Quick check

Find programmes you qualify for.

Four questions, ten seconds. We'll highlight programmes likely to fit your stage and situation.

My role at NUS
My current IP status
Where am I in commercialisation?
Do I have an industry partner involved?
Process

Four steps, every programme.

Eligibility check

Confirm your IP status, role, and that the programme fits your stage. Your domain TTO can pre-screen if unsure.

Submit proposal

2–5 page proposal describing the technology, commercial thesis, work plan, and budget. Templates provided.

Review & interview

Programme committee reviews. Shortlisted applicants present briefly. Decisions communicated within stated review window.

Past awardees

What previous awardees built.

A small selection of NUS research projects funded through these programmes that went on to license, spinout, or commercial pilot. All awardees →

[Programme 1] 2023

[Project name] from NUS [Faculty]

NUS [Faculty]

Short summary of what the project funded, what milestone the funding helped reach, and what came next (spinout, license, etc.).

[Programme 2] 2022

[Project name] from NUS [Faculty]

NUS [Faculty]

Short summary of what the project funded, what milestone the funding helped reach, and what came next.

[Programme 3] 2024

[Project name] from NUS [Faculty]

NUS [Faculty]

Short summary of what the project funded, what milestone the funding helped reach, and what came next.

[CONFIRM all awardee examples with TTI team]

FAQ
  1. [1] Can I apply to more than one programme at the same time?

    Generally yes, if eligibility differs. Many researchers apply to a stage-appropriate programme and an industry-matched programme in parallel. Each programme has its own committee.

  2. [2] Do I need to have filed a patent already?

    It depends on the programme. Earliest-stage funding may not require a filed patent — a disclosure is enough. Later-stage programmes (gap funding, pre-spinout) typically require patent filing or a clear path to it.

  3. [3] Who owns IP generated during a funded project?

    Standard NUS IP policy applies. NUS holds title; revenue sharing per the policy in force at the time of the disclosure. Industry-matched programmes have specific IP carve-outs negotiated with the industry partner.

  4. [4] What can I spend the award on?

    Materials, equipment, hired research staff, prototyping costs, IP filing fees, market validation work. Detailed allowable-cost lists are in each programme's terms. Founder salaries are not typically covered.

  5. [5] What happens if my project doesn't meet milestones?

    Programmes have stage-gate reviews. Missing a milestone triggers a discussion with the programme manager — sometimes the project pivots, sometimes funding pauses or returns. Outright revocation is rare but possible.

  6. [6] Can I apply if I'm not the PI?

    Most programmes require an NUS PI as principal applicant. Postdocs, PhDs, and research staff can be co-applicants and lead the work — but the PI remains the formal applicant for accountability.