If you run a local biotech company, you often run two tracks at once: validating proprietary technology at PoC/PoV stage and building lab operations that can scale. This use case shows how Startup SG Tech (PoC/PoV), PSG (pre-approved productivity tools), EDG (scale-up transformation), MRA (new overseas market entry), and EIS (tax incentives for qualifying R&D/IP/training) can fit together without mixing scopes.
Scenario
Who: Biotech founder or R&D lead
What: Build a PoC/PoV for proprietary biotech technology, digitize lab workflows, and prepare for scale-up and overseas entry
Grants: Startup SG Tech (PoC/PoV), PSG (productivity tools), EDG (transformation), MRA (new market entry), EIS (tax incentives)
At a glance (what to apply for)
| Best Grant | What it covers | Why biotech teams use it | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PoC/PoV development (core technology) | Startup SG Tech | Milestone-based funding for PoC/PoV projects (awarded upon completion of each milestone) | Validate technical feasibility and commercial value before scaling |
| Lab operations digitization | PSG | Pre-approved IT solutions/equipment to improve productivity (vendor + package must be pre-approved) | Reduce manual tracking, improve traceability, shorten reporting cycles |
| Scale-up transformation | EDG | Project funding for transformation (third-party consultancy, software/equipment, internal manpower) | Structure a scale-up project with clear outcomes and timeline |
| Overseas market entry | MRA | Overseas market promotion, business development, and market set-up for new markets | Test demand and build presence in a new market |
| Ongoing R&D, IP, and training | EIS | Enhanced tax deductions/allowances or cash payout for qualifying R&D, IP, training, and innovation projects with polytechnic/ITE or other qualified partners | Offset ongoing R&D and IP costs while commercializing |
How the grants fit together (typical path)
| Stage | Best grant | Primary focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PoC/PoV validation | Startup SG Tech | Proprietary tech milestones | Milestone-based funding for PoC/PoV projects |
| Lab productivity baseline | PSG | Pre-approved IT solutions/equipment | Apply before payment; solution used in Singapore |
| Scale-up transformation | EDG | Transformation project | Eligible costs can include consultancy, software/equipment, internal manpower |
| Overseas market entry | MRA | New market promotion, business development, and market set-up | New-to-market requirement (sales < S$100,000 in the past 3 years) |
| Ongoing R&D, IP, training | EIS | Tax incentives | Claim via tax return for qualifying expenditure (net of other grants) |
Eligibility + support snapshot (not exhaustive)
| Grant | Core eligibility (summary) | Support type |
|---|---|---|
| Startup SG Tech | Registered and operating in SG; at least 30% local shareholding; proprietary tech with commercial potential; PoC/PoV stage | Milestone-based funding for PoC/PoV projects |
| PSG | Registered in SG; at least 30% local equity; SME size (≤S$100M turnover or ≤200 employees); solution used in SG; no payment before application | Up to 50% of eligible costs; S$30,000 annual cap |
| EDG | Registered in SG; at least 30% local equity; financially ready | Up to 50% of eligible costs for local SMEs |
| MRA | Registered in SG; at least 30% local equity; new to target market (sales < S$100,000 in past 3 years); SME size limit | Up to 70% of eligible costs (Budget 2026); S$100,000 cap per company per new market |
| EIS | Carry on active business operations in SG; qualifying R&D/IP/training/innovation expenditure | Enhanced tax deductions/allowances or cash payout |
Suggested application sequence (most biotech startups)
- Lock PoC/PoV milestones (Startup SG Tech) — define deliverables and evidence for each milestone.
- Separate productivity upgrades (PSG) — shortlist pre-approved tools/equipment that improve traceability and reduce manual work.
- Scope a scale-up project (EDG) — if you need broader transformation (process redesign, system integration, capability building).
- Plan new market entry (MRA) — only if the target market is new and sales there were below S$100,000 in each of the past 3 years.
- Track qualifying R&D/IP/training spend (EIS) — keep documentation for tax filing and ensure claims are net of other grants.
- Submit grant applications via BGP — for Startup SG Tech, PSG, EDG, and MRA before any payment or contract.
Documents you’ll usually need
For Startup SG Tech (PoC/PoV)
- ACRA BizFile / business profileNot completed
- Shareholding / ownership evidence (30% local shareholding)Not completed
- PoC/PoV project plan with milestones and success evidenceNot completed
- IP / proprietary technology description (what is owned / protected)Not completed
- Commercial application / market use case (who pays, why it matters)Not completed
For PSG (productivity tools/equipment)
- Quotation from the PSG-listed vendor + package (exact match)Not completed
- Short write-up of how the solution improves productivityNot completed
- Financial statements / management accounts (as required)Not completed
- Bank account payout setup (PayNow Corporate or GIRO) for claimsNot completed
For EDG (scale-up transformation)
- Project proposal with scope, outcomes, and timelineNot completed
- Financial statements showing readinessNot completed
- Shareholding structure (at least 30% local equity)Not completed
- Consultant credentials (if management consultancy)Not completed
For MRA (new overseas market entry)
- Evidence of new-to-market status (sales < S$100,000 in past 3 years)Not completed
- Proposal/quotation with deliverables and cost breakdownNot completed
- Financial statements for the past 3 yearsNot completed
- Shareholding structure (at least 30% local equity)Not completed
For EIS (tax claim)
- Records of qualifying R&D expenditure in SingaporeNot completed
- IP registration/acquisition/licensing documentation (if claiming)Not completed
- Training course records aligned to SSG/Skills Framework (if claiming)Not completed
- Innovation project records with polytechnic/ITE or qualified partners (if claiming)Not completed
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid: Using PSG to fund R&D
- PSG is for pre-approved productivity tools/equipment; keep R&D/PoC spend under Startup SG Tech where appropriate.
Avoid: Paying or signing before applying (PSG/EDG/MRA)
- Retrospective applications are not permitted once payment is made or contracts are signed.
Avoid: Being vague about PoC vs PoV (Startup SG Tech)
- “We are building our product” is not a milestone. Define measurable deliverables and evidence.
Avoid: Applying for MRA without a new market case
- MRA requires a new target market with sales < S$100,000 in each of the past 3 years.
Avoid: Treating EIS like a grant or double-claiming costs
- EIS is a tax incentive claimed via tax return; claims are based on qualifying expenditure net of other government grants.
Next step
- Check eligibility: /tools/psg-eligibility-check and /tools/edg-eligibility-check
- Read scheme details: Startup SG Tech, PSG, EDG, MRA, EIS