Startup SG Tech
Startup SG Tech provides early-stage funding for the commercialization of proprietary technology solutions through two stages: Proof-of-Concept (POC) for solutions at conceptualization stage where technical viability needs to be proven, and Proof-of-Value (POV) for startups with technically viable concepts needing to develop working prototypes for commercial validation. The programme targets startups with proprietary know-how and intellectual property, administered by Enterprise Singapore and evaluated by panels of industry experts. Grants carry an equity component — ESG has the right to exercise a share subscription of 50% of the awarded grant amount (up to 49% of total shareholding) when a qualifying equity financing round occurs, allowing ESG to participate in the upside of successful startups.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
Registered in Singapore for less than 5 years at time of application
- 02
At least 30% local (SC/PR) shareholding
- 03
Group annual sales turnover not more than S$100 million OR group employment size not more than 200 workers
- 04
Core activities carried out in Singapore
- 05
Must be a startup company (not a subsidiary of corporate entity)
- 06
Must clearly demonstrate how science/technology is applied
- 07
Must be breakthrough level innovation — distinctly different or new technology
- 08
Must lead to or build on proprietary know-how/IP
- 09
Must be commercially viable
- 10
Project must not have commenced at time of application
How to Apply
1. Submit Registration of Interest to Enterprise Singapore 2. ESG conducts initial assessment and extends invitation for formal application if proposal meets criteria 3. Submit detailed formal application with full cost breakdown, technical details, and commercialization plan 4. Undergo final evaluation by panel of industry experts based on innovativeness, technical feasibility, and commercialization potential 5. Upon approval, enter into funding agreement with ESG 6. Execute project according to agreed milestones; grants disbursed upon milestone completion
Claims and Disbursement
Grants issued on completion of each milestone. Must inject increase in paid-up capital of 10% (POC) or 20% (POV) of the grant amount. ESG has the right to exercise a share subscription of 50% of the awarded grant up to 49% of total shareholding — triggered at qualifying equity financing round. Progress reports and milestone documentation required.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Your project must be either a POC or POV project at the time of application.
The grant itself is not repaid directly, but ESG has the right to exercise a share subscription (equity conversion) equal to 50% of the grant amount when a qualifying financing round occurs.
No. The project must not have commenced at the time of application.
Startups must inject an increase in paid-up capital of 10% of the grant for POC and 20% for POV. This replaces prior restrictions on supportable costs.
No. The project must fall within specified deep tech sectors (advanced manufacturing, biomedical, clean tech, ICT, precision engineering, transport engineering, food science & technology).
The process can take several months — from Registration of Interest through Initial Assessment to Panel Evaluation. Plan accordingly.
Related Grants
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