Frequently Asked Questions

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

Selected apprentices will work on these projects in the partner organisation for a period of 3 to 6 months.

SGInnovate actively conducts outreach to both local and overseas Institutes of Higher Learning, particularly targeting universities renowned for their STEM programmes, as well as specialised fields like Cleantech and Quantum, areas that are less common in Singaporean universities but highly sought after by our partner organisations.

With Summation's strong branding, we help you access top-tier talent and encourage them to apply. The competitive stipend attracts strong candidates to sign up, while the co-funding model significantly reduces the financial burden on organisations. As a fully government-funded entity committed to growing Singapore’s deep tech ecosystem, SGInnovate supports organisations through programmes such as Summation to foster innovation and talent development.

A partner organisation should meet all the following criteria:  

• Proof of financial stability and runway of at least twelve (12) months from the time of application with supporting financial statements. Group Revenue cannot exceed S$100M.
• A minimum of five (5) full time employees, and a total number of employees not exceeding 200.  
• Startups should have completed pre-seed/seed stage of fundraising, but have yet to pursue Series B funding. 
• Incorporated for more than a year at the point of application.
• Able to provide experienced and dedicated mentor(s) for guidance.  
• Able to offer technical projects in Deep Tech areas, such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, IoT, Robotics, Quantum, etc.  

The programme duration ranges from 3 to 6 months, with a minimum commitment of three (3) months on a full-time basis. The actual duration may vary depending on the specific role requirements set by the partner organisations and the apprentice's availability.

A combination of full-time and part-time arrangements may be considered to fulfill the minimum full-time equivalent of three months, subject to SGInnovate’s approval.

Organisations can expect candidates who are fresh graduates as well as full-time students currently pursuing a Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD from local or overseas Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL), primarily in STEM-related fields and interested in Deep Tech roles.

No, there is no fee to participate in the programme as a partner organisation.

Organisations are required to pay for all costs (except travel allowances) upfront and will be reimbursed monthly for items that are co-funded under the Summation Programme. The Summation Programme is CPF exempted. Co-funding from SGInnovate will be applicable up to a maximum of 6 months.  

The cost of the Summation Programme is listed in the table below. 

All figures are quoted in Singapore dollars. 

1.  Organisations are required to pay for all costs (except travel allowances) upfront and will be reimbursed on a monthly basis for items that are co-funded under the Summation Programme.

The following items are co-funded under the Summation Programme:   

2. Offers made to successful applicants will only be fulfilled for applicants who have successfully gained approval to enter and work legally in Singapore. Remote working arrangements are currently not available. Special considerations will be made on a case-by-case basis.  

3. Co-funding from SGInnovate will be applicable up to a maximum of 6 months.     

4. The Summation Programme is CPF exempted.   

SGInnovate’s co-funding applies for a maximum of six months. If you wish to continue employing the apprentice beyond this period, your organisation will be responsible for their stipends without co-funding, and the arrangement will no longer be managed by SGInnovate.

Yes, we do. 

All roles require candidates to take assessments,​ which may include:​

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

Both of these scores will be visible to organisations when reviewing candidate applications. 

If the organisation requires candidates to possess specific skillsets, organisations are encouraged to interview and test the candidates for those skillsets when shortlisting them.

The Summation programme is designed specifically for technical projects in the Deep Tech space. While the apprentices may assist with supporting project tasks which might be non technical in nature, the main bulk of their time at the organisation must be spent on core responsibilities which are Deep Tech in nature.

Non Deep Tech roles (e.g. Marketing, Business Development, Operations etc.), are not eligible for Summation. 

Organisations may submit up to three (3) projects and specify the number of talents required for each. A maximum of two (2) talents can be onboarded per project.

There is no fixed limit to the number of projects onboarded. Selection may vary depending on the type, quality, and nature of the submitted projects.

The Summation programme is open all year round, there is no deadline for project submission.

Projects will be published on SGInnovate’s Deep Tech Central (DTC) platform, a one-stop gateway for all things concering the Singapore Deep Tech ecosystem.

Through this platform, organisations can post their project details, including project description, requirements, minimum duration, and the skills needed for the role. Organisations can also provide a brief introduction of the organisation and its activities.  

DTC’s dashboard allows the organisation to shortlist candidates and manage the entire recruitment process.Kindly note that all postings and processes are subject to SGInnovate’s approval.

Mentors play a key role in guiding Talent throughout the programme by offering feedback, support, and professional insights, while also serving as industry role models.

Although there are structured touchpoint e.g.such as mid- and end-programme reviews, mentors have the flexibility to design the mentoring experience and set developmental goals tailored to their mentee’s growth and project needs.

The mentor should: 

• Have at least five (5) years of strong technical experience and two (2) years of mentoring experience 

• Be able to commit to the full programme period and programme requirements such as attending mid-programme reviews 

• Be invested in the Talent’s development through regular check-in’s/ engagements sessions.  

For every project submitted on our Deep Tech Central platform, partner organisations are expected to assign a mentor and come up with a training development plan, outlining the skills to be taught to the apprentice. 
This plan is to be shared with both SGInnovate and the Talent to ensure alignment of programme goals.

SGInnovate will review all submitted projects and shortlist projects based on the type of technology, the exposure and development opportunities offered, and quality of the mentorship provided by the organisation.

Successful projects will be confirmed after a partner agreement is signed between your organisation and SGInnovate.

SGInnovate reserves all rights to select the projects and organisations for the programme. 

Upon signing of the partner agreement between the organisation and SGInnovate, SGInnovate would get in touch with the organisation to understand the selection requirements (including any technical assessment details) and proceed to publicise the project for full-time students, fresh graduates and postgraduates to apply.  

There are 4 stages: 

Stage 1:

SGInnovate will conduct the initial round of screening to shortlist those who meet the basic requirements required for each role specified in the project(s) to ensure that the applications forwarded to partner organisations are both relevant and high-quality.

Stage 2:

Shortlisted applicants will undergo cognitive assessments for all projects, and technical assessments for coding-related projects only. Assessment results will be shared with the organisation to support interview shortlisting.

Stage 3:

Organisations will identify suitable applicants from a curated and relevant talent pool and can reach out directly to schedule interviews or further technical tests.  

Stage 4:

After organisations complete their interviews with applicants, organisations will inform SGInnovate of any finalised applicants. SGInnovate will conduct a final interview with the applicant before an offer is made.  

Applicants may apply and interview for multiple projects. In the event an applicant receives multiple offers, their preferences will be considered during the matching process. SGInnovate's decision is final. 

Yes, organisations may administer their own online assessments to shortlisted candidates. However, SGInnovate does not facilitate the distribution of such assessments; organisation are responsible for managing this independently during the shortlisting process.

When the orgnisation identified and shortlisted a candidate for their project,  they need to inform their Summation Account Manage (AM).

The AM will conduct a follow-up interview to assess the applicant's suitability for the Summation programme.

Candidates who successfully pass both the organisation’s and SGInnovate’s interviews will be extended an offer to come onboard the Summation programme.

No. Once an applicant accepts the organisation’s offer, a 3-way agreement contract between the Talent, SGInnovate, and the organisation must be signed within three (3) working days, prior to the commencement of the apprenticeship.

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

Talent are required to complete feedback forms, training logs, attend planned training workshops and participate in event(s) related to the programme. Organisations should support and encourage them to participate in these activities.  

Organisations will also have to send the Talent to attend a reimbursement briefing prior to the start of the programme to understand the reimbursement process. 

Mentors will need to attend a mentor briefing prior to the start of the programme and complete online feedback forms and/or review sessions during the programme.   

Organisations are expected to pay the monthly award amount and stipend agreed to the Talent. Reimbursement of the award monies paid and/or co-funded amount for travel and living allowance, will be arranged at the end of each month. 

Yes. Organisation may continue to work with the apprentice after the 6 months duration. However, it will be beyond the scope of support of the Summation programme and all costs incurred by the organisation will be at their own expense. 

Yes, SGInnovate will actively monitor the Talent’s progress throughout the programme to check on alignment of agreed mentor plan during project submission.

We also conduct mid- and end-programme check-ins, typically held at the organisation’s office or workspace. These sessions involve chats with founders, CTOs, technical leads, mentors, and the apprentice to review their progress and well-being, ensuring that they are well supported and on track to achieve their learning goals for the apprenticeship.