2nd
in Asia (5th globally) for innovation performance, according to the Global Innovation Index 20251
S$37B
in sustained government investments in research, innovation, and enterprise between 2026 and 20302
220+
incubators and accelerators to boost growth and encourage innovation3
2nd
in Asia (5th globally) for innovation performance, according to the Global Innovation Index 20251
S$37B
in sustained government investments in research, innovation, and enterprise between 2026 and 20302
220+
incubators and accelerators to boost growth and encourage innovation3
Singapore's position as a global innovation hub has been built over decades of long-term policy planning and sustained investment in research and development.
With cumulative R&D investments of over S$60 billion to date, companies can plan and innovate with confidence over the long term. The S$37 billion Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030) plan will further strengthen national research capabilities and support industry-relevant innovation. Singapore was also ranked second in Asia for innovation capability in 2025 Global Innovation Index by the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Singapore’s startup ecosystem is valued at S$377 billion, reflecting strong investor confidence and market maturity. Co-innovation platforms connect research institutes, universities, startups, and corporates to accelerate commercial outcomes. Companies can also tap on four innovation partnership models to scale and de-risk new solutions.
Whether in AI, mobility, or medical technology, Singapore provides a reliable base for innovation and access to high-growth Asian markets.
Global companies seek safe and trusted environments rich in capabilities and talent to grow. Singapore is globally recognised as the World’s Most Competitive Economy(a), ranks second among innovation economies in Asia and Oceania(b), and has the world’s second-best Intellectual Property Rights protection(c), enabling companies to commercialise their investments in R&D and innovation with peace of mind.
Singapore has focused on growing industry-relevant R&D capabilities, and continues to provide strong support to accelerate enterprise innovation.
We have built a vibrant network of world-class research capabilities across multiple scientific domains, supported by a pool of top tier interdisciplinary research talent skilled in translating research into commercial outcomes.
We are a welcoming home for talent, standing first in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, top expat destination in Asia Pacific and second globally on the Economic Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index 2026.
Singapore is at the heart of Southeast Asia, a US$3.2 trillion economy and fifth largest in the world. As an innovation hub, we offer exceptional regional and digital reach.
Within a four-hour flight radius lies Southeast Asia’s 670 million-strong consumer base, while advanced infrastructure—including 22 subsea cables and 50 per cent of the region’s data centre capacity—enables seamless, secure operations.
Proximity to Southeast Asia enables our high-skilled, multilingual talent to have a deep understanding of local needs - supporting more agile market entry and targeted product localisation.
The startup ecosystem Singapore fosters is anchored by more than 4,500 technology startups, over 220 incubators and accelerators, and a dynamic mix of corporates, researchers, and investors. This concentration of activity enables companies to connect, collaborate, and innovate at speed.
Companies here can leverage four proven collaboration models to reduce risk and accelerate commercialisation. These models, refined through decades of public and private cooperation, enable firms to co-develop, test, and scale innovations efficiently.
Explore the approaches below to identify the model best suited to your innovation goals:
Companies can access a strong base of scientific and research capabilities across our Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and public Research Institutes (RIs).
Such corporate-IHL/RI partnerships allow companies to leverage the latest cutting-edge R&D capabilities, technological advancements, and innovations.
Corporates mentor and partner with startups to fill a specific need and access innovative solutions. One way is through open innovation calls or challenges to source for ideas and new tech solutions.
Collaborating with other corporates allows companies to leverage diverse expertise, share resources, and speed up the development of new solutions. In Singapore, the concentration of innovation-ready corporates enables companies to explore co-innovation partnerships.
Global companies choose to base their R&D or innovation mandate in Singapore due to our design and manufacturing capabilities, thriving innovation ecosystem, and business-friendly environment.
Insights into Innovation in Singapore
