Decarbonisation Research for Industry, Ventures, and Enterprise (DRIVE)

What does it support?

DRIVE starts with a company’s decarbonisation research challenge. Relevant work can address carbon capture and utilisation, hydrogen, biomass and other low-carbon alternatives, solar technologies, or emerging decarbonisation approaches.

Who can apply?

Multinational companies, startups and decarbonisation technology providers can participate. An existing Singapore presence is not essential, but the research and in-kind contributions must take place in Singapore. A Singapore public research institution must join the application.

How does the support work?

The public research partner receives grant funding covering up to 75% of qualifying project costs. The company provides the balance in cash, in kind, or both. No project-level funding cap is published. The inaugural allocation is S$25 million within a broader industry-led research set-aside of up to S$100 million.

What expenditure can qualify?

The research performer’s approved budget can cover manpower, equipment, consumables and other accepted R&D costs. Company cash and in-kind contributions should be distinguished from the grant paid to the research institution.

Key conditions

The company defines the challenge and develops a joint proposal with its research partner. Projects with company co-funding above 25%, including at least 5% cash, receive more favourable evaluation. The recommended duration is no more than 36 months.

Timing and application process

Applications are rolling. Obtain the application package from AEDO’s DRIVE page, then submit the full proposal to [email protected] with the public research institution as joint applicant.

Important programme distinctions

DRIVE is a research collaboration, not a reimbursement grant paid directly to the participating company. The programme allocation should not be treated as an amount available to an individual project.

Related funding routes

• Resource Efficiency Grant for Emissions (REG(E))
• Research and Innovation Scheme for Companies (RIS(C))