CTO-as-a-Service (CTOaaS)
Chief Technology Officer-as-a-Service (CTO-as-a-Service) is IMDA's one-stop self-help platform that enables SMEs in Singapore to self-assess their digital readiness, access market-proven digital solutions, and engage digital consultants for in-depth digital transformation strategy advisory and project management services. It is a core component of the SMEs Go Digital programme, serving over 400,000 users in 2024. The platform provides a comprehensive suite of tools and services: a Digital Health Check for assessing digital readiness, recommendations of digital solutions based on business needs, the ability to compare over 300 pre-approved solutions by functions and costs, success stories from other SMEs, and the new Go Digital Advisor tool (launched in 2025) that helps SMEs identify the right solutions in just three clicks. Beyond self-service tools, CTO-as-a-Service also provides access to digital transformation consultants from appointed operators (Accenture and Stone Forest IT) who can provide tailored digital advisory, including digital solutions and training roadmaps, cybersecurity risk assessment, data usage and protection requirements, and project management services for digitisation implementation.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
For subsidised digital consultancy: Registered and operating in Singapore
- 02
Minimum 30% local shareholding
- 03
Group Annual Sales Turnover ≤ S$100 million OR Group Employment Size ≤ 200 employees
- 04
Has not used CTO-as-a-Service digital transformation consultants previously
- 05
For general platform access: Any business entity (no eligibility restrictions for browsing)
How to Apply
1. Visit the CTO-as-a-Service platform at https://services2.imda.gov.sg/CTOaaS/Home 2. Take the Digital Health Check to self-assess digital readiness and identify gaps 3. Use the Go Digital Advisor to identify solutions for your business challenges in 3 clicks 4. Browse and compare 300+ pre-approved solutions by function and cost 5. For consultancy services: Request digital transformation consultancy from appointed operators (Accenture or Stone Forest IT) 6. For PSG-supported solutions: Apply through the Business Grants Portal
Claims and Disbursement
Digital advisory services are provided free for first-time eligible users with no claims process needed. For PSG-supported solutions accessed through the platform, follow the standard PSG claims process via Business Grants Portal (BGP): deploy solution for at least 30 days, pay vendor in full, then submit claim with invoice, payment proof, usage report, and photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
A one-stop self-help platform that helps SMEs assess digital readiness, access pre-approved solutions, and engage digital consultants for advisory and project management.
The platform itself (browsing, Digital Health Check, Go Digital Advisor) is free. First-time digital advisory and project management services are free for eligible enterprises. Subsequent consultancy is commercial.
Accenture and Stone Forest IT are the appointed operators providing digital advisory and project management services.
It evaluates your company's digital readiness across various dimensions and identifies digitalisation needs and gaps.
Over 300 pre-approved, market-proven solutions covering sector-specific needs, common business operations, sales, and cybersecurity. About 30% are AI-enabled.
A recommendation tool that provides SME-specific recommendations for GenAI solutions based on business needs, with up to 50% grant support.
First-time usage is free. Subsequent usage requires a commercial agreement with the consultants.
Related Grants
Growth and Transformation Scheme (GTS)
Building and Construction Authority
Up to 70% of qualifying costs from S$90 million fund for alliance-based initiatives
The Growth and Transformation Scheme (GTS) is a strategic BCA initiative designed to support the formation and development of strategic alliances among Built Environment (BE) value chain partners. Recognizing that the BE sector is made up of many independent businesses with heavy inter-dependencies, GTS encourages multiple partnering companies — developers, consultants, builders, and sub-contractors — to come together and collectively develop strong, capable supply chains over the long term. Unlike firm-level grants, GTS goes beyond project-specific support and enables companies to take a long-term view on business and workforce transformation. It supports partnership efforts to strengthen technical capabilities as well as corporate, digital, and innovation practices, achieving mutually beneficial outcomes over a sustained period. The government has set aside S$90 million under GTS to co-fund up to 70% of qualifying costs for alliance-based transformation initiatives.
Business Improvement Fund (BIF)
Singapore Tourism Board
Up to 70% of qualifying costs for SMEs, up to 50% for non-SMEs. Additional 10% enhanced funding available for hotels implementing productivity solutions with Job Redesign plan
The Business Improvement Fund (BIF) helps tourism businesses boost productivity and competitiveness by supporting technology innovation and adoption, business model and process enhancements, and sustainability initiatives across the tourism industries. It is one of STB's most established grant schemes and is particularly targeted at companies within the tourism sector. BIF supports projects that lead to business transformation, capability development, and long-term sustainability. Companies in the tourism ecosystem — including accommodation providers, travel agencies, attractions, MICE organisers, tour operators, and lifestyle/retail businesses with a strong tourism focus — can leverage BIF to drive innovation, improve operations, and deliver exceptional visitor experiences. The fund supports both SMEs and non-SMEs with different funding levels for each category.
Digital Leaders Programme (DLP)
Infocomm Media Development Authority
Salary support for hiring in-house digital teams (AI/ML engineers, digital product managers), digital project funding, and subsidised digital leadership training
The Digital Leaders Programme (DLP) helps digitally ambitious and progressive local non-ICT companies accelerate their digital transformation plans and brings together industry leaders to connect and create a vibrant digital leaders community. Launched in 2021, the programme supports companies in three key areas: (i) charting digital roadmaps to prioritise impactful projects, (ii) hiring in-house digital teams to implement digital transformation plans, and (iii) embarking on projects that incorporate emerging technologies, particularly AI, for productivity, innovation, and growth. In September 2025, IMDA announced an enhanced DLP with intensified efforts to support 2,000 local digitally mature enterprises ("Digital Leaders") from various sectors to harness AI with confidence over three years. The enhanced programme follows a three-pronged approach: uplifting leadership mindset (through Tech Discovery Workshops and Playbooks), instilling confidence to design and deliver AI projects (tapping into tech giants and partner networks), and building internal self-sustaining competencies (funding support for hiring in-house digital teams). To date, more than 600 enterprises have benefitted from the DLP, with close to 50 supported in recruiting digital teams and implementing AI projects.
F&B AI and Digital Integration Programme
EnterpriseSG / UOB
Up to 50% funding for eligible SMEs and up to 30% funding for eligible non-SMEs on qualifying AI-enabled solution and digital systems integration project costs. Qualifying projects must be completed and paid for by 30 June 2027.
The F&B AI and Digital Integration Programme is a joint Enterprise Singapore and UOB initiative launched on 15 July 2026 to help Singapore food services businesses move from standalone digital tools to integrated, AI-enabled operations. The programme supports advisory, AI-enabled solutions and digital systems integration for F&B workflows such as POS, CRM, accounting, inventory, HR/payroll, procurement, ordering, reservations, customer engagement, workflow automation, sales/stock/manpower queries and unified dashboards. EnterpriseSG and UOB said the programme aims to support at least 200 F&B businesses over two years. Applicants work through UOB and appointed solution providers rather than applying directly on the Business Grants Portal.
GenAI Navigator
IMDA
Comprehensive support programme (not direct cash grant) including visa facilitation, capital connections, and strategic advisory
The Global Founder Programme (GFP) is a programme launched by EDB to attract experienced, seasoned business founders and innovators to launch and scale their next venture from Singapore as their global headquarters. It strengthens Singapore's startup ecosystem by supporting innovative ventures with the potential to become global industry leaders. The GFP follows a three-stage model: Start (soft landing/networking) → Build (establishment/team formation) → Accelerate (market expansion/capital connection). It is not a direct cash grant but rather a comprehensive support programme providing visa facilitation, capital connections, and strategic advisory services.
Transformation Sustainability Scheme (TSS)
NCSS
Up to 80% co-funding: Part A (consultancy) up to $250,000; Part B (bespoke digital) up to $150,000; Part C (pre-scoped solutions) up to $150,000 total ($40,000 per solution)
The Transformation Sustainability Scheme (TSS) provides funding to social service agencies for consultancy, digital projects, and project implementation support. It focuses on strengthening seven critical organisational health areas: Strategy & Leadership, Governance, People, Finances, Digitalisation, Communications & Partnerships, and User-Centric Services. Previously funded through the Tech-and-GO! scheme, TSS offers up to 80% co-funding across three components — consultancy and headcount support, bespoke digitalisation projects, and pre-scoped solutions like HR systems, CRMs, and cybersecurity tools.