Decarbonisation Research for Industry, Ventures, and Enterprise (DRIVE)
Collaborate with Singapore's leading research institutions to develop low-carbon solutions that can decarbonise Singapore's industry and power sectors.
Last updated on 28 October 2026
What is DRIVE?
Industry-led research for real-world impact
Decarbonisation Research for Industry, Ventures, and Enterprise (DRIVE) is an R&D co-funding scheme that enables companies to develop low-carbon technologies that can address industry-specific decarbonisation challenges by collaborating with Singapore’s public research institutions.
Under DRIVE, companies can take the lead in defining the decarbonisation challenges they want solved. They can tap on Singapore’s deep research capabilities to co-develop solutions, with DRIVE co-sharing the R&D investment to take promising ideas further.
DRIVE co-funding will be directed to the applicant’s public research partner, at up to 75% of total qualifying project costs.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome companies with bold ideas for decarbonisation.
DRIVE is open all-year-round with applications evaluated on a rolling basis. We welcome all companies* to partner with Singapore’s public research institutions:
Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
Start-ups
Decarbonisation technology solution providers
Companies with research ideas that can address Singapore’s decarbonisation challenge statements are welcome to submit their bold proposals.
To be eligible for DRIVE, companies must submit the proposal demonstrating:
The R&D collaboration with a local research institution
The company's commitment to the project through co-funding (cash and/or in-kind)
Projects with more than 25% of company co-funding, with at least 5% cash contribution, will be evaluated more favourably. For instance, an R&D project with total cost of $1 million would receive $0.75 million co-funding from the Singapore Government, with the remaining $0.25 million funded by the company.
*Companies do not need an existing presence in Singapore to apply, but research activities and in-kind contributions must be conducted in Singapore.
Why Apply for DRIVE?
Advance low-carbon technologies that directly address industry needs
With companies designing the research project, research outcomes are geared towards industry application.
Up to 75% government co-funding all-year-round
DRIVE is open throughout the year with applications evaluated on a rolling basis. Accelerate your technology development with DRIVE co-sharing the R&D investment to the public research partners.
Access a world class research ecosystem
Collaborate with top local research institutions and tap into Singapore’s strong capabilities in carbon and clean energy research.
Explore Singapore's Decarbonisation Ecosystem
What is Supported?
Part of Singapore's Decarbonisation Grand Challenge (DGC), DRIVE supports the research and development of decarbonisation technologies in the following DGC focus areas:
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Carbon Capture and Utilisation
Improving capture efficiency and reducing capture costs, and on advancing technically feasible and cost-competitive CO₂-derived chemicals.
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Low-Carbon Hydrogen and Its Derivatives
Addressing the technical and deployment challenges associated with landing and using hydrogen and its carriers in Singapore.
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Other Low-Carbon Alternatives Such as Biomass
Building optionality for power sector decarbonisation through biomass ash treatment and utilisation.
Other Novel and Emerging Decarbonisation Technologies
Advancing high-temperature industrial heat electrification, step-change improvements in industrial energy efficiency, and novel technologies to decarbonise hard-to-abate industrial processes.
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Solar Energy Technologies
Increasing surface area available for solar deployment and the energy yield per unit area.
Companies with research ideas that address the challenge statements in the DGC focus areas and offer novel technologies or step-change improvements to existing technologies in terms of decarbonisation outcomes, efficiency, or cost-effectiveness, are encouraged to apply.
Proposed projects should also consider Singapore-specific parameters relevant to developing the decarbonisation solution here.
Application Process Overview
DRIVE applications are open throughout the year. Companies that meet the eligibility requirements can apply under the relevant research focus area, following the step-by-step application process outlined below:
Project scoping
to define the problem statements and research objectives.
Initial discussion
on Intellectual Property arrangements and contributions from all parties involved.
Development and submission of the Full Proposal
using the relevant application package.
Issuance of In-principle Approval (IPA)
by AEDO for successful applications.
Submission of Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA)
within three months from IPA issuance.
Issuance of Letter of Award
by AEDO after signed RCA has been received.
The Full Proposal is to be submitted by the company to AEDO via this email, with the public research partner as a joint applicant. More details on the application process can be found in the application packages below. Please note that the application process and criteria differ based on the focus areas.
Application Package
For Carbon Capture and Utilisation and Other Novel and Emerging Decarbonisation Technologies, please download Application Package (Industry).
For Low-Carbon Hydrogen and Its Derivatives, Other Low-Carbon Alternatives Such as Biomass, and Solar Energy Technologies, please download Application Package (Power).
Application Package (Industry)
Applicants shall complete all documents labelled “1”, except for Forms 1d and 1e, where only the applicable form needs to be completed based on the project’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL).
Application Package for DRIVE applications in Carbon Capture and Utilisation and Other Novel and Emerging Decarbonisation Technologies
Application Package (Power)
Applicants shall complete all documents labelled “1”, except for Forms 1d and 1e, where only the applicable form needs to be completed based on the project’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL).
Application Package for DRIVE applications in Low-Carbon Hydrogen and its Derivatives, Solar Energy Technologies, and Other Low-Carbon Alternatives Such as Biomass
Assessment Criteria
DRIVE projects will be primarily assessed on:
Alignment to Singapore's decarbonisation priorities and focus areas above;
Technology development and commercialisation pathway in Singapore; and
Applicants’ suitability to deliver the project through to completion.
It is recommended for the duration of projects to not exceed 36 months.
FAQs
How Is DRIVE Different from Past Funding Programmes?
DRIVE requires companies to actively lead and shape the research direction alongside their chosen research partner.
This ensures research projects are more grounded in industry needs and real-world applicability. To reinforce this, DRIVE mandates a minimum co-funding commitment, including a cash component.
Thematic grant calls will continue to be launched, and DRIVE works alongside these to broaden and deepen industry participation in Singapore's decarbonisation R&D ecosystem.
Would the Grant Funding Be Directed to Company or Research Institution?
Grant funding will be directed to public research institutions. This is in view that the project expenditure will comprise the costs of manpower, equipment, consumables incurred by the researcher from the research institution. The scheme will support the costs of the research project to the public research performers.
Companies are encouraged to contribute actively to steer the research direction, as stipulated in the project proposal, to ensure that the R&D outcomes directly address the company’s challenges and pain points.
Unsure which focus area your project falls under?
If your proposed project meets DRIVE's eligibility requirements, but you are unsure which research focus area is most appropriate, you may submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). AEDO will review your submission and provide guidance on the most suitable focus area and next steps for application.