Good Design Research & Development (GDRD) at a glance
Agency
DesignSingapore Council
Programme
Good Design Research & Development (GDRD)
Support type
Co-funding
Current status
Open
Funding
Up to 50% of qualifying project costs.
Cap / maximum support
Design Research: up to S$50,000; Design Development: up to S$450,000; combined Design Research + Development: up to S$500,000.
What does the scheme support?
Design Research covers user and stakeholder research, opportunity identification and concept testing leading to a validated proof of concept. Design Development covers prototyping, pilot deployment, testing, small-scale production, market validation and commercialisation. A combined pathway can cover the full innovation journey.
This profile should be read as a funding and eligibility guide rather than a substitute for the agency's final assessment. The approved scope, support level and claim treatment remain subject to the governing programme terms and the applicant's specific project.
Who can apply?
The applicant must be incorporated in Singapore for at least three years, have access to design capabilities in-house or through external design professionals, and be able to complete the proposed project. Both design and non-design organisations can apply. Design Development applications should evidence prior design research.
How much support is available?
Up to 50% of qualifying project costs.
Design Research: up to S$50,000; Design Development: up to S$450,000; combined Design Research + Development: up to S$500,000.
What costs can qualify?
Materials, third-party costs, specialised equipment and software, and eligible internal manpower costs subject to programme caps.
Key conditions
Qualifying costs must fall within the approved project period. Research projects may run up to 12 months, Development up to 24 months and combined projects up to 36 months. Claims require the agreed deliverables and external audit evidence.
For any project where timing matters, applicants should avoid making irreversible commitments before confirming the programme's pre-start requirements. Where the scheme is discretionary or delivered through an appointed partner, the agency or programme partner retains the final decision on eligibility and quantum.
How and when should you apply?
Applications are accepted through DesignSingapore Council. The current programme page provides a live application route and was updated in 2026.
Is this scheme relevant to your project?
A strong fit is: An organisation with a clearly framed user or market problem, access to design capability and a genuine path from insight through validation toward launch.
A weak fit is: Routine product refreshes, ordinary consulting engagements or projects without a design-led research and validation process.
How Reeve | R&D supports the scheme
Reeve | R&D can manage the incentive workstream from initial eligibility assessment through project structuring, funding modelling, application preparation, evidence planning, agency interaction and post-award coordination, while the company or eligible applicant remains the formal applicant where required.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current status?
The current verified status is Open as of 7 October 2026. Where the programme is periodic or appointment-led, this does not necessarily mean that a general application window is continuously open.
How much support is available?
Up to 50% of qualifying project costs. Design Research: up to S$50,000; Design Development: up to S$450,000; combined Design Research + Development: up to S$500,000.
What is the most important eligibility point?
The applicant must be incorporated in Singapore for at least three years, have access to design capabilities in-house or through external design professionals, and be able to complete the proposed project. Both design and non-design organisations can apply. Design Development applications should evidence prior design research.
What should be checked before committing to the project?
The applicant should confirm the live programme terms, pre-start rules, eligible cost categories and any partner, provider, appointment or milestone requirements before signing contracts or incurring supported costs.
Official programme sources
designsingapore.org (opens in a new tab)Last verified: 2026-10-01