Good Design Research & Development (GDRD)

GDRD co-funds up to 50% of qualifying project costs. Maximum support is S$50,000 for a Design Research project (qualifying period up to 12 months), S$450,000 for a Design Development project (up to 24 months), and S$500,000 for a combined Design Research + Development project (up to 36 months).

Organisations incorporated in Singapore for at least three years at the point of application, with access to design capabilities either in-house or through external design professionals, and able to demonstrate the capability and commitment to complete the project. Both design firms and non-design organisations may apply, including social enterprises.

Yes. GDRD is open to both design and non-design organisations, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and are seeking to apply design-led innovation to develop new products, services, systems, or experiences.

Design Research focuses on uncovering insights, identifying the right problem, and developing and validating a Proof-of-Concept (POC). Design Development focuses on transforming a validated POC into a market-ready product, service, system or experience through prototyping, testing and market launch. A single project may cover both stages.

Qualifying costs may include material costs, third-party costs, specialised equipment and software costs, and internal manpower costs (salaries), subject to programme caps. Dsg reserves the right to determine whether proposed activities and corresponding cost items are eligible for funding.

Only costs incurred within the approved qualifying period and in accordance with Dsg's requirements may be considered. Applicants should not assume that costs incurred before approval are supportable.

No. Applications are evaluated on the project's merits, potential impact, alignment with GDRD objectives, the applicant's ability to fulfil the project deliverables and comply with the programme's terms and conditions, and the availability of funds.

Generally in two milestones: 30% upon acceptance of the grant and submission of required documents, and the remaining amount upon successful project completion, subject to audited qualifying expenditure and Dsg's acceptance of the required deliverables and documents. An external audit report is required for all projects.

Intellectual property arising from the project remains with the applicant, subject to the terms and conditions of the Letter of Award. Applicants are responsible for ensuring they have the necessary rights and permissions relating to all project outputs and submitted materials.

GDR has been refreshed into Good Design Research & Development (GDRD) under the Design 2035 Masterplan. The old programme page now redirects to the GDRD page. The headline terms changed: co-funding moved from 70% to up to 50%, the incorporation requirement rose from 2 to 3 years, the funding cap is now tiered up to S$500,000, and the S$500 audit fee subsidy is no longer offered.