Sectors & markets
Verily, a Google Subsidiary, Expands Its Mosquito Factory in Singapore to Strengthen Dengue Control
PHOTO: The Straits Times
Market Info | Health & Lifestyle | Public Health
Date: 1 June 2026
Region: ASEAN-O
Country: Singapore
Sector: Health & Lifestyle
Sub-sector: Public Health
Section: Market Trends
Theme: Combating Infectious Diseases
Verily, a subsidiary of tech giant Google, has announced a significant expansion of its sterile mosquito production facility in Singapore, marking a major milestone in the fight against dengue. This initiative leverages cutting-edge technology where sterile male mosquitoes are bred and released into the wild to mate with wild females, thereby reducing the population of mosquitoes capable of transmitting diseases like dengue. This method, known as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional pesticides and aligns with a sustainable approach to vector control.
The expansion of this facility in Singapore reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening its public health capabilities in the face of challenges posed by vector-borne diseases. Dengue, in particular, remains a major concern in the region, with thousands of cases reported annually. By adopting this innovative technology, Singapore demonstrates its determination to combine science and public health to protect its population. This approach also aligns with the broader objectives of the Healthier SG strategy, which aims to enhance the resilience of the healthcare system against emerging threats.
Furthermore, this initiative positions Singapore as a regional leader in biotechnology applied to public health. By collaborating with international players like Verily, the country strengthens its ability to innovate and attract investments in sustainable health solutions. Verily’s sterile mosquito factory in Singapore could also serve as a model for other countries in the region facing similar challenges with mosquito-borne diseases.
This expansion is a tangible example of how Singapore is leveraging technology and innovation to address complex public health challenges while contributing to global solutions for infectious disease control.
