Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-Up)

What does it support?

T-Up supports R&D and innovation projects delivered with seconded or contracted research and engineering talent from participating institutions. Relevant projects can include new-product development, process innovation, IP development, AI and machine learning, advanced manufacturing, microelectronics, life sciences and materials work.

Who can apply?

The business must be registered or incorporated in Singapore, have at least 30% local equity and be financially able to complete the project. The current Enterprise Singapore eligibility panel also states a group annual turnover threshold of S$100 million or group employment of 200 employees.

The same public page separately states a support rate for LLEs. Larger applicants should therefore confirm their eligibility directly with Enterprise Singapore or A*STAR rather than assuming that the LLE rate overrides the published size test.

How does the support work?

Current guidance provides up to 70% of allowable costs for SMEs/startups and up to 30% for LLEs, subject to eligibility and assessment. Support is capped at S$250,000 per project.

What expenditure can qualify?

Support focuses on qualifying contracted or seconded research and engineering talent costs. Eligible overseas living allowance and airfare can also be supported for approved overseas research projects.

Key conditions

The core programme mechanism is the engagement of approved research or engineering talent to deliver a defined R&D or innovation project. Projects can run for up to two years and should build internal company capability rather than simply outsource routine work.

Timing and application process

T-Up is an ongoing programme without a fixed public closing date. Companies should engage the relevant programme team early enough to match the technical capability and expert profile to the proposed project.

Define the R&D problem, required technical expertise, project outputs and internal capability-transfer objectives, then register interest through the T-Up route and work with the programme partners to identify suitable talent and structure the project.

Is this scheme relevant to your project?

A strong fit is a local company with a clear technical project but a specialist capability gap that can be addressed through embedded research or engineering talent. A weak fit is routine staffing, general consulting or a project with no genuine R&D or innovation content.

How Reeve | R&D supports the scheme

Reeve | R&D can manage the incentive workstream - eligibility assessment, project structuring, funding or tax-benefit modelling, application preparation, agency interaction and post-award requirements - while the company remains the formal applicant where required by the programme.

Frequently asked questions

How much can T-Up support?

Up to 70% for eligible SMEs/startups and up to 30% for LLEs, capped at S$250,000 per project.

How long can a project run?

Up to two years.

Is local ownership required?

Yes. The public eligibility criteria state at least 30% local equity.

Can a large company automatically use the LLE rate?

Do not assume so. The current page also states an SME-size eligibility threshold; larger applicants should confirm eligibility with the programme agency.

Related funding routes

• RIS(C) - for larger Singapore R&D and innovation programmes.
• EDGE Product Development - for eligible product-development expenditure.
• Grant & Incentive Directory - to compare innovation talent and R&D funding routes.
• Grant Management - for incentive strategy and project coordination.

Official programme information: Enterprise Singapore / A*STAR - T-Up