A*STAR, Microsoft to explore AI platform for manufacturing under new MOU

The partnership targets agentic AI tools, deployment systems and industry adoption ecosystems.

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Microsoft have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore agentic and deployable artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for manufacturing.

According to a media statement released on 20 April, the agreement, signed at Hannover Messe in Germany, establishes a non-binding framework for collaboration between A*STAR and Microsoft.

Under the MOU, both parties will explore development of an agentic AI platform for manufacturing, strengthening AI engineering and deployment infrastructure, and enabling ecosystem adoption and industry deployment.

The collaboration will focus on developing AIMie, an agentic AI platform under AIMfg, which is designed for manufacturing applications such as predictive maintenance, operations optimisation, and quality assurance.

A*STAR and Microsoft said they will explore ways to advance AIMie into a scalable agent-based platform for industrial use.

Microsoft is expected to provide access to its enterprise AI platforms and technical expertise, while AIMie will remain platform-agnostic for use across different IT systems.

The parties will also work on AI engineering and deployment practices to support the development and scaling of manufacturing AI applications across different environments.

In addition, the collaboration will involve building a network of technology partners and system integrators to support deployment and integration of AI solutions in manufacturing.

Singapore’s participation at Hannover Messe 2026 is led by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

The Singapore pavilion also features A*STAR, Enterprise Singapore and JTC Corporation, showcasing technologies in AI, robotics and additive manufacturing.