What is the duration of the National GRIP programme?
Our programme runs for 12 months. It begins with a 4-month Bootcamp (covering Discovery and Venture Creation in two phases), followed by 8 months of incubator support.
FAQ
FAQ
Innovators Ask Questions
01
About the programme
Do I apply as an individual or as a team?
You can apply either way - as an individual or with a team of up to 4 members.
Are there restrictions on the types of ideas you support?
We aim to support deep-tech based startups with good market and business potential. We're particularly interested in leveraging technologies from Singapore's Autonomous Universities to address unmet market needs. If your idea aligns with these objectives, we'd love to hear from you.
Does National GRIP focus on specific industry verticals?
We're sector-agnostic. We assess your project based on its commercial potential rather than its industry.
What time commitment is required each week?
We expect you to commit enough time to achieve the programme goals during the 4-month venture creation training. Your team must maintain at least 80% attendance in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 Bootcamp. You'll also need to complete critical assignments to progress through our programme structure.
Will I receive a salary for my time commitment?
Unfortunately, no. We don't provide salary for participating in National GRIP.
02
Support Available
What support can I expect from the programme?
We provide hands-on guidance from experienced entrepreneurial mentors and technical experts to help you avoid common deep-tech startup pitfalls. You'll receive guidance on starting and growing investible deep-tech startups, access to MVP Studio Engineers to build your first prototype, and funding support.
Will someone help me with prototype development?
As a technology founder, we expect you to conceptualize the prototype and define its specifications based on market inputs. However, our MVP Studio Engineers are available for additional support, and we have prototyping partners who can help build based on your concept.
Where will I be physically located to work on my idea?
Currently, we don't provide physical workspace due to resource constraints.
Are there preferred vendors for prototyping services?
You're not restricted from working with any vendors who can meet your needs.
Who owns the IP of prototypes developed in the programme?
IP generated through our programme (foreground IP) will be owned by NGRIP. If the foreground IP involves inventive contribution from a third party, it may be co-owned between National GRIP and that third party.
I'm not familiar with market research and business planning. Will I get help?
Yes! Our 4-month venture creation programme provides the necessary knowledge. We'll assign you a Commercial Champion (business mentor) and a Venture Advisor to work alongside you. You'll also have access to our extensive market research database for secondary research.
Will there be support after the programme ends?
Yes, National GRIP has an extensive entrepreneurship support system, including various programmes from NUS and NTU that your startup can benefit from.
What's the equity arrangement if I set up a company under National GRIP?
Our funding is structured as a convertible loan with no valuation cap. It will be converted into equity at a 20% discount during one of your investment rounds where the valuation is set by the lead investor.
What can I use the National GRIP funding for?
The investment funds should support your company's critical development and operation costs to help you reach milestones necessary for securing further funding.
Will you help me find investors or apply for grants?
Yes, we'll help connect you to funding and investment sources, provide advice on grant applications, and assist with investment presentation deck preparation.
03
Eligibility
Can I apply if I don't have a strong technical background?
National GRIP aims to support deep-tech startup formation, which requires relevant skills. Many successful founding teams comprise both technical and business founders.
Can I apply if I already have a team and idea?
Yes, absolutely! Your idea will be evaluated as part of the application process.
Do I apply as an individual or as a team?
Yes, that's possible, but you should remain the main commercialization lead of the project.
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