Top 25 Grants for Deep Tech Startups in Asia 2025
In 2025, deep tech startups across Asia stand to benefit from a plethora of funding opportunities. The landscape is robust, with a significant push from both governmental and private sectors. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 25 grants for deep tech startups in Asia in 2025, covering essential details such as funding amounts, focus areas, and application criteria.
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1. National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP) (Singapore)
Description: Incubator managed by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
Funding: $50 million over five years.
Focus: AI, space, smart city, semiconductor technologies.
Goals: Support 300 startups by 2028 and spin off more than 150 companies by 2030.
Program Duration: 12-month program.
2. Startup SG Tech Grant (Singapore)
Description: Supports commercialization of innovative and disruptive technologies.
Funding: Up to S$500,000.
Coverage: Up to 70% of qualifying costs including manpower, equipment, and materials.
Focus: Biotech, cleantech, advanced manufacturing.
Eligibility: Startups developing solutions with high innovation.
3. Startup SG Equity (Singapore)
Description: Government co-invests with private investors in deep tech startups.
Funding Cap: Raised to S$12 million (US$9 million).
Focus: Stimulating private sector investment in globally scalable deep tech companies.
Administered By: Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).
Partnerships: Aims to attract global VC firms to invest alongside the government.
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4. Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) (Singapore)
Description: Supports Singapore-based businesses to upgrade capabilities, innovate, and venture overseas.
Funding Coverage: Up to 70% of qualifying costs for SMEs.
Eligible Costs: Consultancy fees, software/equipment, internal manpower costs.
Focus: Often qualifies under 'Innovation and Productivity' pillar for deep tech projects.
Eligibility: Registered and operating in Singapore with a minimum 30% local shareholding.
5. SGInnovate Investments & Grants (Singapore)
Description: Focuses on AI, biotech, robotics, and quantum computing.
Support: Offers direct equity investments and grant-like support.
Additional Support: Access to mentorship, labs, and corporate partners.
Focus: Promising deep tech startups with unique technological innovation.
Ecosystem: Strong network within Singapore's innovation ecosystem.
6. Startup SG Founder Grant (Singapore)
Description: Helps first-time founders get their ventures off the ground.
Funding: Up to S$50,000 (1:1 matching by founders).
Support: Mentorship from a government-appointed partner.
Eligibility: At least 2 Singapore Citizen/PR founders with minimum 30% equity.
Focus: Original business idea with strong innovation and market potential.
7. ClimAccelerator (Asia/EU)
Description: Grant program focused on climate-related deep tech.
Location: Asia, EU 27.
Status: Open.
Deadline: March 31, 2025.
Budget: Not specified.
8. Pangaea Ventures Impact Fund (Asia focus)
Description: Venture firm focused on hard science startups, opening an office in Japan.
Fund Size: $85 million.
Investment Areas: Materials science, biology, and chemistry-oriented startups.
Location Focus: Deal flow in Japan, particularly in semiconductors.
LP Investors: Several Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese corporate limited partners.
9. Riceberg Ventures Fund (Global, India focused)
Description: Global early-stage venture capital firm focused on DeepTech.
Fund Size: $20 million.
Focus Areas: SpaceTech, AI, cybersecurity, novel energy, semiconductors, quantum computing.
Investment Size: Average ticket size of USD 0.5 million per investment.
Support: Provides hands-on support to startups to achieve product-market fit.
10. Public-Private Grant Initiative (Proposed, India)
Description: Proposed grant initiative for the deep tech community in India.
Focus: Advance cutting-edge technologies with targeted funding.
Management: Grants managed by the government, not venture funds.
Goals: Establish a robust grant structure for the deep tech sector.
Status: Under consideration by the Indian government.
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11. DST and MeiTy (Department of Science & Technology and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) (India)
Description: Government grants for deep tech R&D in areas like AI, robotics, and quantum computing.
Funding: Up to ₹50 crores.
Eligibility: Enterprises registered in India.
Focus: Projects with significant technological innovation and market potential.
12. NSFI (New Science Funding Initiative) (Japan)
Description: Government initiative promoting deep tech in sectors like advanced materials and biotech.
Funding: Up to ¥1 billion.
Focus: High-risk, high-reward technological innovation.
Eligibility: Japan-based startups and research institutions.
13. ETP (Enterprise Technology Program) (South Korea)
Description: Support for technology-driven SMEs and startups.
Funding: Up to ₩2 billion.
Focus: Deep tech areas such as AI, IoT, smart manufacturing.
Eligibility: South Korea-based businesses.
14. Keidanren Innovation Grant (Japan)
Description: Private-sector grant for cutting-edge technology development.
Funding: Up to ¥500 million.
Eligibility: Companies registered in Japan.
Focus Areas: Next-gen manufacturing, AI, robotics.
15. TDB (Technology Development Board) Seed Fund (India)
Description: Fund supporting early-stage deep tech startups.
Funding: Up to ₹2 crores.
Focus: Innovations with high market potential and technological breakthroughs.
Eligibility: India-based entities.
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16. Innovate India (India)
Description: Program focused on fostering innovation in deep tech fields.
Funding: Up to ₹10 crores.
Eligibility: Startups with a significant R&D component, registered in India.
Focus Areas: AI, renewable energy, biomedical engineering.
17. ACAP (Advanced Capabilities Accelerator Program) (Singapore)
Description: Supports projects with advanced technological innovation.
Funding: Up to S$1 million.
Focus: AI, IoT, quantum computing.
Eligibility: Singapore-based companies.
18. KIC (Korea Innovation Center) Grants (South Korea)
Description: Funding for innovative technology development and commercialization.
Funding: Up to ₩1 billion.
Focus: Advanced manufacturing, AI, biotech.
Eligibility: Domestic and international applicants collaborating with South Korean entities.
19. GIA (Global Innovation Alliance) (Singapore)
Description: International co-innovation partnerships.
Funding: Up to S$500,000.
Focus Areas: Robotics, smart cities, agritech.
Eligibility: Collaborative projects involving Singapore and foreign partners.
20. BISEP (Business Innovation Support for Exports Program) (Malaysia)
Description: Helps startups commercialize and export innovative technologies.
Funding: Up to RM1 million.
Focus Areas: Cleantech, AI, smart manufacturing.
Eligibility: Malaysia-based businesses with export potential.
21. NITEC (New Innovation and Technology Enhancement Council) (Hong Kong)
Description: Supports innovative, high-impact R&D projects.
Funding: Up to HK$5 million.
Focus Areas: AI, fintech, biotech.
Eligibility: Registered entities in Hong Kong.
22. DEP Grant (Digital Economy Promotion) (Thailand)
Description: Promotes digital startups with innovative solutions.
Funding: Up to ฿10 million.
Focus Areas: Digital transformation, smart infrastructure, fintech.
Eligibility: Thai-registered startups.
23. MCIT Innovation Fund (Indonesia)
Description: Supports digital and deep tech innovations.
Funding: Up to IDR 10 billion.
Focus Areas: AI, blockchain, smart city solutions.
Eligibility: Indonesia-based companies.
24. APAC Tech Grant (Asia-Pacific focused)
Description: Regional grant supporting advanced technological developments.
Funding: Up to USD 5 million.
Focus Areas: Autonomous systems, space tech, advanced materials.
Eligibility: Startups across the Asia-Pacific region.
25. DeepTech Asia Challenge Fund (Regional)
Description: Competitive fund to support breakthrough deep tech startups.
Funding: Up to USD 2 million.
Focus Areas: Biotech, quantum computing, advanced AI.
Eligibility: Startups from eligible Asia region countries.
Each of these grants exemplifies the vibrant support system for deep tech innovation in Asia, helping startups bridge the gap from research to market-ready solutions. The opportunities abound; it's about finding the right fit for your startup’s vision and technological focus.
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FAQ
Q: What is the National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP) in Singapore?
A: The GRIP is a new incubator program managed by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) starting in January 2025. It offers a $50 million fund over five years to support researchers and entrepreneurs in areas like AI, space, smart city, and semiconductor technologies. Learn more about GRIP.
Q: What does the Startup SG Tech Grant cover?
A: The Startup SG Tech Grant supports the commercialization of innovative and disruptive technologies, offering up to S$500,000 depending on the stage and nature of the technology, and covers up to 70% of qualifying costs including manpower, equipment, and materials. Read more about Startup SG Tech Grant.
Q: How does the Startup SG Equity scheme work?
A: Under the Startup SG Equity scheme, the Singaporean government co-invests with private investors in deep tech startups. The total government equity investment cap has been raised to S$12 million. The scheme is designed to stimulate private sector investment in deep tech companies with global scaling potential. Learn more about Startup SG Equity and EnterpriseSG overview.
Q: What support does the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) offer in Singapore?
A: The EDG supports Singapore-based businesses in upgrading capabilities, innovating, and venturing overseas, covering up to 70% of qualifying costs for SMEs (50% for non-SMEs). Eligible costs include consultancy fees, software/equipment, and internal manpower costs.
Q: What kinds of startups does the SGInnovate Investments & Grants program focus on?
A: SGInnovate Investments & Grants focus on deep tech areas like AI, biotech, robotics, and quantum computing. It offers both direct equity investments and grant-like support, along with access to mentorship, labs, and corporate partners.
Q: What is the ClimAccelerator grant and who is it for?
A: ClimAccelerator is a grant program focused on climate-related deep tech, open to applicants in Asia and the EU. The application deadline is March 31, 2025. Find out more about ClimAccelerator.
Q: What does the Pangaea Ventures Impact Fund focus on in Asia?
A: The Pangaea Ventures Impact Fund is an $85 million venture fund focused on hard science startups in materials science, biology, and chemistry, particularly targeting deal flow in Japan, especially in semiconductors. Learn more about Pangaea Ventures Impact Fund.
Q: Who is eligible for the Startup SG Founder Grant?
A: The Startup SG Founder Grant is for first-time founders, providing up to S$50,000 with 1:1 matching by founders, along with mentorship from a government-appointed partner. Eligibility requires at least two founders who are Singapore Citizens or PRs with a minimum of 30% equity.
Q: What focus areas does the Riceberg Ventures Fund have?
A: The Riceberg Ventures Fund is a $20 million global early-stage venture capital fund with a strong focus on DeepTech sectors including SpaceTech, AI, cybersecurity, novel energy, semiconductors, and quantum computing. Read more about Riceberg Ventures Fund.
Q: What is the proposed Public-Private Grant Initiative in India?
A: The proposed Public-Private Grant Initiative in India aims to establish a robust grant structure for the deep tech sector, similar to DARPA in the USA. The initiative seeks to advance cutting-edge technologies with targeted funding directly managed by the government.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
