Top 20 Grants for Deeptech Startups in Asia in 2025

As we enter 2025, the landscape for deeptech startups in Asia continues to grow, with various grants and funding opportunities available to support innovative ventures. These funding avenues aim to propel technology-driven businesses in sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotech, and more. Here is a detailed overview of the Top 20 Grants for Deeptech Startups in Asia for 2025.

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1. National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (Grip) - Singapore

Description: A new incubator program managed by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
Funding: $50 million over five years.
Key Features: A 12-month program supporting startups in AI, space, smart cities, and semiconductors, facilitating connections with venture capitalists.
Eligibility: Locally-based researchers and entrepreneurs.
Data Points: Supports 100 deep tech projects annually, aiming to spin off over 150 companies by 2030.
Learn more about Grip

2. Startup SG Equity Scheme - Singapore

Description: A government scheme that co-invests with private investors in local deep tech startups.
Funding: An additional S$440 million (approx. US$332 million) injected into the scheme.
Key Features: Investment cap raised to S$12 million (US$9 million) per startup.
Eligibility: Innovative Singapore-based startups with global scalability.
Data Points: Aims to support early growth-stage companies from seed to Series B/C.
Discover the Startup SG Equity Scheme

3. Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) - Singapore

Description: A grant to support businesses in upgrading capabilities, innovating, and venturing overseas, particularly in deep tech projects.
Funding: Covers up to 70% of qualifying costs for SMEs, 50% for non-SMEs.
Key Features: Funds consultancy fees, software/equipment, and internal manpower costs.
Eligibility: Registered businesses in Singapore with a minimum 30% local shareholding.
Data Points: Focuses on 'Innovation and Productivity' projects.
Learn more about the EDG

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4. SGInnovate Investments & Grants - Singapore

Description: Focuses on deep tech areas such as AI, biotech, robotics, and quantum computing, providing investments and grant-like support.
Key Features: Offers equity investments, mentorship opportunities, and access to labs.
Eligibility: Startups with unique technological innovations and global scaling potential.
Data Points: Aims to support innovative deep tech ventures.
Explore SGInnovate

5. Startup SG Founder - Singapore

Description: A program under Enterprise Singapore to help first-time founders get ventures off the ground, especially in deep tech.
Funding: Grant amount of up to S$50,000, with a 1:1 matching requirement from founders.
Key Features: Offers mentorship from appointed partners.
Eligibility: First-time entrepreneurs with at least 30% equity held by Singaporean founders.
Data Points: Focuses on original business ideas with innovation.
Discover Startup SG Founder

6. Asian Cultural Council (ACC) Grants

Description: Encourages proposals exploring the intersection of arts, technology, and culture in Asia.
Eligibility: Open to scholars, artists, and professionals with innovative projects.
Key Features: Supports artistic and professional growth through fellowships.
Data Points: Accepting applications in a variety of specified artistic disciplines.
Learn more about ACC Grants

7. Startup Funding Landscape in Asia

Description: Investments in deep tech are surging, especially in China, India, Singapore, and South Korea.
Data Points: Key areas include AI, fintech, and biotech.
Explore the Startup Funding Landscape

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8. Deep Tech Investment Trends

Description: Key trends include innovations addressing global challenges in healthcare and environmental sustainability.
Data Points: Focus on sectors like healthcare, AI, and blockchain in Southeast Asia.
Learn more about Deep Tech Investment Trends

9. Focus on Singapore as a Deep Tech Hub

Description: Singapore emerges as a prominent destination for startup investments, showcasing a robust deep tech ecosystem.
Data Points: Over 500 VC firms, 220+ incubators/accelerators provide ample support.
Discover Singapore’s Deep Tech Ecosystem

10. Stage One Platform - Singapore

Description: A one-stop platform launched in Q1 2025 to connect local and global tech startups.
Key Features: Aims to drive collaboration among startups, corporations, and innovation partners.
Data Points: Offers programs and services for startup growth and international market access.
Learn more about Stage One Platform

11. China's National High-Tech R&D Programme (863 Program)

Description: Supports innovative research and development in advanced technology sectors.
Funding: Amount varies based on project scope and needs.
Key Features: Targets projects in AI, quantum computing, and renewable energy.
Eligibility: Chinese enterprises and research institutions.
Data Points: Annually funds a variety of qualifying deep tech projects.
Discover China’s National High-Tech R&D Programme

12. 2025 India Startup Challenge

Description: Government-led initiative to propel deep tech innovations in India.
Funding: Varies by project and impact.
Key Features: Focused on AI, AR/VR, and smart healthcare innovations.
Eligibility: Startups registered in India with innovative solutions.
Data Points: Aims to foster homegrown innovation and job creation.
Explore India Startup Challenge

13. K-Startup Grand Challenge - South Korea

Description: An annual program aimed at global startups looking to enter the South Korean market.
Funding: Up to $1 million for qualifying startups.
Key Features: Offers business mentorship, training, and access to investors.
Eligibility: Startups from around the globe with innovative solutions.
Data Points: Focuses on the AI, IoT, and biotech sectors.
Learn more about K-Startup Grand Challenge

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14. Japan’s Green Innovation Fund

Description: Established to support startups focusing on green technology and sustainability.
Funding: Variable funding based on project significance.
Key Features: Encourages innovations in energy efficiency and environmental conservation.
Eligibility: Japanese startups and research institutions emphasizing green solutions.
Data Points: Significant investments in sectors contributing to sustainability.
Explore Japan's Green Innovation Fund

15. ASEAN Innovation Fund

Description: A fund promoting regional collaboration in deep tech among ASEAN member countries.
Funding: Typically provides grants of varying amounts based on collaboration scopes.
Key Features: Focus on cross-border projects that address regional challenges.
Eligibility: Startups and projects collaborating across ASEAN nations.
Data Points: Encourages collective progress in deep tech innovations.
Discover ASEAN Innovation Fund

16. DBS Foundation Grant for Deep Tech

Description: Aiming to support startups leveraging technology for social impact.
Funding: Grant amounts vary based on need and project impact.
Key Features: Encourages innovative solutions that address social issues.
Eligibility: Startups with a focus on social entrepreneurship.
Data Points: Funds are often tied to the achievement of social impact metrics.
Explore DBS Foundation Grant

17. NEDO Global Ventures Fund - Japan

Description: A government fund supporting startups with innovative technologies aiming for global markets.
Funding: Up to ¥1 billion (approx. $9 million) available for significant projects.
Key Features: Focuses on AI, robotics, and energy-efficient technologies.
Eligibility: Japanese startups with global ambitions.
Data Points: Aims to elevate Japanese technologies on an international stage.
Discover NEDO Global Ventures Fund

18. Thailand’s Startup Thailand Project

Description: A government initiative to foster a startup ecosystem in Thailand, focusing on technology-driven businesses.
Funding: Grants vary by project scope and potential impact.
Key Features: Encouragement of partnerships between academia and startups.
Eligibility: Startups registered in Thailand.
Data Points: Aims to transform Thailand into a technology hub within ASEAN.
Learn more about Startup Thailand Project

19. Philippines' Start-Up Venture Fund

Description: Encourages local startups to develop deep tech applications in various innovation sectors.
Funding: Provides grants and investments based on project feasibility and innovation quality.
Key Features: Offers mentorship from industry leaders.
Eligibility: Startups that are registered and operational within the Philippines.
Data Points: Promotes job creation and economic growth through technology entrepreneurship.
Discover Philippines' Start-Up Venture Fund

20. Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) Grants

Description: An initiative to boost innovation and entrepreneurship through funding and support in Vietnam.
Funding: Specific grants vary and are project-dependent.
Key Features: Focuses on nurturing startups with high growth potential in technology sectors.
Eligibility: Must be a registered Vietnamese startup.
Data Points: Emphasizes the acquisition of advanced technologies and market access.
Explore Vietnam NIC Grants

Disclaimer: This overview of grants and funding opportunities is based on data available as of January 17, 2025. Always refer to official websites for the most current information regarding eligibility and application processes.

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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 launched in January 2025 to support deep tech startups in AI, space, smart cities, and semiconductors, offering $50 million in funding over five years. Learn more about Grip.

Q: What is the Startup SG Equity Scheme?

A: This is a government scheme in Singapore designed to co-invest with private investors in deep tech startups, increasing its funding pool by S$440 million to support early growth-stage companies. Discover Startup SG Equity Scheme.

Q: What does the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) offer?

A: The EDG provides funding that covers up to 70% of qualifying costs for SMEs and supports Singaporean businesses in upgrading capabilities and innovating, particularly in deep tech projects. Learn more about EDG.

Q: What are SGInnovate Investments & Grants?

A: SGInnovate focuses on direct investments and grant-like support for startups in deep tech sectors such as AI, biotech, and robotics, providing valuable resources like mentorship and lab access. Explore SGInnovate Grants.

Q: How does the Startup SG Founder program work?

A: This Enterprise Singapore program provides grants of up to S$50,000 to first-time founders who are matched 1:1 by their personal investment, along with mentorship and support. Learn more about Startup SG Founder.

Q: What funding opportunities does the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) provide?

A: The ACC offers fellowships that encourage proposals exploring the intersection of arts, technology, and culture for eligible scholars and professionals in Asia and the U.S. Discover ACC Grants.

Q: What is the startup funding landscape in Asia like?

A: Asia's startup ecosystem is rapidly growing, especially in China, India, Singapore, and South Korea, with increasing investments in deep tech sectors such as AI and biotechnology. Learn more about the startup funding landscape.

Q: Trending areas for deep tech investment include?

A: Investment in deep tech trends focuses on fields such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, AI, robotics, and blockchain, aiming to solve global challenges. Discover deep tech investment trends.

Q: Why is Singapore considered a deep tech startup hub?

A: Singapore is a leading investment destination for startups, with a vibrant deep tech ecosystem, favorable business conditions, strong IP protection, and a rich talent pool supported by numerous VC firms and incubators. Learn why Singapore is a deep tech hub.

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.