Wearable Imaging for Transforming Elderly Care (WITEC).

Wearable Imaging for Transforming Elderly Care (WITEC) is Singapore’s first research centre dedicated to foundational research and development (R&D) of the world’s first wearable ultrasound imaging platform. Launched in May 2025 by SMART, MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore, WITEC aims to revolutionise elderly care through continuous monitoring and personalised diagnosis of chronic conditions, positioning Singapore as a global leader in wearable imaging technologies.

WITEC’s goal is to pioneer the development of a next-generation wearable ultrasound imaging platform that enables continuous, real-time monitoring and personalised diagnosis of chronic conditions. By integrating breakthroughs in soft materials, metamaterials, low-power electronics, and intelligent algorithms, WITEC aims to overcome the limitations of current healthcare technologies and deliver clinically actionable insights directly from the body. The IRG seeks to shift the healthcare paradigm from hospital-centric, reactive care to community-based, proactive interventions, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Singapore’s ageing population.

Research at WITEC IRG has the potential to transform chronic disease management by introducing continuous, personalised, and non-invasive healthcare, shifting care from hospitals to home-based setups. This shift enhances health outcomes and quality of life for elderly individuals in Singapore and beyond, while also alleviating pressure on healthcare infrastructures and long-term care systems. WITEC’s research empowers individuals to take a more active role in managing their health, supports more efficient allocation of healthcare resources, and contributes to building a more resilient, inclusive, and health-conscious society.

This multi-million dollar, multi-year research program, supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore under its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise program, brings together top researchers and expertise from MIT, Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore), and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) is WITEC’s clinical collaborator and will conduct patient trials to validate long-term heart imaging for chronic cardiovascular disease management.