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National Research Foundation

Research Translation Grant

Technology Translation Projects

Introduction

Research Translation Grant (RTG) is a grant administered by the National Research Foundation (NRF). Under this scheme, both the GAP@RTG and Venture Builder@RTG (VB@RTG) support research translation projects that aim to de-risk early-stage technologies developed by public research performers to a stage which is attractive to investors or companies.

GAP@RTG

GAP@RTG supports bottom-up proposals from public research performers to advance and de-risk promising technologies to the point of commercial interest. The modality maintains broad-based support for research translation across all sectors.

VB@RTG

The key difference between VB@RTG and GAP@RTG is that VB@RTG proposals are jointly developed by public research performers and eligible VB@RTG partners.

Under this modality, research teams work with eligible VB@RTG partners who will provide commercial expertise and mentorship to support de-risking of technologies and validation of their commercial potential. The shared objective is to build a pathway towards an investible spin-off. Where agreed technical and commercial milestones are achieved, the VB@RTG partner may invest in the spin-off to support its continued development and growth. RTG funding supports technology development within public research institutions, while private capital supports the subsequent growth of the business.

Eligibility

Call for Proposal

Call for Submission of Proposals on Research Grant Portal (RGP)

GAP@RTG and VB@RTG application must be submitted via the Research Grant Portal (RGP).

GAP@RTG

GAP@RTG is offered through two grants call each year:

  • 1 April to 30 June, 4:00 PM (SGT)
  • 1 October to 31 December, 4:00 PM (SGT)

VB@RTG

Applications are accepted on a rolling merit basis.

  • Current application cycle: October 2026 to 31 December 2026, 4:00 PM (SGT)
  • Next application cycle: Opens on 1 January 2027

Note: An application will be considered successfully submitted to NRF only after endorsement by the host institution’s Director of Research (DOR). Applications that are not endorsed by 4:00 PM (SGT) on 31 December will be deemed as withdrawn from the Research Grants Portal (RGP).

Application Documents

Applicants are required to upload the following supporting documents when completing their application form in the Research Grant Portal (RGP):

  • Researchers CV;
  • Detailed Technical Description;
  • Project Budget;
  • Pitch Deck; 
  • Letter of Support from Enterprises;
  • Supporting Document from VB (for VB@RTG); and
  • Any supporting documents required for the applicable funding track.

Some of the templates can be downloaded from here.

Evaluation Criteria

The proposal will be evaluated by an Evaluation Panel (EP) based on the following criteria.

Criteria Guiding Question
Commercialisation Potential
Does the technology address a clear unmet need with sizeable addressable market, and possess a viable path to market?
  • Addresses a clear unmet need 
  • Offers a compelling value proposition and competitive advantage over existing or emerging alternatives
  • Has an identifiable and sizeable addressable market 
  • Has a viable commercialisation model and pathway to market 
  • Demonstrates evidence of market demand or validation, including interest from potential customers, industry partners or investors
  • Has the potential to generate significant economic and/or societal impact for Singapore

Technical Innovation

Is the technology differentiated, technically feasible, and sufficiently mature for further translation?
  • Demonstrates a clear degree of technical novelty and differentiation from existing or competing solutions
  • Has a clear and defensible IP position and/or strategy 
  • Has sufficient prior proof-of-concept, prototype or other technical evidence to support feasibility
  • Clearly articulates the current state of development and key technical challenges to be addressed
  • Has a credible technology development roadmap with clear technical milestones
  • Demonstrates potential for scalability and deployment in the intended application

Implementation Strategy

Is there a credible and well-defined plan to execute the project and achieve the intended translational outcomes?
  • Project scope, activities, milestones and deliverables are clearly defined and aligned with the intended outcomes
  • Proposed development approach is appropriate for addressing the identified technical and commercialization gaps
  • Clear plans are in place to validate the technology and/or commercial assumptions during the project
  • Relevant industry partners, collaborators or external expertise are in place or have been identified
  • Resources and budget are appropriate and commensurate with the proposed activities
  • A plan for progression beyond the completion of the project

Team

Does the team have the expertise and capability to execute the project successfully?
  • Project Lead has relevant experience and ability to lead the translational project
  • Team has the relevant scientific and technical expertise to execute the project
  • Appropriate business and commercialisation capabilities are present or have been identified

 Institutional Support

Does the host institution provide adequate support for the project?
  • Are there programmes and infrastructure available at the Host Institution or collaborators to adequately support the project?
  • IEO is actively involved and able to provide meaningful commercialisation guidance
  • Institution demonstrates commitment to supporting the project's translation and subsequent commercialisation

Application Process

Application Process

For Enquires

Please contact your IEO or email NRF at NRF_IE@nrf.gov.sg