Frequently Asked Questions

Summation is one of SGInnovate’s talent programmes that aims to match top global Talent to exciting Deep Tech projects pioneering cutting edge technologies in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI),Biotechnology, Quantum Computing, Robotics, and more.​

Through this programme, you will be presented with opportunities to work on exclusive projects building in-demand specialised Deep Tech competencies.

This provides you with the opportunity to develop and impact leading technologies first-hand and contribute to building an exciting Deep Tech scene in Singapore.

Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and foreigners are all welcome to join our programme.

The applicant should highlight skills and knowledge relevant to the applied project. This could include: ​

• Academic courses taken at institutes of higher learning 

• Certifications from online platforms like Coursera or Udemy 

• Project portfolios (e.g., GitHub repositories, Stack Overflow contributions) 

• Professional experience (e.g., past internships, part-time work, freelance engagements) 

• Recognition from awards and competitions (e.g., hackathons, datathons) 

All international students and overseas students must satisfy the Work Holiday Pass criteria:

• You must be a student or graduate aged 18 to 25 from a university with a strong technical background  

• Your university needs to be recognised by the Singapore government

• For undergraduates: you have been a resident and a full-time student at the university for at least three (3) months before applying for the pass 

• For graduates: you were a resident and a full-time student at the university and have not graduated for more than a year. 

• Please refer here to check your eligibility as it will determine whether you are authorised to work in Singapore 

• If you do not meet the above criteria for a Work Holiday Pass, you must be a postgraduate with a strong technical background 

• Only applicants who have successfully attained a work visa and are able to work physically in Singapore will be considered. Generally, remote working is not allowed under the programme. Special arrangements will only be made on a case-by-case basis. Interested applicants may send in their inquiries to [email protected].  

Yes. If there is a good fit between yourself and the startup, you might be extended a full time return offer. Otherwise, most of our apprentices go on to fulfilling careers in the local innovation eco-system.​​

Example - Full-Time Positions at Startups.

Example - Diverse Career Paths.

All apprentices will receive a Certificate of Completion at our Graduation Ceremony for all apprentices. An e-certificate will also be sent to you via email. ​

SGInnovate will not be issuing any recommendation letters, but do check with your mentors on whether they are keen on writing one for you. ​

Apply for a Summation project via our Deep Tech Central website.

Complete your full profile on Deep Tech Central.

Upload your CV and an optional Cover Letter, along with other documents you wish for us to take into consideration when reviewing your application. ​ ​

Whether a startup offers a full-time conversion depends entirely on their decision. A variety of factors can influence this decision.

For example, the company's financials, your performance throughout the apprenticeship, and the suitability of your skill set for their growth needs . While conversion is possible, it is not guaranteed.​​

Summation programme is open all year round, applicants are encouraged to apply at least 3-4 months prior to their intended commencement date.

Summation offers projects in Deep Tech areas, such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, IoT, Robotics, Quantum, Biotechnology and more. You can check out the complete project list here.

No, projects may differ in scope and duration. You can check out the complete project list here.

The minimum commitment period is 4 months, to a maximum of 6 months.

In unique circumstances, such as foreign students on student visas, a combination of full-time and part-time arrangements equivalent to three (3) months full-time stint may be considered (subject to SGInnovate’s approval).  

Any additional arrangements beyond the specified program duration, such as part-time employment, will be coordinated directly between the participants and the organisation. SGInnovate will not be facilitating or intervening in such agreements.

The total package amount varies based on applicant’s education level:  

The system only allows an applicant to edit his/her submission during the draft stage. Once the application form is successfully submitted, edits are no longer allowed.   

Alternatively, applicants can choose to re-submit another application form.

Start dates are flexible and should be agreed upon between the organisation and the Talent prior to signing the agreement. 

Applicants will need to check with their schools on such arrangement. SGInnovate will not be responsible for liaising with the IHLs regarding such arrangements. 

Applicants will be evaluated against the respective criteria of the projects that they have identified in their preference selection.  

Programming-related projects will typically require proficiency in at least one programming language. Apart from technical skills, relevant knowledge and/or experience related to the project will also be considered. You can check out the complete list of projects and the specific eligibility criteria here.

The shortlisting phase comprises of two stages:  

 
 
Stage 1: Technical & Cognitive Assessments 

Applicants will need to take several assessments based on the projects they are shortlisted for. Applicants who select non-coding related projects will not be required to take the technical assessment. 

Stage 2: Interview 

Shortlisted applicants who successfully passed technical assessments will be invited to attend interview sessions with organisations. Organisations will reach out to relevant applicants directly for interview arrangements. The organisation you applied to may administer additional technical assessments during this phase. If the organisation decides to proceed with the applicant, there will be a final round of interview with SGInnovate before any final offers are made.  

We review all complete applications every week, but only shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email. ​ ​

A complete application is one with all necessary documents uploaded and a completed General Reasoning Test and/or HackerRank Test. Delaying your completion of the above tests will affect the time at which your applications are reviewed by SGInnovate. ​ ​

We will contact shortlisted applicants within a month's time. ​​ ​

Applicants can check the progress of their application via the Deep Tech Central platform where they submitted the application.

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. Read​ up on the startup you wish to work with to understand their mission and​ recent projects. ​

Before the interview, all roles require candidates to take online assessments,​ which may include:​

• General Reasoning Test (GRT)
• HackerRank (if applicable) – For positions that require coding knowledge ​

Please check your email regularly for updates or next steps.​​

Successful applicants will sign a 3-way contract between you, SGInnovate and the organisation before starting the programme. Start dates will be agreed upon between the applicant and the organisation prior to the signing of the contract. 

The monthly stipend will be paid out fully by the organisation along with the organisation’s monthly payroll.

Yes. The 3-way contract signed between you, the organisation and SGInnovate will act as a confirmation, securing the spot for the Talent. 

However, offer made to the Talent is still subjected to the talent securing a Work Holiday Pass in Singapore. All Talent are required to provide an in-principle approval (IPA) letter to be guaranteed a spot in the organisation. More information will be shared with the selected applicants.  

Upon successful application of Work Holiday Pass, international applicants will be provided one (1) round-trip air ticket from their city to Singapore.  

Talent will also be provided with a living allowance of SGD$1,500 / month (up to a maximum of six (6) months). Talent are required to source for their own accommodation.  

More details will be sent to the Talent upon notification of their successful application.  

International applicants should apply for the Work Holiday Pass within one week of the offer acceptance or at the earliest possible date allowed by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM), whichever earlier. Note that there will be three (3) weeks of processing time. Please refer to this link for more information on how to apply.  

We will arrange for the Talent to come to Singapore a few days before Summation officially starts. This will give the Talent ample time to open a bank account and get the Work Holiday Pass issued*. The Talent will be able to move into their hostel upon arrival in Singapore, a week before the programme's official start. 

*Note that Talent will not be reimbursed for the issuance of the Work Holiday Pass and it is the responsibility of the applicants to apply and obtain it.  

We recommend Talent to bring at least SGD$1,500. An international student in Singapore spends, on average, about SGD$750 to SGD$2,000 a month on living expenses. This amount will vary depending on the Talent’s lifestyle.  

Here are some of the potential costs that Talent will possibly incur. All Talent are recommended to plan their budget well before coming to Singapore: 

• Opening of bank savings account: depending on the bank of choice, Talent might have to pay an initial deposit of SGD500-1000 

• Work Holiday Pass: one-time cost of SGD175 for issuance of the pass 

Estimated living and transport expenses per month: 

• Meals: SGD300-450 (based on SGD10-15 per day for three (3) meals at a food court) 

• Transport: SGD50-100 (dependent on the mode of transport you take) 

• Personal expenses: SGD100-350 (e.g. clothes, toiletries, miscellaneous expenses) 

More information will be sent to the Talent when they are selected for the programme. 

Talent are required to complete feedback forms, training logs, attend planned training workshops and participate in event(s) related to the programme.  

Talent will receive a certificate of participation upon completion. Any additional arrangements beyond the specified program duration, such as part-time employment, will be coordinated directly between the participants and the organisation. SGInnovate will not be facilitating or intervening in such agreements.

1. Work Authorisation​​

• If you are a foreign intern, you will need a Work Holiday Pass (WHP) or a Training Employment Pass (TEP), depending on your profile and internship duration. Check out the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website for the relevant eligibility requirements.​​

2. Transport​​

• Singapore has an affordable, efficient and convenient public transport system. For more information, refer to the “How do I get around Singapore” FAQ.​​

3. Weather & Dress Code​​

• Singapore is hot and humid year-round. Light, breathable clothing is best for daily wear, but workplaces may require business attire. Bring an umbrella for sudden rain showers!​

4. Food & Lifestyle

• Singapore hosts a wide variety of food options, from hawker centres for affordable local food to a myriad of international cuisines. There are also plenty of recreational activities for all interests, from nature parks to shopping malls.​​​

Public Transport:​​

• You can use an EZ-Link card, NETS FlashPay card, or contactless bank cards to pay for fares.​​​
• Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): The MRT is the fastest and most convenient way to travel across Singapore. The extensive rail network covers most major attractions, business districts, and residential areas. ​​​​
• Buses: Buses complement the MRT system by providing access to areas not directly served by train stations. They are affordable and well-connected, with electronic displays and announcements to help you navigate your route.​​​​

Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles​​​

• Taxis: Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street, booked through apps (e.g.,ComfortDelGro, TransCab, Strides), or found at designated taxi stands. Fares are metered, and surcharges may apply depending on time, location, and booking method.​​​​
• Private Hire Cars: Ride-hailing services like Grab, Gojek, and Ryde offer convenient door-to-door transport. Book a ride through their apps and select your preferred vehicle type and pricing option.​ ​​​​

For real time travel information and route planning, you can use apps like Google Maps and MyTransport, or refer to the travel guides below:​​​

• Lonely Planet - SG Travel Guide​​
• Visit Singapore - SG Travel Tips ​​

If you’re looking for short-term accommodation in Singapore without having to commit to a full-year lease, here are some options:​

• Co-Living Spaces – Fully furnished rooms with flexible lease terms and shared facilities​​
• Student Accommodation – Short-term stays available for students in purpose-built housing​
• These options offer convenience, fully furnished spaces, and acommunity-focused environment. For the best choice, consider your budget, preferred location, and lease flexibility before booking.​

​​​​​For eligible students, please apply for Work Holiday Pass within 1 week of accepting the offer or at the earliest possible date allowed by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM), whichever earlier. (Note that it takes up to 3 weeks to process your application.) ​

​​​​​We will arrange for the Talent to come to Singapore a few days before Summation officially starts. This will give the Talent ample time to open a bank account and get the Work Holiday Pass issued*. ​​

​​​​​*Note that Talent will not be reimbursed for the issuance of the Work Holiday Pass and it is the responsibility of the applicants to apply and obtain it. ​​

​​​​​Alternatively, should you not meet the eligibility criteria for the Work Holiday Pass, please reach out to the Summation team for further guidance on relevant visa options.​ ​

Beyond the stipend and living allowance as detailed below, there will also be a one-off air ticket allowance which will be co-funded by startup (50%) and SGInnovate (50%). This will be paid out to you on a reimbursement basis through the startup, likely in the first month.​

Flight tickets should only be bought only after you receive approval of the budget for the flights from the Summation team. If you do so before budget is approved, you may not be reimbursed for flight expenses.​

The Summation team will reach out on details required once you have received an offer.

Generally, Singapore has a professional and punctual work culture. However, each startup will have their own distinct culture shaped by the founders and the team working there. ​​

To make the most out of your time with the startup, stay respectful and open-minded towards others and be mindful of cultural diversity.​

Dress codes vary by industry, so do check with your mentor before reporting to work.​

There will not be a standardised structured programme for Summation apprentices.​​

Depending on the startup’s needs, you might be given company specific training to familiarise the yourself with the company’s technologies or processes.​​​

Participants are expected to be fully committed to the duration of their apprenticeship, actively engaging in project work and mentorship activities.​

Yes, we do host regular orientation sessions for incoming apprentices.​​​

This bi-annual event serves as both an orientation for new participants and a graduation ceremony for outgoing apprentices.​

It aims to allow apprentices to celebrate achievements, connect with peers, and engage with the broader Summation community. ​​​

Yes, there will be a structured training development plan outlining the expected learning outcomes from the apprenticeship. ​​​​

You will also be required to fill in a training log to document what you have learned and reflect on your progress weekly. ​

Mid-program and/or end-program check-ins will also be conducted, where we will review your performance and overall experience. ​​​

Yes, towards the end of your apprenticeship, you will be invited for a graduation event to celebrate what you have achieved during your apprenticeship and connect with peers within the broader Summation community.​ ​​​​

You can also join a Telegram channel where we will continue to share with alumnis about regular events we host for alumnis.​ ​

All apprenticeships are in-person in Singapore. Participants will work on-site with Deep Tech startups in Singapore.​ ​​​​

Certain components of the selection process, such as interviews might be conducted online. ​

Special arrangements will only be made on a case-by-case basis. Interested applicants may send in their inquiries to [email protected]. 

Yes, there will be an apprentice orientation with fellow apprentices before everyone starts their postings at their respective startups.​ ​​​​

During the duration of your internship, we might host talent engagement events for apprentices to build a strong support network with each other.​ ​

Upon completion participants can stay connected through the Summation Alumni Club. ​ ​

You will be given 3 days to make a decision to accept the offer. ​