Singapore has moved to strengthen its research and innovation collaboration with the European Union, launching the Singapore–Horizon Europe Complementary Fund on 5 December

By providing targeted financial support, the Singapore–Horizon Europe Complementary Fund removes a key barrier to international collaboration and opens new pathways for Singapore’s research community to engage more actively in global research efforts.

The initiative reflects Singapore’s growing emphasis on international partnerships as a driver of scientific excellence and innovation-led growth.

Supporting participation in Horizon Europe

Pillar II focuses on tackling global challenges through international cooperation in areas such as climate change, health, digital technologies, and sustainable industry, many of which align closely with Singapore’s national research priorities.

Through this complementary funding mechanism, Singapore will cover the costs of its local participants involved in successful Horizon Europe collaborative projects. This ensures that Singaporean researchers can participate on equal footing with their European counterparts, while contributing expertise and solutions to shared global challenges.

Singapore–Horizon Europe Complementary Fund is expected to significantly boost Singapore’s participation in Horizon Europe’s international cooperation areas, encouraging deeper scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange between Europe and Southeast Asia.

Guidance and outreach for researchers

To further support local researchers, Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF) has established National Contact Points dedicated to Horizon Europe. These contact points will guide researchers and research organisations through the application process, provide advice on eligibility and funding opportunities, and help identify suitable collaboration pathways.

In addition, the NRF will organise information sessions in January 2026 to raise awareness of Horizon Europe opportunities and explain how the complementary fund can be accessed. These sessions are intended to build confidence among researchers who may be new to EU-funded programmes and to stimulate interest across universities, research institutes and industry.

A commitment to research and innovation

The launch of the complementary fund forms part of Singapore’s wider commitment to strengthening its research and innovation ecosystem. Under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030) programme, the Singapore Government has pledged to invest S$37 billion (approximately EUR 24.5 billion) over five years.

This is a 32% increase compared with the previous funding cycle and shows the country’s ambition to translate scientific discovery into tangible societal and economic benefits. The RIE2030 programme prioritises solutions-driven research, international collaboration and stronger links between academia and industry.

Strengthening EU-Singapore cooperation

International cooperation is a cornerstone of world-class research and innovation. The European Union’s Global Approach to Research and Innovation emphasises openness, reciprocity and strategic partnerships, with Horizon Europe serving as a key implementation tool.

Horizon Europe offers multiple entry points for researchers worldwide. Beyond collaborative projects under Pillar II, opportunities include Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and European Research Council grants under Pillar I, as well as support for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises through the European Innovation Council under Pillar III.

The Singapore–Horizon Europe Complementary Fund shows the strong foundation of EU–Singapore relations and signals a shared commitment to addressing global challenges through collaborative research and innovation.