Building a medtech startup in Singapore means navigating regulatory requirements, clinical validation, and long development cycles. The Singapore government grants that usually make sense for medtech companies support proof-of-concept development, clinical trials, regulatory compliance, and ongoing R&D.
This guide is written for medtech operators who want clarity fast:
- Which grant matches your stage (early PoC, clinical validation, scale-up)
- What it can fund (and what it will not)
- How to apply without getting rejected for timing/eligibility reasons
Best-Fit Grants for Medtech Startups
Start Here (Quick Pick)
- You’re developing proprietary medical device/diagnostic technology and need PoC funding → Startup SG Tech
- You’re running clinical trials or seeking regulatory approval (HSA, CE, FDA) → EDG
- You’re doing ongoing R&D (algorithm development, testing, validation) → EIS
- You need equity co-investment to extend runway → SEEDS Capital (via Startup SG Tech)
- You’re hiring R&D staff or scaling operations → EDG (Innovation & Productivity pillar)
- You’re expanding into regional markets (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand) → MRA
Eligibility & Timing Rules
- Apply before you pay or sign. Deposits, invoices, or signed contracts before submission can make you ineligible. This is critical for clinical trial vendor agreements.
- Startup SG Tech requires proprietary IP. Generic healthtech apps or reselling existing devices typically do not qualify.
- EIS is claimed at tax filing. No pre-approval needed, but you must maintain R&D documentation throughout the year.
- EDG requires a project plan. Clinical trial protocols, regulatory roadmaps, and cost breakdowns must be prepared before application.
Top Grants for Medtech
1) Startup SG Tech
Use Startup SG Tech when: you’re developing proprietary medical technology and need significant funding for proof-of-concept or proof-of-value.
Good fit examples
- Medical device prototyping and technical validation
- Diagnostic algorithm development (AI/ML for medical imaging, pathology)
- Biotech/biomedical research commercialization
- Digital therapeutics with clinical evidence requirements
- Point-of-care testing device development
- Wearable health monitoring technology with novel IP
How much
- Up to S$500,000 for PoC/PoV projects
- Milestone-based funding (released against technical achievements)
- Involves equity co-investment via SEEDS Capital (government may subscribe up to 49% equity)
When
- Company must be < 10 years old from incorporation
- Must have proprietary technology with IP (patents, trade secrets, or licensable know-how)
- At least 30% local shareholding required
How (fast path)
- Prepare IP documentation (patents filed/granted, technical specifications, competitive differentiation).
- Develop a clear R&D commercialization plan with milestones (technical, regulatory, commercial).
- Engage with Enterprise Singapore or an appointed accelerator to discuss fit.
- Submit application with business plan, financials, and technical roadmap.
Where
- See more: Startup SG Tech
2) Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
Use EDG when: you’re conducting clinical trials, seeking regulatory approval, or scaling operations after proof-of-concept.
Good fit examples
- Clinical trial costs (site fees, patient recruitment, data management, CRO fees)
- Regulatory compliance (HSA Class C/D registration, CE marking, FDA 510(k) preparation)
- Quality management system implementation (ISO 13485 certification)
- Clinical validation studies and health economics research
- Manufacturing scale-up and process validation
- Market access strategy development
How much
- Up to 70% co-funding for SMEs (50% for non-SMEs)
- No fixed cap—funding based on project scope
- Processing time: 8-12 weeks
When
- Apply before starting project activities
- Requires detailed project plan with timeline, budget, and milestones
- Must be registered and operating in Singapore with 30% local equity
How (fast path)
- Define your project scope clearly (e.g., “Phase 2 clinical trial for Device X in Singapore” or “ISO 13485 certification and CE marking”).
- Get quotes from vendors (CROs, regulatory consultants, certification bodies).
- Prepare project plan showing regulatory pathway, timeline, and commercial rationale.
- Submit via BGP (Business Grants Portal) with supporting documents.
Where
- See more: Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
3) Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS)
Use EIS when: you’re investing in ongoing R&D activities and want tax benefits or cash support.
Good fit examples
- Algorithm development and validation (diagnostic AI, clinical decision support)
- Product improvement R&D (next-generation device iterations)
- Clinical research generating new evidence
- Patent registration and IP protection costs
- Staff training on new technologies and methodologies
- Innovation projects with polytechnics or research institutions
How much
- 400% tax deduction on first S$400,000 of qualifying R&D expenses
- OR 20% cash payout on up to S$100,000 expenses (= S$20,000 cash) for loss-making companies
- No pre-approval required—claimed at tax filing
When
- Valid for YA 2024 to YA 2028 (expenses incurred 2023-2027)
- Must maintain proper documentation throughout the year
- Claim at annual tax filing (Form C-S or Form C)
How (fast path)
- Document all R&D activities with project plans, technical reports, and timesheets.
- Track expenses by category (R&D staff salaries, consumables, equipment, IP costs).
- Maintain evidence of technical uncertainty and innovation (experiment logs, failure reports, iteration records).
- Claim at tax filing—no separate application needed.
Where
- See more: Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS)
4) SEEDS Capital (via Startup SG Tech)
Use SEEDS Capital when: you need equity co-investment to extend runway and validate technology.
Good fit examples
- Early-stage medtech startups needing runway beyond grant funding
- Companies with strong IP but limited commercial revenue
- Startups seeking government validation for subsequent fundraising
- Deep tech ventures requiring longer development timelines
How much
- Co-investment alongside private investors
- Government may subscribe up to 49% equity
- Investment amount varies based on funding round and co-investor participation
When
- Accessed through Startup SG Tech application
- Must have private co-investors willing to invest alongside SEEDS Capital
- Company must meet Startup SG Tech eligibility criteria
How (fast path)
- Apply for Startup SG Tech with your PoC/PoV project.
- During evaluation, discuss equity co-investment needs.
- Secure private co-investors (angels, VCs) willing to invest alongside government.
- SEEDS Capital participates in the funding round alongside private investors.
Where
- See more: Startup SG Tech
Medtech Grant Scenarios & Which Grant to Use
| Business Scenario | Grant | Funding | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developing AI diagnostic algorithm from university research | Startup SG Tech | Up to S$500K | 8-12 weeks |
| Running Phase 2 clinical trial for medical device | EDG | Up to 70% of costs | 8-12 weeks |
| Preparing HSA Class C registration and CE marking | EDG | Up to 70% of costs | 8-12 weeks |
| Ongoing R&D on next-generation diagnostic platform | EIS | 400% tax deduction | At tax filing |
| ISO 13485 certification and quality system implementation | EDG | Up to 70% of costs | 8-12 weeks |
| Patent filing for novel medical device mechanism | EIS | 400% tax deduction | At tax filing |
| Equity funding to extend runway during clinical validation | SEEDS Capital | Varies by round | Varies |
| Market entry to Malaysia/Indonesia for approved device | MRA | Up to S$100K (70%) | 8-12 weeks |
Fast Application Checklist (Copy/Paste)
For Startup SG Tech:
- ACRA BizFile+ extract (current, showing entity name and shareholding)
- IP documentation (patents filed/granted, technical specifications)
- Business plan with R&D roadmap and milestones
- Financial statements (last 2-3 years or since incorporation)
- Technical team credentials and CVs
- Commercialization plan showing path to market
For EDG:
- ACRA BizFile+ extract (current)
- Corppass (for BGP login) + PayNow Corporate or GIRO enabled (for payout)
- Financial statements (last 3 years or audited if available)
- Project proposal with scope, timeline, and budget
- Vendor quotes (CRO, regulatory consultants, certification bodies)
- Regulatory pathway documentation (if applicable)
For EIS:
- R&D project documentation and technical reports
- Staff timesheets for R&D activities
- Expense records and invoices
- Evidence of technical uncertainty (experiment logs, iteration records)
- IP registration receipts (if claiming IP costs)
Suggested Application Order (Most Medtech Startups)
- EIS first (claim ongoing R&D at tax filing—no application needed)
- Startup SG Tech (if you have proprietary IP and need PoC/PoV funding)
- EDG (for clinical trials, regulatory compliance, or scale-up after PoC)
- MRA (for regional expansion once product is approved)
Common Pitfalls
1. Starting clinical trials before approval
- EDG requires project activities to NOT have started before approval
- Signing CRO contracts or paying site fees before LOF (Letter of Offer) disqualifies expenses
2. Weak IP position for Startup SG Tech
- Generic healthtech apps or “me-too” devices typically do not qualify
- Must demonstrate proprietary technology with defensible IP
3. Poor R&D documentation for EIS
- IRAS may reject claims without proper records
- Document technical uncertainty, experiments, and outcomes throughout the year
4. Underestimating regulatory costs in EDG applications
- Clinical trials and regulatory submissions often cost more and take longer than planned
- Include contingency in budget and timeline
5. Mixing incompatible grants
- Cannot claim the same expense under multiple schemes
- EIS + EDG can work if covering different expense categories
6. Missing the 30% local shareholding requirement
- All four grants require at least 30% local (Singapore/PR) shareholding
- Foreign-owned subsidiaries may need restructuring before applying
Not a Fit
These grants typically do NOT cover:
- General operating expenses (rent, utilities, admin salaries)
- Marketing and sales activities (except under MRA for overseas expansion)
- Contract manufacturing of existing products
- Reselling or distributing third-party medical devices
- Software development without novel IP or clinical application
Glossary (Quick Definitions)
- ACRA: Singapore’s business registry authority; your registered entity name appears on grant documents.
- BGP: Business Grants Portal (where EDG applications are submitted).
- Corppass: Login system for accessing BGP and other government portals.
- HSA: Health Sciences Authority—Singapore’s regulator for medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
- LOF: Letter of Offer—official approval document for grants like EDG.
- PoC/PoV: Proof-of-Concept / Proof-of-Value—early validation stages.
- SEEDS Capital: Government co-investment arm that invests alongside private investors.
- YA: Year of Assessment (for tax purposes; YA 2026 = income earned in 2025).
Related Guides
Other Industry Guides
- AI Grants for SMEs - AI/ML funding including diagnostic algorithms
- Grants for Manufacturing Businesses - Medical device manufacturing and scale-up
- Startup SG Program Comparison - Compare Startup SG Founder vs Tech
Scheme Details
- Startup SG Tech - Full Details
- Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) - Full Details
- Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS) - Full Details
- Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) - Full Details
Decision & Application Guides
- EIS Claim Checklist - Documents and deadlines for R&D tax deductions
- EDG Documents Checklist - Required documents for EDG application
- First-Time Grant Application Checklist
- Common Grant Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
- Singapore Grants Glossary
- Corppass Setup Guide - How to set up BGP access
Official Links
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