Kampong AI: Singapore's First AI Park with Work-Living Facilities Opens in One-North

Date: March 2, 2026

Singapore has taken a bold leap in cementing its position as Southeast Asia's AI capital with the launch of Kampong AI — the nation's first integrated AI park combining workspaces and residential living in a single community. Announced by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong in Parliament on March 2, 2026, this groundbreaking initiative represents a new model for nurturing AI innovation.

A New Concept in AI Ecosystem Development

Located within the LaunchPad @ One-North campus, Kampong AI will comprise two refurbished blocks specifically designed to house AI startups, researchers, and practitioners. One block spanning 14,500 square meters will feature office units and event spaces capable of accommodating up to 70 companies, while the second block will provide 200 residential units — creating Singapore's first startup community where work and living coexist under one roof.

"It is a focal point where talent, problem owners, researchers and resources can come together to create synergy and nurture a deep ecosystem," said DPM Gan during the debate on the Ministry of Trade and Industry's budget. This vision of collocating AI innovators with living spaces addresses a critical pain point for startups: the challenge of building community and collaboration in a fragmented ecosystem.

Building Singapore's AI Champions

Kampong AI forms part of a broader government strategy unveiled alongside two other key initiatives: AI Missions and Champions of AI. Together, these programs aim to position Singapore as a place where AI solutions are built, proven, and scaled globally.

The AI Missions will drive nationwide transformation across four strategic sectors: advanced manufacturing, connectivity, finance, and healthcare. Meanwhile, Champions of AI will provide tailored support including leadership training and workforce development to companies aspiring to comprehensively transform their businesses through artificial intelligence.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry Gan Siow Huang emphasized that the integrated living-working concept is crucial for fostering collaboration among AI leaders and practitioners. "It is crucial for our budding community of AI leaders and practitioners to have a space to share ideas and build new products," she noted.

Interest from Major Players

Already, several prominent AI and robotics companies have expressed interest in setting up operations at Kampong AI. Potential occupants include Weston Robot, SoftBank Robotics, the National Robotics Programme's Embodied AI Centre, and the Singapore AI Safety Hub. These firms will be able to prototype, test, and refine solutions such as robots and autonomous devices before scaling for commercial deployment.

The pilot phase of Kampong AI will launch later in March, allowing AI firms to utilize existing workspaces in Blocks 67, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, and 81 at Ayer Rajah Crescent. The full development, including a covered walkway connecting to the existing seven LaunchPad blocks, is expected to be completed by 2028.

A Proven Ecosystem Legacy

LaunchPad @ One-North has already demonstrated its success as a startup hub, having housed over 2,400 startups since 2015. Notable alumni include tech unicorns such as Grab, Carousell, Patsnap, and Nium, as well as established players like Razer and A*STAR. The new AI-focused blocks will be linked to these existing facilities, creating an even more vibrant innovation community.

The timing of Kampong AI's launch comes on the back of extensive consultations with startups, accelerator programs, venture capital firms, and government agencies. These stakeholders consistently highlighted AI as a critical, disruptive technology that will impact every industry, urging Singapore to foster a vibrant community of AI leaders and researchers who can innovate at the frontier.

With this initiative, Singapore not only reinforces its commitment to AI innovation but also introduces a novel model that could inspire similar developments globally. The integration of workspaces with living accommodations addresses the demanding nature of AI development, where breakthrough ideas often emerge from spontaneous interactions and round-the-clock collaboration.

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Source: The Straits Times