The National University of Singapore (NUS) has announced a bold new initiative to boost the growth of deep tech start-ups by committing US$150 million through a newly launched venture capital (VC) programme. This effort aims to strengthen the university’s innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential ventures and accelerating their journey from lab to market.
Dual-track investment strategy
Under the NUS Venture Capital Programme, the university will:
- Invest US$50 million into selected venture capital firms, including Granite Asia, a multi-asset investment platform, and 4Bio Capital, a specialist firm focused on advanced therapeutics in life sciences.
- Allocate the remaining US$100 million to an autonomous investment fund that will co-invest in NUS-affiliated start-ups, alongside chosen VC partners.
First-of-its-kind in Asia
Described by NUS as the first initiative of its kind in Asia, the programme seeks to enhance early-stage tech innovation by focusing on promising start-ups emerging from within the university ecosystem — particularly from the National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (Grip).
Launched in January 2025, Grip is a joint incubator programme between NUS and Nanyang Technological University, designed to foster start-ups from Singapore’s autonomous universities and research institutes.
The new VC programme complements the Grip framework by addressing the next stage of venture building. While Grip provides up to US$250,000 in seed funding per start-up, NUS’ VC programme aims to support post-seed growth with strategic funding, mentorship, and market access.
Bridging critical gaps in funding and support
Early-stage funding in 2024 dropped by 5% from 2023, totaling less than US$38 billion globally. This signals a growing need for continued investment and guidance for tech start-ups in the region.
To address this, NUS is partnering with top-tier VC firms not only for their proven track records but also for their access to global innovation networks. The programme offers:
- Capital paired with deep venture-building expertise,
- Structured mentorship,
- Investor feedback and fundraising networks,
- Guidance on market entry and operations.
Official statement
Dr. Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President for Innovation and Enterprise, stated:
“National Grip is a vital first step in helping deep tech start-ups take root. The VC programme builds on that foundation by connecting promising ventures with globally connected investors, creating a more complete pathway to scale and commercial success.”
This initiative is expected to inject new momentum into Singapore’s and the region’s tech innovation scene — positioning universities like NUS as not only centers of academic excellence, but also as key launchpads for real-world technological breakthroughs.
