Good Design Research and Development (GDRD)
Good Design Research and Development (GDRD) is the DesignSingapore Council initiative under the Design 2035 Masterplan to catalyse design-led innovation among non-design businesses and support design firms expanding abroad. It builds on the older Good Design Research (GDR) programme, which supports Singapore companies using design research to build capability and develop validated proof-of-concept projects. DesignSingapore's current GDR page still lists funding of up to S$50,000. However, Business Times reported on 2 June 2026 that the refreshed GDRD initiative will receive more than S$15 million over the first three years, with businesses able to receive co-funding of up to S$450,000 for development work using design in their operations. Applicants should check the official programme page and application form for the live terms before applying.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
Company must be registered and operating in Singapore
- 02
Company must have been incorporated for at least 2 years
- 03
Open to design and non-design companies
- 04
Applicant should show evidence of existing design research capabilities from past projects
- 05
Project should develop a proof of concept and validate it with target end users
- 06
Applicant must be able to co-fund the remaining project costs
How to Apply
1. Review the Good Design Research programme page and factsheet. 2. Prepare a project proposal with clear research scope, human-centred research method, proof-of-concept plan, validation approach, budget, timeline, and expected impact. 3. Submit the application through the GDR FormSG application form at https://form.gov.sg/64e5bd93bb41f3001285f646. 4. DesignSingapore Council will notify applicants of eligibility in about 2 weeks from application. 5. Application results are expected within about 3 months. 6. For questions, email goodesignresearch@designsingapore.org.
Claims and Disbursement
Disbursement is milestone-based. After accepting the GDR grant, successful applicants may receive 30% of the approved grant quantum upon submitting any updated project proposal, signed Letter of Award, Advance Request Form, and Direct Credit Authorisation Form.
The remaining 70% is disbursed after successful completion of the approved proof of concept, capped at the approved grant quantum, with an additional audit fee subsidy capped at S$500. Final claim documents include the Final Claim Form, Practitioner's Report submitted by the auditor, and Final Project Report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Design and non-design companies registered and operating in Singapore can apply if they have been incorporated for at least 2 years and can show evidence of existing design research capabilities from past projects.
DesignSingapore's current Good Design Research page still lists up to S$50,000 for actual qualifying project costs. Business Times reported on 2 June 2026 that the refreshed Good Design Research and Development initiative will let businesses receive co-funding of up to S$450,000. Treat S$450,000 as the announced new cap until official application guidelines are published.
Qualifying costs include materials for research or proof-of-concept development, third-party professional services, external venue rental directly related to the project, equipment and software used to develop the proof of concept, and capped internal manpower costs. Generic equipment such as laptops and tablets is excluded.
Awarded applicants must complete the research project, conduct a mid-point presentation, develop and validate the proof of concept with target users, conduct a final presentation, and submit a project report.
DesignSingapore Council says applicants will receive eligibility notification in about 2 weeks from application, with application results within about 3 months.
No. The DesignSingapore Scholarship is for individuals, students, and professionals rather than companies, and the 2026 application cycle is closed. It is not listed as an active business grant.