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National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF)
Parliamentary Replies

Rate of Commercial Viability of RIE funded Deep Tech Projects

4 February 2026

The Government assesses research, innovation, and enterprise funded deep technology projects using measures such as intellectual property licensing, capability building, startup growth, and private investment. Singapore adapts international best practices while supporting commercialisation through licensing, equity returns, and industry partnerships that strengthen the economy.

Date: For Parliament Sitting on 4 February 2026

Title: Rate of Commercial Viability of RIE-funded Deep Tech Projects and Implementing Outcome-linked Grant Funding Models

MPs Speaking: Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat, Mr Gan Kim Yong

QUESTION: Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what proportion of Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) funded deep tech projects achieve commercial viability; (b) whether the Ministry has studied Israel's model where innovation grants are repaid only upon commercialisation success; and (c) whether RIE2030 will introduce similar outcome-linked funding mechanisms.

RESPONSE: Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister): 

Investing in deep tech is a complex endeavour that takes years. There is no single or simple metric of commercial viability that applies. The Government uses a range of indicators for RIE-funded projects such as Intellectual Property (IP) licensing, capability and knowledge building, growing start-ups, and catalysing private sector investment. For example, in RIE2025, of the Corporate Laboratories that support partnerships between public researchers and companies to co-develop technologies for industry, about 80% are expected to generate licensing revenue from jointly-created IP.

Singapore keeps abreast of good practices in deep tech commercialisation from other countries, including Israel. The objectives behind our support schemes and mechanisms for deep tech commercialisation have broad similarities to those of other countries, but the governance and funding structures have been adapted to meet the needs of our RIE ecosystem.

We capture value from RIE through various means, including licensing revenue generated when commercial partners license IP from research institutions, or returns from equity stakes when startups built around these technologies achieve commercial success. In addition, research collaborations with both global and local industry partners help anchor them in Singapore, thereby contributing to a more dynamic and competitive economy.

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