MTC Bioeconomy Funding Initiative: Unlocking New Carbon Sources from Sidestreams

About the Grant 

The MTC Bioeconomy FI aims to strengthen Singapore's global Bioeconomy presence and advance capability to commercial impact for our Energy & Chemicals sector. To deliver on this objective, the grant will support projects that convert regional industrial sidestreams into new, lower-cost carbon sources for bio-based manufacturing.

Key details of the grant call are as follows:

  • Funding up to SGD 6M (inclusive of 30% overheads) per project.
  • Funding up to 3 years per project.
  • Not intended to fund large CapEx projects.
  • Expected Technology Readiness Level of 5 or above upon project completion.
  • Institutional quota applies: A*STAR, NUS, NTU and SIT may each submit up to 4 proposals, while other public research institutions may each submit up to 2 proposals.

Please refer to the Proposal Brief for more information. 

Eligibility Criteria

The Lead PI should:

  • Lead a laboratory or research programme in a Singapore publicly funded research organisation or Institute of Higher Learning (IHL);
  • Have an exemplary track record of leadership ability in coordinating research programmes, mentoring research teams, and achieving highly productive research outcomes;
  • Have a strong track record of translational outcomes, either through entrepreneurship activities and/or industry engagement.

Co-I(s) and Team PI(s) must hold an appointment in a Singapore publicly funded research organisation or IHL.

Funding will only be awarded to Singapore public sector research performers. Overseas institutions, industry partners, companies, or other external collaborators may participate as Collaborator(s), but will not receive grant funding.

Grant Call Timeline

Event Date
Grant call opens 26 October 2026
Submission deadline 4 January 2027, 12pm (SGT)
Technical review and shortlisting January - March 2027
In person-pitching (if applicable) Week of 8 March 2027 (notification by 26 February 2027)
Announcement of results Target April 2027
Project Commencement Target June 2027

Application Procedure

Proposals must be submitted with the appropriate endorsement by the respective Host Institution's Director of Research or equivalent. The Host Institution's Office of Research (ORE) is responsible for submitting the final list of eligible proposals to the Bioeconomy mailbox (Bioeconomy@a-star.edu.sg) by 4 January 2027, Monday, 12pm (Singapore Standard Time).

Application Materials

For Enquiries

Please contact the MTC Bioeconomy IO at Bioeconomy@a-star.edu.sg.