On 5 December, Singapore announced the launch of the Singapore-Horizon Europe Complementary Fund. This new complementary fund will provide financial support and boost participation of researchers based in Singapore in Horizon Europe projects.
This initiative will open new opportunities for Singapore-based research and innovation actors to participate in Horizon Europe’s international cooperation areas. Through a complementary funding mechanism, Singapore will provide financial support to its eligible legal entities participating in collaborative research under pillar II of Horizon Europe, in priority areas for Singapore.
To further encourage participation, the National Research Foundation of Singapore has established National Contact Points to guide and assist local researchers interested in Horizon Europe. Information sessions organised by Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF) are scheduled for January 2026.
This initiative further strengthens EU–Singapore cooperation and supports collaborative research and innovation efforts to address global challenges.
Research and Innovation in Singapore
The initiative is part of the Singapore Government’s pledge to invest $37 billion (EUR 24.5 billion) over five years under the RIE2030 programme to drive research, innovation and enterprise. This 32% increase from the previous cycle aims to accelerate tangible solutions for society through scientific discovery.
Background
International cooperation is a driver of world class research and innovation. The European Union’s Strategy for international cooperation is set out in the Global Approach to Research and Innovation Communication. Horizon Europe, the EU’s framework programme for research and innovation, is one of the main tools to implement this strategy.
Horizon Europe offers opportunities to researchers and innovators from all over the world, albeit with the possibility of restrictions where necessary. Under Pillar I researchers can apply for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowships to come to work in European research groups or for European Research Council grants to establish a research group in Europe. They can be included as partners in research consortia submitting collaborative research proposals under Pillar II, and if they plan to establish a start-up or Small or Medium sized Enterprise in Europe, they can apply for funding from the European Innovation Council under Pillar III.
More information
Complementary funding mechanisms in third countries and territories
