Deep tech start-ups get $50m boost with new incubator programme

Deep tech start-ups can now tap a $50 million fund over the next five years under a new incubator programme managed by Singapore's two leading universities.

- Elisha Tushara

To be launched in January 2025, the National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (Grip) will support aspiring locally-based researchers and entrepreneurs who have developed innovations in areas such as artificial intelligence, space, smart city and semiconductor technologies.

National Grip will combine two existing incubator programmes from NUS and NTU with a renewed objective to support up to 300 start-ups by 2028 and spin off more than 150 companies by 2030.

"This is a 12-month programme to bridge the gap between scientific research and market application, supporting start-ups in refining their ideas, validating market needs and designing their business model," said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Oct 29.

DPM Heng, who chairs the National Research Foundation (NRF), announced National Grip at the foundation's Research, Innovation and Enterprise Deep Tech Day at Marina Bay Sands.