In the Budget Announcement delivered on 20 February 2017, Minister for Finance, Mr Heng Swee Keat, announced three key A*STAR initiatives that will support firms in their broader efforts to tap on innovation and technology:

Enhanced Operation and Technology Road-mapping (OTR): A*STAR currently works with firms to conduct operation and technology road-mapping, to identify how technology can help them innovate and compete. A*STAR will expand its efforts to support 400 companies in the next four years.

Enhanced Headstart Programme: A*STAR’s Headstart programme allows small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that co-develop IP with A*STAR to enjoy royalty-free and exclusive licenses for specific period of time. This period has been extended from 18 months to 36 months with immediate effect.

Tech Access Initiative : A*STAR’s new Tech Access initiative will support companies in the use of advanced machine tools for prototyping and testing, which may require costly specialised equipment. A*STAR will provide access to such equipment, user training and advice under this Initiative.

• Straits Times: Gearing up for access to advanced tech
• Straits Times: Small firms to benefit from longer headstart
• Business Times: Over S$80m set aside to help SMEs go digital
• TODAY: S$80m war chest to help SMEs tap digital revolution
• Lianhe Zaobao: A*STAR will help 400 companies to strengthen technological capability in the next 4 years