Central Gap Fund
The NRF Central Gap Fund supports the translation of research outcomes into products, processes and/or services that generate economic and societal benefits for Singapore. It provides a national-level platform to resource impactful projects and encourage collaboration across public research performers and/or industry. The fund bridges the gap between basic research and full commercialisation, helping researchers develop early technologies into working prototypes or functional processes that are closer to market. Projects from any area of science and engineering are eligible, but only projects that aim to develop technologies of high impact and significant value for Singapore will be considered.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
A*STAR Research Institutes, local public research centres and consortia
- 02
Local public hospitals, public health institutions, and National Specialty Centres
- 03
Local autonomous universities, polytechnics, and Institutes of Technical Education
- 04
CREATE entities and Research Centres of Excellence
- 05
Projects must aim to develop technologies of high impact and significant value for Singapore
- 06
Must demonstrate clear market need to attract private investment/commercialisation
How to Apply
1. Contact your Innovation & Enterprise Office (IEO) for guidance on eligibility and proposal preparation 2. Prepare project proposal including technology description, commercialisation plan, budget 3. Develop a business plan (no fixed template; teams should approach business mentors or programmes like Lean LaunchPad) 4. All proposals from public healthcare institutions must be endorsed by NHIC 5. Lodge proposal electronically via the Integrated Grants Management System (IGMS) 6. Standing Oversight Committee evaluates with subject matter expert inputs
Claims and Disbursement
Proposals processed on a needs basis (no fixed batch deadlines). Disbursement based on milestone achievement with progress reports required at regular intervals and final report with technology readiness assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Teams should approach business mentors or programmes like Lean LaunchPad for guidance.
Projects should advance from early-stage (TRL 3-4) to working prototype stage (TRL 5-7). The committee evaluates current TRL and target TRL.
Yes. If the project previously received translation funding from the Host Institution/IEO, the co-funding requirement may be waived.
Projects of larger quantum (>S$2M) will be subject to stage-gating — funding released in tranches based on achieving predetermined milestones.
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Contact your IEO for guidance.
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