Brand Transformation for Businesses Growing Across Asia • Up to 50% EDG Support for Eligible Projects. Limited Time Only
For Singapore organisations looking to turn ideas and insights into market-ready solutions, the Good Design Research & Development (GDRD) programme supports eligible design research and development projects.
{ What is the GDRD Grant? }
The Good Design Research & Development (GDRD) programme is an initiative by DesignSingapore Council (Dsg) under the Design 2035 Masterplan. It supports both design and non-design organisations in using design as a strategic capability for innovation and growth.
Through co-funding support, GDRD helps organisations move across the innovation journey, from understanding users and validating opportunities to developing, testing and launching market-ready products, services, systems or experiences.
Support is available for Design Research, Design Development, or an integrated Design Research + Development project, with funding of up to 50% of qualifying project costs.
{ Eligibility }
{ What GDRD supports }
GDRD supports projects across the design innovation journey, from research and validation to development and market launch. The information below is a summary; full programme details are available on the DesignSingapore Council.
Understand users, identify opportunities and validate ideas before investing in development through activities such as:
Outcome: Validated insights and a Proof-of-Concept demonstrating desirability, feasibility and/or viability.
Transform validated concepts into market-ready products, services, systems or experiences through activities such as:
Outcome: Progress towards market adoption through deployment, customer adoption, commercial agreements, sales, licensing or distribution.
Undertake the full innovation journey within one project, from identifying opportunities through to development and market launch through:
Outcome: A validated Proof-of-Concept and a launched product or service.
{ The Comparison }
A quick comparison to help you understand where MRA Grant fits among Singapore’s key business support schemes.
| CATEGORY | GDRD Grant | OTG | EDG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of support | Co-funding grant | Co-funding grant | Cash reimbursement grant |
| Best for | Design research, innovation and development | Heritage business transformation | Business upgrading, innovation and growth |
| Main Benefit | Up to 50% of qualifying project costs | Up to 80% of supportable costs, capped at S$40,000 | Up to 50% of qualifying project costs |
| Administered by | DesignSingapore Council | National Heritage Board | Enterprise Singapore |
| When you benefit | 30% upon acceptance; balance after completion | Initial funding upon acceptance; balance after project completion | After project completion and claims approval |
{ How Creativeans Support }
Creativeans can support GDRD-aligned projects as an external design partner, from research and validation through to design development and project delivery. GDRD allows applicants to access design capabilities through external design professionals and expects projects to involve Singapore-based designers and/or design firms. Creativeans is a Singapore-based brand and design consultancy with interdisciplinary design capabilities.
Defining the design challenge, opportunity and project scope
Planning and conducting user and stakeholder research
Developing, prototyping and validating concepts and POCs
Refining validated concepts towards market-ready solutions
Managing project delivery, deliverables and supporting documentation
Check your organisation’s eligibility and identify the appropriate GDRD project pathway.
01
Define the project scope, timeline, activities, intended outcomes and required project details.
02
Prepare your portfolio of work, latest audited financial statements and other required supporting information.
03
Complete the official GDRD application form and submit the required project documents.
04
Dsg assesses the project’s value, feasibility, potential impact and alignment with programme objectives.
05
If successful, accept the grant and submit the required documents. The initial 30% is generally disbursed at this stage.
06
Deliver the approved project and submit the required reports, supporting documents and external audit report.
07
The remaining grant is disbursed after successful completion and Dsg’s acceptance of audited expenditure and deliverables.
08{ FAQ }
Applications are assessed on the strength of the proposed project, including its value to users and stakeholders, sustainability, feasibility, success measures and ambition, contribution to Singapore’s design sector and ecosystem, and alignment with the Design 2035 Masterplan.
Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding. Approval also depends on project merit, potential impact, the applicant’s ability to deliver the project, programme compliance and availability of funds.
Enterprise Development Grant
For projects that upgrade your business, build innovation capability, or take you into new markets. Funds qualifying third-party consultancy, software, equipment, and internal manpower costs. Up to 50% support for SMEs.
Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation
A tax incentive, not a grant. Lets eligible Singapore companies deduct 200% of qualifying expenses incurred for internationalisation activities, against taxable income. Administered by IRAS and EnterpriseSG.
Co-Founder of Creativeans
International Brand Consultant
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