: “Singapore is a global innovation hub with a vibrant ecosystem of scientific talent, world-class experts and strong institutional partnerships. By bringing together local insight with our global expertise in science-based innovation, we see powerful opportunities to address demographic challenges like ageing, a rising priority across the region. Through digital technologies, we aim to turn data into actionable insights that improve health outcomes locally and globally.”

Chan Ih-Ming, EVP of digital economy and hub service industry group at EDB, added: “We are proud to support Danone’s continued R&D efforts to unlock wider opportunities such as better health management and preventive healthcare. The next phase of D-Lab will complement Singapore’s healthy ageing initiatives and also strengthen Singapore’s position as a global health innovation hub for companies to develop and scale their solutions globally."

Danone’s global R&I network includes major centres in France and the Netherlands. The Singapore lab, backed by €30 million in investment over five years, is central to the company’s strategy to develop and scale digital health technologies.

Tools developed by the lab include the Iron Tracker for non-invasive anemia screening, the AI-powered Stool Tracker for infant health monitoring, and the Growth Tracker for child development. These tools are already in use across various international markets.

The move aligns with Danone’s broader goal to lead in health-driven food innovation and extend its mission of delivering health through food worldwide.

Top image: © Danone