SGInnovate Deep Tech Programs2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
Singapore government-owned deep tech investor and ecosystem builder. Invests in early-stage startups in AI, quantum, biotech and climate, and co-funds up to 70% of talent stipends.
- Varies
- Funding
- Varies
- Equity
- No fixed program length
- Program length
- Rolling
- Applications
About SGInnovate Deep Tech Programs
SGInnovate is a private limited company wholly owned by the Singapore government. Its job is to grow Singapore's deep tech startup ecosystem. It replaces Entrepreneur First on this list because EF closed its Singapore program in November 2022 as part of a global restructuring.
SGInnovate is not a cohort accelerator. It works through three areas: investing in early-stage deep tech startups, developing deep tech talent, and building the community. On investment, it backs scalable companies with proven technology that address gaps in Singapore's deep tech landscape.
It then helps them reach corporate partners and follow-on investors.0. One example is Horizon Quantum Computing, Singapore's first quantum computing startup, where SGInnovate led the seed and seed plus rounds.
On talent, it runs Summation, which places students and graduates in deep tech startups for 3 to 6 months, as well as apprenticeships and the PowerX program for working professionals. Partner organizations can receive up to 70% co-funding of trainee stipends. It also runs Deep Tech Central, a job marketplace and learning hub.
SGInnovate reports a community of 190,000+ people and 2,000+ industry partners. Its base is 32 Carpenter Street.
What SGInnovate Deep Tech Programs looks for
SGInnovate looks for startups that apply emerging technology to global problems and fill gaps in Singapore's deep tech landscape. It focuses on scalable companies with proven technology and market traction, often spun out of research. Priority areas include AI, quantum, biotech and medtech, cleantech, autonomous mobility and advanced manufacturing. A Singapore base or clear plan to build there matters, as does a team that can hire local technical talent.
How the SGInnovate Deep Tech Programs program works
SGInnovate's founder support has two parts. The first is venture investment. Startups are evaluated on an ongoing basis rather than in batches, and SGInnovate can lead or join early rounds.
After investing, the team works on development, introducing founders to corporate partners and experts to improve business results and readiness for follow-on funding. The second is talent. Startups can join the Summation program to host students and graduates for 3 to 6 month projects, take on apprentices in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, robotics and quantum, and hire through Deep Tech Central.
Partner organizations can receive up to 70% co-funding for trainee stipends. Community events, such as workshops and its APAC Summit, run through the year.
How to apply to SGInnovate Deep Tech Programs
- 1Read SGInnovate's investment focus on the Our Approach page to confirm your startup is deep tech built on research or IP.
- 2Prepare evidence of proven technology and early market traction, which SGInnovate cites as its investment focus.
- 3Contact the investments team through the Startup Growth and Funding page or the Contact Us form.
- 4Register on Deep Tech Central to post projects and roles and join talent programmes.
- 5Apply as a host partner for Summation or apprenticeships to receive stipend co-funding.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Notable SGInnovate Deep Tech Programs alumni
Companies that went through or were backed by SGInnovate Deep Tech Programs.
SGInnovate Deep Tech Programs vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGInnovate Deep Tech Programs | Varies | Varies | Singapore | Rolling admissions |
| Antler | Up to $500K | Varies | 30 locations including New York, San Francisco, Austin, London, Singapore, Sydney | Rolling admissions |
| Iterative | Up to $500K | ~10 to 15% | Singapore | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Antler Singapore | Up to $400K | 10% | Singapore | Rolling admissions |
| Founders Factory | Varies | Not published | London, plus Perth, Singapore, Milan, Chicago | Rolling admissions |
| Wayra (Telefónica) | Up to $5.8M | Minority stake | Madrid | Rolling admissions |
SGInnovate Deep Tech Programs FAQ
When is the SGInnovate Deep Tech Programs application deadline?+
SGInnovate Deep Tech Programs reviews applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time.
Why is SGInnovate listed instead of Entrepreneur First Singapore?+
Entrepreneur First closed its Singapore and Toronto programs in November 2022 as part of a global restructuring, according to DealStreetAsia. SGInnovate is a Singapore government-owned organization that still invests in and supports early-stage deep tech founders in Singapore, so it is the closest active option for that audience.
Does SGInnovate run a cohort accelerator?+
No. SGInnovate invests in deep tech startups on a rolling basis and supports them through corporate introductions, talent programs and community events. There is no fixed batch, demo day or standard cheque size. Investment size and equity are negotiated per deal.
What talent support does SGInnovate offer startups?+
Startups can host students and graduates through the Summation program for 3 to 6 month projects, take on apprentices in fields like AI, cybersecurity, robotics and quantum, and hire through the Deep Tech Central job marketplace. Partner organizations can receive up to 70% co-funding for trainee stipends.
Which companies has SGInnovate backed?+
SGInnovate led the seed and seed plus rounds of Horizon Quantum Computing, Singapore's first quantum computing startup, and has backed digital health company Biofourmis. Its portfolio covers AI, biotech and medtech, cleantech, quantum computing and Industry 4.0, and includes several companies that have since been acquired.
Sources: sginnovate.com, sginnovate.com, sginnovate.com, sginnovate.com, sginnovate.com, dealstreetasia.com