Startup grants in Singapore for 2026
Singapore offers the most well-organized startup grant ecosystem in Asia. Through Enterprise Singapore (formerly SPRING), EDB (Economic Development Board), and IMDA (Infocomm Media Development Authority), the government deploys over S$1 billion annually to support innovation. Singapore-incorporated startups can realistically secure S$50,000–S$1,000,000+ in non-dilutive funding across the first 2-3 years of operation, making it one of the most capital-efficient countries to start a tech company in 2026.
Key Programs
- Startup SG Founder (S$50K + mentor)
- Startup SG Tech (up to S$500K commercialization)
- Startup SG Equity (S$250K-$2M co-investment)
- EDB Innovation Voucher
- IMDA Innovation & Capability Voucher (S$5K-$30K)
- A*STAR research collaboration grants
- Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
The funding landscape
Enterprise Singapore runs the flagship Startup SG suite. Startup SG Founder (S$50K matching grant + mentor pairing) covers first-time founders. Startup SG Tech provides up to S$500K for commercialization of proprietary technology. Startup SG Equity co-invests S$250K-$2M alongside qualifying private investors. EDB Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) and EDB Industrial Transformation Programs fund deeper manufacturing/industrial 4.0 work. IMDA runs the Innovation & Capability Voucher (S$5K-$30K) for tech upgrades and the Open Innovation Platform for co-innovation challenges. The Productivity Solutions Grant subsidizes adoption of pre-approved tech solutions. A*STAR runs research collaboration grants up to S$1M.
Best fit for
- Singapore-incorporated startups (Pte Ltd)
- Tech, deep tech, climate, biotech, fintech, AI startups
- First-time founders (Startup SG Founder is generous for first-timers)
- Foreign founders willing to relocate or open a Singapore subsidiary
- Teams targeting Southeast Asian market expansion
Who qualifies
Singapore-incorporated Pte Ltd companies with at least 30% local equity holding. EntrePass holders (work pass for foreign entrepreneurs) qualify for most programs. Most programs require Singapore-based operations and local hiring. Tech-specific programs prioritize companies developing proprietary technology over service businesses. First-time founders get preferential treatment for Startup SG Founder.
Application tip
Singapore grant processes are uniquely fast and transparent — most programs publish exact eligibility criteria, application templates, and review timelines. Talk to your assigned Enterprise Singapore officer before applying; they openly recommend which program fits your stage. Singapore values international ambition explicitly — applications that show clear Southeast Asia expansion plans score better than Singapore-only plays. Use the AI Singapore programs (100E, etc.) if you're doing AI work — they pair you with research talent and provide compute access on top of cash grants.
Grants available to Singapore founders (1)
Includes Singapore-specific programs plus EU-wide and global grants open to Singapore-incorporated SMEs.
Draft your Singapore grant application
Our AI Drafter generates a tailored grant application for $35 — including formats for Singapore-specific programs like Startup SG Founder (S$50K + mentor), plus EU-wide grants. Free preview first.