Budget 2026 introduced the Champions of AI Programme as part of Singapore’s push to develop AI leaders across industries. Here’s what we know so far, how it differs from existing AI grants, and how to position your company.
What is the Champions of AI Programme?
The Champions of AI Programme was announced in the Budget 2026 speech (Section C) as a new initiative to support firms with ambition for comprehensive AI business transformation. It goes beyond adopting a single AI tool or claiming a tax deduction.
EnterpriseSG describes Champions of AI as a flagship programme with customised support and access to curated expertise. It is meant for enterprise-wide AI transformation across:
- Enterprise transformation — embedding AI across core business operations, strategy, and decision-making
- Workforce training — upskilling employees to work effectively with AI systems and drive AI-led change
Champions of AI sits under Singapore’s broader national AI strategy, guided by the National AI Council chaired by the Prime Minister. The programme aims to develop homegrown AI leaders — companies that can serve as exemplars for the rest of the economy.
Key caveat: EnterpriseSG has confirmed the programme scope and administering agencies, but company-level selection criteria and detailed application mechanics are still programme-specific. The information below is based on the Budget 2026 speech and EnterpriseSG’s March 2026 media release.
Who is the Champions of AI Programme For?
Champions of AI targets firms with ambition for comprehensive AI business transformation — not companies looking to adopt a single chatbot or analytics tool. This is a distinction worth understanding.
Likely a fit if your company:
- Wants to embed AI across multiple business functions (operations, customer service, supply chain, finance)
- Has leadership commitment to AI as a core business strategy, not just an IT project
- Is ready to invest in workforce-wide AI training alongside technology deployment
- Aims to become an industry reference case for AI transformation
Probably not a fit if you:
- Need a single pre-approved AI solution — use PSG instead
- Want a tax deduction for AI spending — use EIS instead
- Need funding for a custom AI development project — use EDG instead
How Does Champions of AI Differ from Other AI Grants?
Champions of AI occupies a different space from existing grants. Here’s how they compare.
| PSG (AI) | EIS (AI Activity) | EDG | Champions of AI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Single pre-approved AI tool | Tax deduction on AI spend | Custom AI project (single focus area) | Enterprise-wide AI transformation + workforce training |
| Funding type | Cash grant (up to 50%) | 400% tax deduction on S$50K | Cash grant (up to 50%) | Customised support and curated expertise |
| Who qualifies | SMEs (≤S$100M turnover or ≤200 staff) | All tax-resident companies | Singapore-registered companies | Singapore-based firms with comprehensive AI ambition |
| Example use | AI chatbot, AI analytics platform | AI SaaS subscriptions, AI consulting fees | Custom ML model, AI process redesign | Company-wide AI overhaul across operations, training, and strategy |
In short: PSG, EIS, and EDG each address a slice of AI adoption. Champions of AI appears designed for companies pursuing AI transformation at scale — closer to what DBS and Grab have done than what a typical SME grant covers.
What Can We Learn from DBS and Grab?
Budget 2026 cited DBS and Grab as exemplars of AI-led business transformation. Their journeys illustrate what “comprehensive AI transformation” looks like in practice.
DBS: AI in Banking
DBS has embedded AI across its banking operations over several years:
- Customer service: AI-powered chatbot and predictive analytics for personalized banking recommendations
- Risk management: Machine learning models for credit scoring and fraud detection
- Operations: AI-driven process automation across back-office functions
- Workforce: Large-scale employee training programmes to build internal AI capabilities
DBS invested in AI as a core business strategy, not a side project — exactly the type of transformation Champions of AI appears to target.
Grab: AI in Logistics and Delivery
Grab uses AI across its ride-hailing, delivery, and financial services platform:
- Demand prediction: ML models that forecast rider and delivery demand by location and time
- Route optimization: AI algorithms that reduce delivery times and driver idle time
- Safety: Computer vision and behavioural AI for driver safety monitoring
- Financial services: AI-powered credit scoring for underbanked populations
Both companies demonstrate that AI transformation is not about adopting a single tool — it requires changes across technology, processes, and people.
How to Position Your Company for Champions of AI
While selection and application mechanics are programme-specific, you can take concrete steps now to prepare.
1. Audit Your AI Readiness
Assess where AI can deliver the most value across your business. Map your core processes and identify which ones are data-rich and repetitive — these are your best candidates for AI.
2. Build an Internal AI Team
Champions of AI emphasizes workforce training. Start building internal AI capabilities now:
- Identify employees who can lead AI initiatives
- Invest in AI literacy training for managers and decision-makers
- Consider hiring or contracting AI expertise for initial assessment
3. Document Your Transformation Roadmap
Create a written plan that covers:
- Which business functions you want to transform with AI
- What data assets you have and what you need to collect
- Your timeline for phased AI adoption
- How you will measure the impact of AI on business outcomes
4. Use Existing Grants in the Meantime
You don’t need to wait for Champions of AI to begin your AI journey. Existing grants can fund your early-stage AI adoption:
- PSG — adopt pre-approved AI tools (chatbots, analytics, automation) with up to 50% funding
- EIS — claim 400% tax deduction on up to S$50,000 of AI spending per year (YA 2027-2028)
- EDG — fund custom AI development projects with no cap on project size
Starting with PSG or EIS now builds your AI track record, which may strengthen your position when Champions of AI applications open.
Related Guides
- Budget 2026 AI & Innovation Grants Overview — full summary of EIS AI activity, PSG AI expansion, and CIT changes
- PSG or EDG for AI? — decision matrix for choosing between PSG and EDG for AI projects
- Agentic AI Governance Checklist — controls before deploying AI agents
- Grant Pitfalls Guide — common mistakes to avoid when applying for grants
- Corppass Setup Guide — required for Business Grants Portal access
- Singapore Grants Glossary — key terms and definitions
Scheme Pages
- Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS)
- Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
- Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
Official Links
Need help with your application?
Check if you're eligible and get your document checklist in 30 minutes.
Check Eligibility