What is Startup SG Tech?
Startup SG Tech is a competitive grant for Singapore startups commercialising innovative, proprietary technology. Choose Proof-of-Concept (POC) to establish technical feasibility or Proof-of-Value (POV) to validate commercial potential. Off-the-shelf system integration does not qualify, and funding is released only after agreed milestones are completed. Unlike Startup SG Founder which targets first-time entrepreneurs, Startup SG Tech focuses on technology validation and development.
How Much Funding?
- POC (Proof-of-Concept): Up to S$400,000 (raised from S$250,000 as of 2 Jan 2025)
- POV (Proof-of-Value): Up to S$800,000 for formal applications submitted from 2 Jan 2025 onwards
- Milestone-based: Grants awarded upon completion of each agreed milestone
- Paid-up capital requirement: Must demonstrate existing paid-up capital of at least 10% for POC or 20% for POV
- Equity component: Enterprise Singapore (or its nominee) has the right to subscribe to shares equivalent to 50% of the awarded grant amount, up to 49% of total shareholding. This right is exercised when a qualifying equity financing round occurs.
Note: New grant caps apply to all Stage 2 (formal) applications submitted from 2 Jan 2025 onwards.
Who is Startup SG Tech for?
- Deep tech startups developing proprietary technology
- Companies at POC or POV stage with innovative solutions
- Startups with IP or intellectual assets that are commercially viable
- Companies willing to accept an equity component
Eligibility
Company Requirements
- Registered in Singapore within the past 10 years at time of application
- Private Limited company
- At least 30% local shareholding (held directly or indirectly by Singaporeans/PRs, determined by ultimate individual ownership)
- Not a subsidiary of a corporate entity at point of incorporation (subsidiary = parent has >50% shareholding)
- Group annual sales turnover ≤ S$100 million OR group employment size ≤ 200 workers
- Core R&D activities must be carried out in Singapore
- Main applicant must be undertaking a significant role in the company (not a mere shareholder)
Solution Requirements
Your solution must meet all of the following criteria:
- Clearly demonstrate how science/technology is applied
- Be of a breakthrough level of innovation (distinctly different or new technology which either has the potential to disrupt an existing market, or to replace/create a new market)
- Lead to or build on proprietary know-how/IP
- Be commercially viable
What is “Proprietary Technology”?
Proprietary Technology refers to a combination of processes, tools, or systems of interrelated connections, which may be derived from research institutes, institutes of higher learning, or public health institutes. It should ideally involve IP or intellectual assets owned by the individual/startup. System integration of off-the-shelf components is NOT considered proprietary technology.
Not Eligible
- Non-technology businesses
- Companies without proprietary technology
- Subsidiaries of corporate entities at point of incorporation
- Projects that have already commenced
- Companies registered more than 10 years ago
Supported Technology Domains
Your project must fall under one of the following areas:
- Advanced Manufacturing / Robotics — Robotics, Industrial IoT, Advanced materials, AR/VR for manufacturing, Urban & autonomous mobility, Nanomaterials
- Biomedical Sciences and Healthcare — Life science tools, Clinical diagnostics, Medical devices, Digital health
- Clean Technology — Water technologies, Waste management/recycling, Urban sustainability, Sustainable energy
- Information & Communications Technologies — 5G, AI/Deep Learning, Cybersecurity
- New Industries — AR/VR, Blockchain/DLT, Space tech, Smart packaging, Quantum technology
- Precision Engineering — Silicon photonics, Sensors/actuators, Composites, Coatings, Optics/lasers
- Transport Engineering / Engineering Services — Digital transformation, Drilling/process tech, LNG/offshore renewables, Specialty chemicals
- Food Science and Technology — Food packaging, Rapid testing, Food safety/traceability, Novel processing, Alternative proteins
- Agritech — Urban agriculture, Aquaculture, Controlled environment agriculture, Precision agriculture, Automation, Biotechnology, Net-zero farming
Supported Activities
Proof-of-Concept (POC)
Your solution is at the conceptualisation stage — the technical/scientific viability still needs to be proven.
- Technology development and prototyping
- Technical research and validation
- Initial product development
- Feasibility studies
Individual applicants from public sector research institutes must demonstrate entrepreneurial commitment to continue technology commercialisation upon project completion.
Proof-of-Value (POV)
You already have a technically viable concept (POC available) and wish to develop a working prototype to validate commercial merit.
- Market testing and validation
- Pilot implementations
- Customer trials
- Commercialization preparation
POV applicants must demonstrate proof-of-interest from a potential customer or third-party investor.
What Startup SG Tech Covers vs Does NOT Cover
| Covered | Not Covered |
|---|---|
| R&D staff salaries for the project | General business operations and overheads |
| Prototype development and materials | Mass production or manufacturing scale-up |
| Cloud computing and testing infrastructure | General IT equipment (laptops, phones) |
| IP filing and registration costs | IP maintenance fees or licensing costs |
| External testing and validation services | Marketing and sales activities |
| Consumables and lab equipment for R&D | Office rental and administrative expenses |
| Technical consultant fees | Business development and partnership costs |
Funding Calculation Example
Here is a worked example showing typical Startup SG Tech funding for a PoC project:
| Cost Component | Amount | Funded By |
|---|---|---|
| R&D engineer salary (6 months) | S$60,000 | Grant |
| Prototype materials and components | S$30,000 | Grant |
| Cloud infrastructure for testing | S$15,000 | Grant |
| IP filing (provisional patent) | S$10,000 | Grant |
| External testing and validation | S$20,000 | Grant |
| Total PoC project cost | S$135,000 | Grant |
Funding is milestone-based: Enterprise Singapore disburses funds in tranches as the startup achieves agreed technical and commercial milestones. The actual grant quantum depends on project complexity, technology readiness level, and commercial potential assessment.
Key point: Unlike reimbursement grants (EDG, MRA), Startup SG Tech provides direct project funding — but disbursement is tied to milestone achievement, not expense claims.
Important Limitations
- Must focus on proprietary technology development
- Funding is milestone-based with performance reviews
- Technology must have clear commercial applications
- Cannot be used for general operational expenses
- Requires regular progress reporting
How to Apply
- Determine your stage and domain: Decide whether your project is POC or POV, and confirm it falls within one of the 9 supported technology domains.
- Prepare materials: Demonstrate proprietary technology, R&D in Singapore, and meet paid-up capital requirements (POC 10%, POV 20%).
- Submit Stage 1 Registration of Interest (ROI): Download and complete the Enterprise Singapore Startup SG Tech ROI form, then submit it.
- Stage 2 formal application (if shortlisted): Enterprise Singapore will advise on the appropriate stage and next steps based on your ROI.
Where to Apply
Application Timeline (Realistic)
| Stage | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | 2–4 weeks | Develop technical proposal, define PoC/PoV scope, identify milestones, prepare IP strategy |
| Submit ROI | Day 0 | Submit Registration of Interest form to Enterprise Singapore |
| ESG Technical Review | 8–12 weeks | Enterprise Singapore reviews proposal with technical assessors; may request clarifications |
| Panel Assessment | 2–4 weeks | Application reviewed by assessment panel for innovation, feasibility, and commercial potential |
| Approval | — | Receive Letter of Offer with agreed milestones and funding tranches |
| PoC Execution | 6–12 months | Develop prototype, conduct testing, achieve technical milestones |
| PoV Execution | 6–12 months (if applicable) | Market testing, pilot implementations, customer trials |
| Milestone Review | At each milestone | Enterprise Singapore reviews progress and releases next funding tranche |
Tip: The application process is rigorous — Enterprise Singapore looks for genuine technological novelty and a clear commercialization path. Prepare a strong technical proposal with evidence of IP differentiation.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Project already started: Project must not have commenced at the time of application
- Off-the-shelf integration: System integration of existing components is not considered proprietary technology
- Insufficient paid-up capital: POC requires 10% and POV requires 20% of grant as paid-up capital at application
- Weak technical differentiation: Ensure your technology is truly proprietary and innovative
- Unclear commercialization path: Demonstrate how the technology will generate revenue
- Unrealistic milestones: Set achievable technical and commercial milestones
- Equity component surprise: Be aware that Enterprise Singapore can subscribe up to 49% of shares
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Startup SG Tech different from Startup SG Founder?
Startup SG Founder is for first-time entrepreneurs and provides mentorship plus seed funding (up to S$50K). Startup SG Tech focuses specifically on deep tech validation and development (up to S$800K), regardless of founder experience, but includes an equity component.
How much funding can I receive?
POC projects can receive up to S$400,000; POV projects up to S$800,000 for formal applications submitted from 2 Jan 2025 onwards.
Who qualifies for the Startup SG Tech grant?
The grant is for Singapore-registered private limited companies less than 10 years old with at least 30% local shareholding, proprietary technology, core R&D in Singapore, and a project that has not started. Ordinary software setup, agency implementation, or off-the-shelf system integration is not enough.
When should I apply for Startup SG Tech?
Apply before signing contracts, paying vendors, hiring project-specific R&D staff, or starting the PoC/PoV work. Startup SG Tech is assessed before commencement; a project that has already started can be disqualified.
What is the equity component?
Enterprise Singapore has the right to subscribe to shares equivalent to 50% of the awarded grant amount, up to 49% of total shareholding. This right is exercised when a qualifying equity financing round occurs. There are no further capital injections from Enterprise Singapore beyond the initial grant.
What types of technology are supported?
The program supports 9 technology domains: Advanced Manufacturing/Robotics, Biomedical Sciences, Clean Technology, ICT, New Industries, Precision Engineering, Transport Engineering, Food Science, and Agritech.
What’s the approval timeline?
Typical processing time is 8-12 weeks from submission of a complete application. Complex deep tech projects may take longer.
Can non-tech startups apply for Startup SG Tech?
No. The technology must be proprietary and innovative — either a novel product, process, or platform with demonstrable technical differentiation. Service businesses, F&B, retail, and non-tech startups should consider Startup SG Founder instead.
Can I apply for both Startup SG Tech and Startup SG Founder?
Not for the same project. However, if you used Startup SG Founder to validate your business concept and now need funding for deep tech development, you may be eligible for Startup SG Tech for the technical R&D phase.
What happens if I don’t meet a milestone?
If you fail to meet agreed milestones, Enterprise Singapore may withhold subsequent funding tranches. You can discuss milestone adjustments with your project manager if circumstances change, but significant deviations may result in grant termination.
Related Schemes
- Startup SG Founder — Mentorship and seed funding up to S$50,000 for first-time founders
- Startup SG Accelerator — Incubator and accelerator support
- Enterprise Innovation Scheme — Tax deductions for R&D and innovation activities
- Enterprise Development Board Investment (EDBI) — Growth-stage equity investment for tech companies
Related Guides
- Startup SG Program Comparison — Compare startup funding options
- First-Time Application Checklist — Complete guide for your first grant application
- Grant Pitfalls Guide — Common mistakes to avoid
- Singapore Grants Glossary — Key terms and definitions
- Corppass Setup Guide — How to set up BGP access
References
Official Resources
- Startup SG Tech - StartupSG — Official program page
- Startup SG Tech - Eligibility — Eligibility details
- Startup SG Tech - Apply — Application process
- Startup SG Tech - FAQ — Official FAQ
- EnterpriseSG ROI submission — Submit Registration of Interest