Objective

To support startups in their exploration of the technical merit or feasibility of technologies and ideas that have the potential to create business disruptions and build new industry subsectors.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicants can apply as individuals or companies
2. For company applicants, the startup must be registered as a legal entity and incorporated in Singapore
3. Projects must be rooted in innovative R&D and technology, (must exhibit IDM R&D in either technology, creative, social or business model)
4. The team should have at least one full time local founder, who holds at least 20% of the project stake.
5. Teams which have received YES! funding will not be eligible.

Application Procedure

The IDM Office will appoint incubators to identify and nurture startups as well as to administer the funding to the startups on behalf of the IDM Office. They will advise startups on the uniqueness of their ideas, aggregate startups with similiar ideas, offer networks, and provide guidance on securing additional funding and general business advice.

Incubators are expected to invest in 10% to 25% of the project cost of the startup, for an equivalent percentage as equity in the project. This is to ensure that the incubators have enough stakes in the startups to be incentivized to do the best for the startups.

You can more information of your incubators in the Incubators Appointed page.

Form of Assistance

Under the Scheme, the grant covers up to a cap of S$50,000 qualifying cost of the project. Examples of majoy allowable costs are:

1. Subsistence allowance of applicants (subject to a cap of S$600 per applicant per month)
2. Third-party manpower costs including advisory costs
3. Marketing expenses including overseas business travel
4. Research expenses and
5. Equipment and software

Grant Detail / Claim Procedure

The grant is disbursed to the applicant on a quarterly advanced basis. Applicants must submit receipts of their expenditure at the end of the project.
Termination of Project

In the event that the applicant decides to terminate its project, the applicant would have to return the unspent monies to MDA.
Administrative Procedures

The processing time for each application is 6 to 8 weeks upon the submission of a completed application form. Both successful and unsuccessful applicants would receive a formal reply from MDA on the outcome of their applications.

Depending on the nature and length of the project, the applicant must submit their final findings to MDA within the stipulated time frame.

Proceed to Application Form