How to Get Singapore Government Startup Funding: Full 2026 Guide for Singapore Startups
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Singapore has built one of the world's most comprehensive startup funding ecosystems through Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), the Economic Development Board (EDB), and a network of co-investment vehicles. In 2026, founders can stack non-dilutive grants, equity co-investments, and tax incentives to extend runway and de-risk growth. The government's Budget 2026 raised SME grant support to 70% across several schemes and committed an additional S$1 billion to the Startup SG Equity programme.
The key pillars include Startup SG Equity (SSGE), the Startup SG Founder grant, the Startup SG Tech grant, the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), and the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant. Below, we break down the top funding programs, eligibility, instruments, and where to apply.
Top Singapore Government Startup Funding Programs
Startup SG Equity is the government's flagship co-investment scheme, run jointly by Enterprise Singapore and EDB. The government co-invests alongside qualified private investors into Singapore-based deep tech and high-growth startups. Budget 2026 allocated an additional S$1 billion to expand SSGE coverage from early-stage to growth-stage companies.
Startup SG Equity Eligibility:
Singapore-based startups with global market potential, third-party investors must each commit a minimum of SGD $50,000.
Instrument: Equity co-investment.
Investment: Government matches private capital at varying ratios depending on stage and deep tech focus.
Portal: Founders apply via partnered VC firms or accredited co-investment partners (not directly).
The Startup SG Founder scheme provides mentorship and capital to first-time entrepreneurs through a network of Accredited Mentor Partners (AMPs). The scheme co-matches SGD $5 for every SGD $1 raised by the entrepreneur, up to SGD $50,000.
Startup SG Founder Eligibility:
First-time entrepreneurs who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, with a Singapore-registered company.
Instrument: Non-dilutive grant plus mentorship.
Amount: Up to SGD $50,000 (5:1 government-to-founder match).
Portal: Apply through an Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP) listed on the Startup SG website.
Startup SG Tech provides early-stage funding for the commercialisation of proprietary technology. The scheme covers Proof-of-Concept (POC) and Proof-of-Value (POV) grants, with capital matching from third-party investors.
Startup SG Tech Eligibility:
Singapore-incorporated companies with at least 30% local equity, less than SGD 100M turnover or fewer than 200 employees.
Instrument: Non-dilutive grant.
Amount: Up to SGD $250,000 for POC, up to SGD $500,000 for POV. Combined commercialisation funding can reach SGD $800,000.
Portal: Apply via the Business Grants Portal (BGP) at apply.gov.sg.
The Enterprise Development Grant funds capability upgrading, innovation, and overseas expansion. From 1 April 2026, support was raised to 70% of qualifying project costs for SMEs, up from 50%.
Enterprise Development Grant Eligibility:
Singapore-registered businesses with at least 30% local equity, financially ready to start and complete the project.
Instrument: Reimbursement grant covering consultancy fees, software/equipment, and internal manpower.
Amount: Up to 70% of qualifying project costs.
Portal: Apply via the Business Grants Portal (apply.gov.sg) using CorpPass.
The MRA Grant helps Singapore SMEs expand into overseas markets. Enhanced support of 70% of eligible costs took effect from 1 April 2026, with the SGD $100,000 cap per company per new market extended.
Market Readiness Assistance Grant Eligibility:
Singapore SMEs entering a new overseas market for the first time.
Instrument: Reimbursement grant.
Amount: Up to 70% of eligible costs, capped at SGD $100,000 per company per new market.
Portal: Apply via the Business Grants Portal before project activities begin.
The PSG covers pre-approved IT solutions and equipment that improve productivity, including digital tools, e-commerce platforms, and automation hardware.
Productivity Solutions Grant Eligibility:
Singapore-registered SMEs with at least 30% local shareholding.
Instrument: Reimbursement grant.
Amount: Up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at SGD $30,000.
Portal: Apply via the Business Grants Portal.
Eligibility & Access
Most Singapore government startup funding schemes require a Singapore-registered legal entity and at least 30% local shareholding.
Key points
Ownership: 30% Singaporean/PR equity is standard for most grants.
Stages: Startup SG Founder targets pre-seed; Startup SG Tech covers POC to early commercialisation; SSGE covers seed to growth; EDG and MRA support established SMEs.
Sectors: Priority on deep tech (AI, biotech, advanced manufacturing), fintech, climate tech, and sectors aligned with Singapore's RIE2030 plan.
Applications: Most grants run through the Business Grants Portal (apply.gov.sg). SSGE goes through partnered VC firms. Founder grants go through AMPs.
Singapore Startup Funding 2026
The biggest structural change coming is the launch of the EDGE (Enterprise Development and Growth for Enterprises) framework in the second half of 2026, which will consolidate several existing grants. Until then, EDG, PSG, MRA, and the Startup SG suite remain fully accessible.
For missing specifics or sector-specific add-ons, founders should check enterprisesg.gov.sg or their assigned SME Centre. Engaging a TR 43 or SS 680-certified consultant improves approval rates for complex grants like EDG.
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