Singapore Startup Grants 2025: Your Ultimate Funding Guide

Written By Saagarika Shyamnur

Singapore is a top-ranked startup ecosystem and a hub for government grants for startups. Entrepreneurs looking for startup funding in Singapore can leverage various SME grants and financial incentives to scale their ventures. Ranked among the top startup ecosystems worldwide, the city-state fosters innovation through its strategic location, pro-business policies, and well-developed infrastructure. 

Singapore's commitment to innovation is reflected in its global rankings. The country rose to 4th place globally in the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII), marking its best performance in over a decade. Furthermore, in the 2025 Global Innovation Scorecard by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), Singapore surpassed the US to become the world's most innovative country. With over SGD 30 billion in funding allocated and approximately 4,500 startups, Singapore remains a leading startup hub. One of the key factors fuelling this growth is the Singapore government’s commitment to supporting startups. Through a variety of grants, tax incentives, and co-investment programs, the government helps entrepreneurs mitigate financial risks, drive innovation, and scale globally.

Whether you're a tech entrepreneur, fintech startup, or SME looking for funding, leveraging government grants for startups in Singapore can provide crucial business funding to accelerate growth.

This guide explores the most relevant grants, funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application processes to help startups make the most of government support.

Table of Contents:

  1. Government Grants for Startups in Singapore (2025) – Innovation & Early-Stage Funding

  2. Business Grants for International Expansion & Growth in Singapore – Best Funding Options

  3. Business Grants in Singapore for Productivity & Digital Transformation

  4. Industry-Specific Grants in Singapore – Aviation, Agri-Food, Tourism & More

 

Best Government Grants for Startups in Singapore (2025) – Innovation & Early-Stage Funding

(For R&D, prototype development, and commercialization of innovative solutions)

  • The Startup SG Tech Grant helps startups quickly develop and commercialize new, proprietary technologies with high growth potential. It provides funding for two stages:

    • Proof of Concept (POC): Testing early-stage ideas to check if they are technically feasible.

    • Proof of Value (POV): Validating technologies that are already proven but need further testing before market launch.

    Startups can apply for either POC or POV funding depending on the stage of development of the technology/concept. Grants will be awarded upon the completion of each milestone.

    Funding Support:

    Up to SGD 400,000 for POC and up to SGD 800,000 for POV projects

    Eligibility:

    • Startup registered in Singapore within 10 years at time of grant application

    • Company has at least 30% local ownership (Singaporean or PR)

    • Company is not a subsidiary of a larger corporate entity

    • Company’s group annual sales turnover is not more than $100 million or group employment size is not more than 200 workers

     Requirements:

    To maintain financial discipline, startups will be required to demonstrate existing paid-up capital equivalent to at least 10% of the POC grant and at least 20% of the POV grant 

    How to Apply:

    Submit a two-stage application before the commencement of the project via Startup SG Tech webpage.

    https://www.startupsg.gov.sg/programmes/4897/startup-sg-tech/apply 

  • The Startup SG Founder program supports first-time entrepreneurs with mentorship and funding to kickstart their innovative businesses. The scheme provides a startup grant along with guidance from Accredited Mentor Partners (AMPs) in pitch training, networking opportunities with investors and corporates, secretarial and accounting support.

    Funding Support:

    SGD 20,000 to SGD 50,000 with a 1:1 fund co-matching requirement;

    Access to Accredited Mentor Partners (AMPs)

    Eligibility:

    • Startup registered as a private limited entity in Singapore for less than 6 months

    • Company has minimum 51% of issued shares owned by Singapore citizen or PR

    • Founders must be first-time entrepreneurs and hold at least 30% equity

    Requirements:

    Has not received funding from another government organization for the same business idea

    Applicants must inject co-matching paid up capital in the ratio of 1:1 to the grant amount

    How to Apply:

    Founders apply through an AMP, who evaluates business viability. Upon AMP endorsement, applicants can submit their application via Startup SG Founder webpage.

    https://www.startupsg.gov.sg/programmes/4894/startup-sg-founder/apply

  • The AIDA Grant by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) supports financial institutions and fintech startups in developing and adopting AI and data analytics (AIDA) solutions to enhance decision-making, risk management, and business efficiency. It was launched as part of the Financial Sector Technology and Innovation (FSTI) scheme under the Financial Sector Development Fund (FSDF). The scheme is valid until March 2026.

    Funding Support:

    Up to 30% co-funding of qualifying expenses, capped at SGD 500,000

    Funding disbursed after successful completion of milestones.

    Eligibility:

    • Small Singapore-based Financial Institutions (FI), FinTech, or Industry Consortiums

    • Headcount 200 or less at the time of application

    Requirements:

    Apply 3 months before the commencement of the project in Singapore to facilitate project discussions and application processing

    How to Apply:

    Engage with MAS to discuss project ideas at AIDA_Grant@mas.gov.sg.

    https://www.mas.gov.sg/schemes-and-initiatives/artificial-intelligence-and-data-analytics-aida-grant

  • The ESG FinTech Grant, part of the Financial Sector Technology and Innovation (FSTI) scheme by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), aims to accelerate the adoption of ESG-focused technology solutions in the financial sector. It supports financial institutions in overcoming ESG data and infrastructure challenges, facilitating capital mobilization for sustainable activities, and tracking net-zero transition plans.

    Eligible projects should leverage innovative technology to address ESG-related business needs, enhance ESG data transparency, and develop pioneering use cases for the financial services industry. Additionally, projects should contribute to strengthening Singapore’s ESG FinTech ecosystem. The FSTI scheme is available until March 2026.

    Funding Support:

    Up to 50% co-funding of qualifying expenses, capped at SGD 500,000

    Funding duration of up to 18 months

    Funding disbursed after successful completion of milestones

    Eligibility:

    • Singapore-based Financial Institutions

    • Projects including, but not limited to, ESG RegTech, ESG Risk and InsurTech, Carbon Services, ESG Investment Management, ESG Lending, and ESG Payments

    Requirements:

    Apply 3 months before the commencement of the project in Singapore to facilitate project discussions and application processing

    How to Apply:

    Engage with MAS Green Fintech Office to discuss project ideas and send the project proposal to fintech_office@mas.gov.sg.

    Find the application form here https://www.mas.gov.sg/schemes-and-initiatives/fsti-esg-fintech-grant

  • The FSTI Innovation Acceleration Track by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) provides funding to support the experimentation, development, and adoption of emerging financial technologies in the financial services sector, providing focus on “Early Innovation”. 

    This initiative encourages innovation by enabling FinTech startups and financial institutions to test and scale new, transformative solutions. The grant supports projects that develop nascent financial technologies, including AI, blockchain, digital payments, and risk management solutions. The FSTI scheme is available until March 2026.

    Funding Support:

    Up to 50% of qualifying expenses, capped at SGD 400,000

    Funding duration of up to 18 months

    Funding support will be on a reimbursement basis

    Eligibility:

    MAS-regulated financial institutions, technology/ solution providers working with MAS-regulated financial institutions, or technology/ solution providers developing novel technology and solutions that can improve the efficiency or productivity of financial services sector in Singapore

    Requirements:

    Applicants are strongly advised not to start their projects before receiving grant approval. If a project begins before the grant is awarded, any costs incurred will not be covered if the proposal is rejected.

    How to Apply:

    Proposals are accepted and evaluated on fixed quarterly cycles, and go through three evaluation stages – Eligibility screening, Panel evaluation, and MAS’ assessment. Submit the application form and proposal to fintech_office@mas.gov.sg.

    https://www.mas.gov.sg/development/fintech/mas-fsti-innovation-acceleration-track---early-innovation

 

Business Grants for International Expansion & Growth in Singapore – Best Funding Options

(For international expansion and growth funding)

  • The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant supports Singapore-based businesses in expanding into international markets by covering costs related to overseas market entry. This grant helps startups reduce the risks and costs associated with business development, marketing, and setup in new markets.

    Funding Support:

    The support is capped at SGD 100,000 per company per new market and covers activities under three pillars:

    • Overseas market promotion (capped at SGD 20,000)

    • Overseas business development (capped at SGD 50,000)

    • Overseas market set-up (capped at SGD 30,000)

    Eligibility:

    • Business entity registered and operating in Singapore, not having group annual sales turnover more than SGD 100 million or group employment size over 200 employees

    • At least 30% local equity held directly or indirectly by Singaporean and/or Singapore PR, determined by the ultimate individual ownership

    Requirements:

    • Each application is limited to one activity in a single overseas market

    • The company’s annual sales in the target market must not have exceeded SGD 100,000 in any of the preceding three years

    How to Apply:

    Prepare all the required documents and apply on the Business Grants portal at https://www.businessgrants.gov.sg/

    For the required documents and the whole application process, visit https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-support/market-readiness-assistance-grant

  • The Startup SG Equity scheme is a co-investment program where the Singapore government partners with accredited investors to support high-growth, innovative startups. This initiative helps startups attract private investments by reducing investor risk through government-backed co-funding. The co-investment is managed by SEEDS Capital and SGInnovate under Startup SG Equity.

    Funding Support:

    The government co-invests alongside private investors with different funding caps based on startup type - Up to SGD 8 million for deep-tech startups and up to SGD 2 million for general tech startups

    Eligibility:

    • Startup registered in Singapore and incorporated as a private limited company for less than 10 years, having a paid-up capital of at least SGD 50,000

    • Company is not a subsidiary or a joint venture

    • Company has identified a ready, third-party investor

    Requirements:

    The co-investment ratio under Startup SG Equity depends on the startup type and investment category.

    • General Tech Startups:

      • Government co-invests (Government + Investor) on a 7:3 basis for the first SGD 250,000; Beyond SGD 250,000, the ratio shifts to 1:1

    • Deep-Tech Startups:

      • Government co-invests on a 7:3 basis for the first SGD 500,000; Beyond SGD 500,000, the ratio shifts to 1:1

    How to Apply:

    Startups must secure a lead investor and apply for co-investment support via Startup SG Equity webpage.

    https://www.startupsg.gov.sg/programmes/4895/startup-sg-equity/apply

 

Business Grants in Singapore for Productivity & Digital Transformation

(For improving productivity, embracing digitalization, and seeking energy efficiency)

  • The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) from Enterprise Singapore is designed to support Singapore-based companies in their growth and transformation efforts. This grant is particularly focused on three core pillars: Core Capabilities, Innovation & Productivity, and Market Access. This grant funds individual projects tailored to the applicant’s business.

    Funding Support:

    Up to 50% of qualifying project costs such as third-party consultancy fees, software and equipment, and internal manpower cost. Sustainability related projects maybe supported at up to 70%; check Enterprise Sustainability Programme for more details. This scheme works on a reimbursement basis; claims submitted once all project deliverables have been achieved.

    Eligibility:

    • Business entity registered and operating in Singapore with at least 30% local ownership

    • Company must be financially ready to start and complete the project

    Requirements:

    • Projects must be new, have not commenced, and are not generating any revenue at the point of grant application

    • Claims must reach Enterprise Singapore no later than six months from the end of the project qualifying period

    How to Apply:

    Prepare all the required documents and apply on the Business Gants portal at https://www.businessgrants.gov.sg/

    For the required documents and the claim submission process, visit https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-support/enterprise-development-grant

    Funding Support:

    Up to 50% of eligible costs for pre-approved sector-specific or generic solutions for local SMEs, capped at SGD 30,000

    Eligibility:

    • Business entity registered and operating in Singapore, not having group annual sales turnover more than SGD 100 million or group employment size over 200 employees

    • Company has at least 30% local ownership held directly or indirectly by Singaporeans or Singapore PRs

    • IT solutions or equipment that are purchased, leased, or subscribed to must be used in Singapore. 

    Requirements:

    Company does not fall under these categories - Charities, Institutions of Public Characters (IPCs), Religious Entities, Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO), Government agencies and subsidiaries, and societies

    How to Apply:

    Identify relevant pre-approved solutions and pre-approved vendors from the “GoBusiness Gov Assist” webpage https://www.gobusiness.gov.sg/productivity-solutions-grant/#type-of-psg-soln

    Get direct quotations and apply on Business Grants Portal at https://www.businessgrants.gov.sg/

    For further details, visit https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-support/productivity-solutions-grant

  • The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) by Enterprise Singapore is a targeted initiative designed to assist Singapore-based companies in enhancing their productivity by adopting IT solutions and equipment. The grant focuses on supporting industry-specific solutions, as well as broader solutions that cut across industries. This scheme funds individual projects intended to improve productivity, limited to a pre-approved list of vendors.

    Funding Support:

    Up to 50% of eligible costs for pre-approved sector-specific or generic solutions for local SMEs, capped at SGD 30,000

    Eligibility:

    • Business entity registered and operating in Singapore, not having group annual sales turnover more than SGD 100 million or group employment size over 200 employees

    • Company has at least 30% local ownership held directly or indirectly by Singaporeans or Singapore PRs

    • IT solutions or equipment that are purchased, leased, or subscribed to must be used in Singapore.

    Requirements:

    Company does not fall under these categories - Charities, Institutions of Public Characters (IPCs), Religious Entities, Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO), Government agencies and subsidiaries, and societies

    How to Apply:

    Identify relevant pre-approved solutions and pre-approved vendors from the “GoBusiness Gov Assist” webpage https://www.gobusiness.gov.sg/productivity-solutions-grant/#type-of-psg-soln

    Get direct quotations and apply on Business Grants Portal at https://www.businessgrants.gov.sg/

    For further details, visit https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-support/productivity-solutions-grant

  • The Chief Technology Officer-as-a-Service (CTOaaS) initiative by Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) supports startups and SMEs in their digital transformation journey along with engagement with consultancy and project management services under the SMEs Go Digital Programme. The program provides a comprehensive digital transformation package, starting with a Digital Health Check to self-assess readiness and identify gaps. Businesses can learn from successful digitalization stories and receive tailored recommendations from over 450 subsidized digital solutions, covering sector-specific needs, operational efficiency, revenue growth, and business resilience.

    Funding Support:

    Free first-time usage of digital advisory and project management services

    Eligibility:

    • Business entity registered and operating in Singapore, not having group annual sales turnover more than SGD 100 million or group employment size over 200 employees

    • Company has at least 30% local ownership held directly or indirectly by Singaporeans or Singapore PRs

    • Company has not used the services of CTOaaS digital transformation consultants previously

    How to Apply:

    Register for a Digital Health Check via the CTOaaS portal https://services2.imda.gov.sg/CTOaaS/

    Receive recommendations for suitable digital solutions and Engage with an appointed Digital Consultant to develop and implement digital strategies.

    Visit https://www.imda.gov.sg/how-we-can-help/smes-go-digital/ctoaas for further details

  • The Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) aims to help businesses improve their energy efficiency by co-funding investment in energy-efficient (EE) equipment to reduce energy consumption and operational costs. It is targeted at eligible companies in sectors with high energy usage, such as food services, construction, data centres, manufacturing (including food manufacturing), maritime, and retail.

    Funding Support:

    • Base Tier – Up to 70% and up to 30% for SMEs and non-SMEs respectively for pre-approved EE equipment only, capped at SGD 30,000. Support available until 31st March 2026.

    • Advanced Tier – Up to SGD 350,000 across base and enhanced tiers. Lower of “Support levels under the base tier” or “ Grant quantum computed based on EE equipment’s expected lifetime energy savings” as non-pre-approved equipment are also funded basis energy savings demonstration above 350t lifetime carbon abatement.

    Eligibility:

    • Business entity registered and operating in Singapore, not having group annual sales turnover more than SGD 500 million

    • Company has at least 30% local shareholding, with at least one local employee at the firm-level

    • Equipment purchased must be used in Singapore

    Visit https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-support/energy-efficiency-grant for further sector-related and tier-related specifications

    Requirements:

    Companies to not have commenced procurement of the equipment at the point of grant application

    How to Apply:

    Prepare all the required documents and apply on the Business Grants portal at https://www.businessgrants.gov.sg/

    Visit: https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-support/energy-efficiency-grant for further details

 

Industry-Specific Grants in Singapore – Aviation, Agri-Food, Tourism & More

(For encouraging and incentivizing industries to innovate and grow)

  • The Aviation Development Fund (ADF), established by CAAS, supports the development and growth of Singapore’s aviation industry by funding productivity improvements, innovation, and manpower development. The fund aligns with the Air Transport Industry Transformation Map (ITM) to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness in the aviation sector. The fund Supports projects focused on:

    • Airport productivity and manpower sufficiency

    • Innovation for new capability development

    • Manpower training for higher-skilled aviation jobs

    Funding Support:

    Total budget of SGD 280 million, extended until March 2025

    Eligibility

    Singapore based aviation companies and organizations

    How to Apply:

    For further details of application process, reach out to caas_ai@caas.gov.sg

    https://www.caas.gov.sg/who-we-are/areas-of-responsibility/developing-the-industry/aviation-development-fund 

  • The Agri-Food Cluster Transformation (ACT) Fund, administered by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), supports local agrifood companies in adopting advanced farming technologies to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resource efficiency. This initiative aims to transform Singapore’s agrifood sector and strengthen food security by supporting “Capability Upgrading” and “Technology Upscaling”. SFA-Licensed Local farmers have until 31 December 2025 to submit their applications under the ACT Fund.

    • Capability Upgrading - funding for farming equipment and systems for small-scale pilot trials to raise productivity, improve resource efficiency, or reduce pollution and waste.

    • Technology Upscaling - funding to set up a large commercial-scale high-tech farm that is highly productive and resource-efficient.

    Funding Support:

    • Capability Upgrading - one-off sum of SGD 15,000 for qualifying consultancy fees (SGD 10,000) and certification-related fees (SGD 5,000); up to SGD 50,000 for energy efficiency audits

    • Technology Upscaling - up to SGD 6 million for farming technology or systems and for farm-related infrastructure costs; Cash advancement of up to 20% of the maximum amount funded is available to successful applicants.

    Eligibility:

    Must have a farm in Singapore with a valid farm licence issued by SFA

    How to Apply:

    Prepare all the required documents and apply on the Business Grants portal at https://www.businessgrants.gov.sg/

    https://www.sfa.gov.sg/recognition-programmes-grants/grants/agri-food-cluster-transformation-act-fund

  • The Experience Step-Up Fund (ESF), administered by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), supports tourism businesses in enhancing and creating new visitor experiences. The grant encourages the development of innovative attractions, tours, and experiences that improve Singapore’s tourism appeal.

    Funding Support:

    Grants will be disbursed to grantees on a reimbursement basis, subject to verification of qualifying costs and achievement of the agreed project deliverables and milestones.

    Eligibility:

    Any business or associations - Foreign entities are encouraged to partner with local entities in the form of a Joint Venture or a consortium

    Requirements:

    Projects that have commenced prior to Singapore Tourism Board (STB)’s offer may not be eligible for grant support

    How to Apply:

    Prepare all the required documents and apply on the Business Grants portal at https://www.businessgrants.gov.sg/

    https://www.stb.gov.sg/licensing-support/grants/experience-step-up-fund

  • The Business Improvement Fund (BIF), administered by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), helps tourism businesses boost productivity and competitiveness by supporting technology innovation and adoption, business model and process enhancements, and sustainability initiatives across the tourism industries. The grant encourages businesses to improve their competitiveness and operational efficiency through digital transformation and process improvements.

    Funding Support:

    The grantee will receive funding support for qualifying third-party project-related costs such as consultancy fees, hardware, software, materials and consumables, and travel costs. The costs need to be incurred, invoiced, and paid for during the grant period to qualify for disbursement

    Eligibility:

    Singapore-registered businesses or companies only, particularly tourism businesses

    Requirements:

    Projects that have commenced prior to Singapore Tourism Board (STB)’s offer may not be eligible for grant support

    How to Apply:

    Prepare all the required documents and apply on the Business Grants portal at https://www.businessgrants.gov.sg/

    https://www.stb.gov.sg/licensing-support/grants/business-improvement-fund

  • The Capability Development Grant (CDG) by the National Arts Council (NAC) supports arts organizations and practitioners in enhancing their skills, knowledge, and capabilities to foster a sustainable and vibrant arts sector in Singapore.

    Funding Support:

    For profit organizations – up to 50% of the qualifying expense, capped at SGD 75,00 per year

    Eligibility:

    The grant is open to individuals and organisations and supports professional training activities or skills development programmes that span a duration of no more than 12 consecutive months

    How to Apply:

    Apply at https://oursggrants.gov.sg/grants/cd/instruction

    https://www.nac.gov.sg/support/funding-and-schemes/capability-development-grant/overview

 

Conclusion

Securing the right grant can make all the difference for a growing startup—whether it’s fueling product development, expanding into new markets, or hiring vital talent. As you’ve seen, Singapore’s robust funding ecosystem, bolstered by forward-thinking government initiatives, offers a wealth of possibilities. By aligning your business strategy with the eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application processes for these grants, you can tap into essential resources that not only mitigate financial risk but also set the stage for scalable success. Take the time to research and select the funding option that best matches your vision. With diligent preparation and a clear roadmap, you’ll be well on your way to thriving within Singapore’s dynamic, innovation-driven landscape.

 
Saagarika Shyamnur