Securing funding is often the most challenging hurdle for startups and SMEs in Singapore and across ASEAN. Whether you’re looking to develop new technology, expand overseas, or enhance your business capabilities, this comprehensive guide brings together 19 of the most relevant startup grants, accelerators, pitch competitions, and funding programmes available in 2024/2025.
With application deadlines approaching for many of these opportunities, now is the perfect time to identify which Singapore startup grants and international funding options align with your business goals. We’ve included direct links to application pages, eligibility requirements, and practical tips to help you navigate the often complex application processes.
Singapore-Based Grants, Loans & Tax Incentives
The Singapore government has consistently supported startups and SMEs through various financial assistance schemes. These Singapore startup grants are designed to help businesses at different stages of growth, from early-stage startups to established companies looking to expand internationally.
Government Grants for Business Development
1. Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
The Enterprise Development Grant supports projects that help Singapore companies grow and transform. This Singapore startup grant covers three key pillars: core capabilities, innovation and productivity, and market access.
- Funding Support: Up to 70% of qualifying project costs
- Ideal For: SMEs looking to upgrade business capabilities, innovate, or expand overseas
- Qualifying Costs: Third-party consultancy fees, software and equipment, internal manpower costs
Application Tip: Clearly demonstrate how your project will lead to tangible outcomes like productivity improvements or new revenue streams.
2. Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
The PSG supports companies in adopting pre-approved IT solutions and equipment to enhance business processes. This grant is particularly useful for startups looking to digitalize their operations.
- Funding Support: Up to 50% of costs for pre-approved solutions
- Ideal For: Companies seeking to implement digital solutions or automation equipment
- Solutions Covered: Customer management, data analytics, financial management, inventory tracking
Application Tip: Ensure your vendor is pre-approved before applying through the Business Grants Portal.
Grants for Innovation and Technology
3. Startup SG Tech Grant
This grant provides early-stage funding for the commercialization of proprietary technology solutions. It’s one of the most sought-after Singapore startup grants for tech-focused companies.
- Funding Support: Up to $400,000 for Proof-of-Concept (POC) or $800,000 for Proof-of-Value (POV)
- Ideal For: Tech startups with innovative proprietary technology
- Focus Areas: Advanced manufacturing, biomedical sciences, clean technology, ICT
Application Tip: Your technology must demonstrate clear innovation and commercial viability.
4. Enterprise Innovation Scheme
This scheme provides enhanced tax deductions or cash conversion for qualifying R&D and innovation activities conducted in Singapore.
- Tax Benefits: Up to 400% tax deduction on qualifying expenditure
- Ideal For: Companies investing in R&D and innovation
- Activities Covered: R&D projects, intellectual property registration, innovation with polytechnics/ITE
Application Tip: Keep detailed documentation of all R&D activities and expenditures.
Grants for Market Expansion
5. Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant
The MRA grant helps Singapore SMEs take their first steps overseas by defraying the cost of internationalization.
- Funding Support: Up to 70% of eligible costs, capped at $100,000 per company per new market
- Ideal For: SMEs looking to expand into new overseas markets
- Activities Covered: Overseas market promotion, business development, market setup
Application Tip: Define your target market clearly and demonstrate how it aligns with your company’s growth strategy.
6. Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi)
This scheme allows businesses to claim a 200% tax deduction on qualifying market expansion and investment development activities.
- Tax Benefits: 200% tax deduction on qualifying expenses
- Ideal For: Companies expanding into international markets
- Expenses Covered: Overseas business development trips, trade fairs, market surveys
Application Tip: Automatic approval for expenses up to $150,000; apply to Enterprise Singapore for higher amounts.
Specialized Funding Programmes
7. Temasek Foundation Grants
Temasek Foundation offers various grants for startups working on innovative solutions in sustainability and public health.
Liveability & Sustainability Innovations
- Focus on sustainable urban development
- Funding for pilot projects and scaling
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
Public Health Innovations
- Support for health resilience solutions
- Funding for prototype development
- Access to healthcare partners
Application Tip: Clearly demonstrate the social impact and scalability of your solution.
Need Help Navigating Singapore Startup Grants?
The Business Grants Portal provides a centralized platform to apply for Singapore government grants. Create an account to access all available funding opportunities.
International & Regional Funding Opportunities
Beyond Singapore startup grants, there are numerous international funding opportunities available to Singapore-based startups. These include pitch competitions, accelerator programs, and collaborative R&D initiatives that can provide not only funding but also valuable global exposure and networking.
Global Pitch Competitions
8. Slingshot 2025 (Singapore)
Slingshot is Singapore’s flagship global startup competition for innovative startups with transformative technologies and scalable business models.
- Prizes: Up to $200,000 in grants, mentorship, and in-kind support
- Ideal For: Deep tech startups in fintech, medtech, agritech, and sustainability
- Benefits: Global exposure, investor connections, and market access opportunities
Application Tip: Focus on demonstrating both technological innovation and commercial viability in your pitch.
9. 10th UCLG ASPAC Startup Pitching (Asia Pacific)
This regional competition focuses on startups developing innovative solutions for sustainable urban development and governance in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Focus Areas: Smart cities, urban mobility, waste management, civic engagement
- Benefits: Exposure to city leaders and potential municipal clients
- Eligibility: Startups with solutions applicable to urban challenges in Asia-Pacific
Application Tip: Highlight how your solution addresses specific urban challenges faced by Asia-Pacific cities.
10. The GAP in Between Challenge 2025
This challenge focuses on startups working at the intersection of sustainability and social equity, with a focus on innovative solutions that address both environmental and social challenges.
- Prize: Equity-free funding and acceleration support
- Focus Areas: Circular economy, inclusive finance, sustainable agriculture
- Eligibility: Impact-focused startups with proven traction
Application Tip: Clearly articulate both the environmental and social impact of your solution.
Global Accelerator Programs
11. Startupbootcamp – Energy & Climate Accelerator
This equity-free accelerator program supports startups developing solutions for energy transition and climate action, providing funding, mentorship, and industry connections.
- Offering: Up to €100,000 in equity-free funding
- Program Duration: 6-month intensive acceleration
- Focus Areas: Renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon capture, climate adaptation
Application Tip: Demonstrate how your solution can scale globally and create measurable climate impact.
12. Landing Pad – Business Matchmaking 2025
This program helps startups expand internationally by providing access to global markets, networking opportunities, and business matchmaking services.
- Services: Market entry support, partner matching, workspace access
- Target Markets: Southeast Asia, Europe, North America
- Eligibility: Startups with market-ready products seeking international expansion
Application Tip: Prepare a clear market entry strategy for your target international markets.
13. Unleashed Accelerator
This global program supports early-stage ventures working on solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, providing funding, mentorship, and access to a global network.
- Focus: Solutions addressing UN SDGs
- Support: Funding, mentorship, and global networking
- Eligibility: Early-stage ventures with innovative solutions
Application Tip: Clearly articulate which specific SDGs your solution addresses and how.
Industry-Specific Funding Opportunities
14. 100+ Accelerator – Sustainable Agriculture
This accelerator supports innovative agri-tech startups with solutions for sustainable agriculture, providing funding and corporate partnerships.
- Focus on agricultural innovation
- Corporate backing and pilot opportunities
- Global scaling support
15. 100+ Accelerator – Nature & Biodiversity
Focused on nature-positive and biodiversity-friendly business models, this program provides funding and support for scaling environmental solutions.
- Conservation technology focus
- Corporate partnerships
- Global network access
16. Ocean Startup Challenge (Canada)
This challenge provides funding for startups developing ocean-related technologies and sustainability solutions, with opportunities for international collaboration.
- Ocean technology focus
- Equity-free funding
- Industry connections
International R&D Collaborations
17. China–Singapore Joint Call (Climate Resilience & Adaptation)
This bilateral R&D initiative supports collaborative projects between Singapore and Chinese entities focused on climate resilience and adaptation technologies.
- Funding: Co-funded by A*STAR (Singapore) and MoST (China)
- Focus Areas: Climate modeling, resilient infrastructure, adaptation technologies
- Requirement: Partnership between Singapore and Chinese entities
Application Tip: Demonstrate strong collaboration between Singapore and Chinese partners with complementary expertise.
18. GFIC (Global Food Innovation Challenge)
GFIC connects food-tech and agritech startups with the Chinese market, providing funding, market access, and partnership opportunities.
- Focus: Food technology and agricultural innovation
- Benefits: Access to Chinese market and partners
- Eligibility: Startups with innovative food and agriculture solutions
Application Tip: Highlight how your solution addresses specific food system challenges in the Chinese market.
19. Canada–Singapore International R&D Grant
This grant supports collaborative R&D projects between Canadian and Singaporean companies, providing funding for joint innovation initiatives.
- Funding: Matched funding from both countries
- Focus: Joint R&D projects with commercial potential
- Requirement: Partnership between Singapore and Canadian entities
Application Tip: Develop a clear commercialization plan that benefits both countries.
Application Tips for Singapore Startup Grants & International Funding
Key Strategies for Successful Applications
1. Check Eligibility Requirements Carefully
Before investing time in an application, thoroughly review all eligibility criteria. Many Singapore startup grants have specific requirements regarding company age, ownership structure, and business focus. For international opportunities, check if there are geographical restrictions or partnership requirements.
2. Align Your Proposal with Program Objectives
Tailor your application to address the specific objectives of the grant or program. For government grants, emphasize economic impact and job creation. For sustainability-focused programs, highlight environmental benefits. For innovation grants, clearly articulate your technological advantage.
3. Prepare Strong Financial Projections
Most funding applications require detailed financial projections. Be realistic but ambitious, and clearly show how the funding will accelerate your growth. For Singapore startup grants like EDG, demonstrate how the project will improve your business metrics.
4. Document Everything
Keep detailed records of all qualifying expenses and activities. For tax incentives like DTDi, proper documentation is essential for claiming deductions. For R&D grants, maintain research logs and development milestones.
Application Deadlines Alert
Many of these funding opportunities have application deadlines in Q1 and Q2 of 2025. Slingshot 2025 applications close soon, and several Enterprise Singapore grants operate on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Start your application process early!
Take Action: Secure Funding for Your Startup
With 19 diverse funding opportunities available, from Singapore startup grants to global competitions, there’s likely a perfect match for your business needs. Whether you’re developing innovative technology, expanding internationally, or building core capabilities, these grants and programs can provide the financial support and resources you need to accelerate your growth.
Remember that successful applications require thorough preparation, clear alignment with program objectives, and compelling presentation of your business case. Start by identifying the opportunities that best match your business stage and goals, then prepare your applications strategically.
Stay Updated on Funding Opportunities
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