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Grant Guide
Research and Innovation Scheme for Companies
RIS(C)
Supports companies building R&D and innovation capabilities in Singapore through new or improved products, services, applications or processes.
Quick Facts
Key information about this grant, including agency, support level, funding cap, supported costs and application window.
AGENCY
Singapore Economic Development Board
SUPPORTED COSTS
May support qualifying local manpower, foreign manpower and equipment directly involved in approved R&D or innovation projects.
SUPPORT LEVEL
Up to 60% for local manpower; up to 30% for foreign manpower and equipment.
APPLICATION WINDOW
No fixed application closing date.
FUNDING CAP
Funding quantum varies by project. Cost-category caps and milestone commitments may apply.
LAST REVIEWED
August 11, 2026
What This Grant Supports
May support qualifying local manpower, foreign manpower and equipment directly involved in approved R&D or innovation projects.
Who This Grant May Suit
Companies registered and operating in Singapore that plan to build or expand substantive R&D and innovation activities in Singapore. RIS(C) may be suitable for companies developing new technology, improved products, software platforms, engineering solutions, innovation teams, applied research capabilities or Singapore-based product development functions. Companies must also be able to demonstrate the financial ability to implement the proposed projects and deliver the milestone conditions.
Typical Project Examples
Typical projects may include Singapore-based R&D centres, product development teams, applied research projects, software or platform innovation, advanced engineering development, new product or process innovation, technical prototyping, commercialisation-oriented R&D and innovation projects, and projects involving new Singapore-based R&D or innovation employees.
These exclude situations such as adoption of available technologies, industry best practices, routine or stylistic modifications, quality control, routine testing, core revenue-generating business and transfer of available capabilities without development work.
Key Eligibility Notes
RIS(C) is intended for companies registered and operating in Singapore that are developing or expanding R&D and innovation capabilities locally. Applicants should be conducting new R&D or innovation projects in Singapore and should be able to demonstrate financial ability to implement the project.
Eligible projects should involve new R&D or innovation activities aimed at developing new or significantly improved products, services, applications or processes. Projects involving simple adoption of available technologies, industry best practices, routine modifications, quality control, routine testing, core revenue-generating business or transfer of existing capabilities without development work are generally not suitable.
EDB assesses the novelty of the proposed solution, capabilities to be developed, company track record, financial ability and ability to meet milestone conditions. Milestone conditions may include additional total business expenditure in Singapore, additional R&D and innovation employees in Singapore, and project-specific R&D and innovation headcount commitments.
Grant eligibility depends on the latest programme requirements, company profile, project scope, timing and supporting evidence. RIC assesses grant fit based on the specific project context.
FAQs
What does RIS(C) support?
RIS(C) supports companies that are developing or expanding R&D and innovation capabilities in Singapore. It is intended for new R&D or innovation projects aimed at developing new or significantly improved products, services, applications or processes.
Who is RIS(C) suitable for?
RIS(C) is suitable for companies registered and operating in Singapore that plan to build substantive R&D or innovation activity locally. This may include companies setting up Singapore-based R&D teams, product development functions, innovation teams or technical development projects.
What support rates may apply under RIS(C)?
Qualifying local manpower costs may be supported at up to 60%. Qualifying foreign manpower and equipment costs may be supported at up to 30%. Support applies only to approved qualifying costs incurred during the approved qualifying period.
What milestone conditions may apply?
Milestone conditions may include carrying out approved R&D or innovation projects in Singapore, incurring additional total business expenditure in Singapore, employing additional R&D and innovation employees locally, and deploying a specified number of R&D and innovation employees on the approved project.
Is RIS(C) suitable for ordinary technology adoption?
Usually no. RIS(C) is intended for new R&D or innovation activity. Projects involving simple adoption of available technologies, industry best practices, routine upgrades, quality control, routine testing, core revenue-generating business or transfer of existing capabilities without development work are generally not suitable.
Which employees may qualify for manpower support?
Permanent or contract employees directly involved in the approved project may qualify for support. Part-time involvement may be prorated. Employees in marketing, finance, sales, HR and administrative functions are not supported.
What equipment may qualify for support?
Equipment directly used for the approved project during the qualifying period may qualify. Equipment such as furniture, personal computing devices, renovation or fittings, maintenance costs and used equipment acquired from related companies are not supported.
Is there a stated application deadline or expiry date for RIS(C)?
No stated expiry date has been identified from the available materials. Companies should engage EDB to confirm current availability, application process and prevailing terms before proceeding.
Can costs incurred before approval be claimed?
Companies should be careful about incurring costs before approval and before the qualifying period is confirmed. Only qualifying costs incurred within the approved qualifying period are claimable.
How are claims submitted?
RIS(C) is reimbursement-based. Claims are submitted for qualifying costs incurred during the qualifying period. Claim submissions may be subject to minimum claim periods and external audit requirements.
Can a company apply for more than one RIS(C) grant during the same qualifying period?
A company can only enjoy one RIS(C) grant during the qualifying period and cannot apply for an upgrade in package once the grant is awarded.
How can RIC help assess RIS(C) fit?
RIC helps companies assess whether their Singapore R&D or innovation plan is suitable for RIS(C), including project scope, R&D team build-up, qualifying costs, milestone commitments, agency positioning, application materials and claims readiness.
