Frequently Asked Questions

Summation, SGInnovate’s longest-running talent programme, connects top global talent with compelling Deep Tech projects. Participants delve into niche technical roles in areas such as AI, Biotechnology, Cleantechnology, Quantum Computing, and Robotics.

Under the guidance of technical mentors, participants gain hands-on experience in exclusive projects, cultivating in-demand Deep Tech skills. This immersive approach allows talent to contribute to cutting-edge technologies directly, fostering the growth of Singapore's vibrant Deep Tech landscape.

Your organisation should meet all the following criteria:  

• Proof of financial stability and runway of at least eight (8) to ten (10) months from the time of application with supporting financial statements 

• A minimum of five (5) full time employees, and a total number of employees not exceeding 100  

• Startups should have completed 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 projects in Deep Tech areas only, such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, IoT, Robotics, Quantum, etc.  

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

The role of the mentor is to provide Talent guidance and feedback throughout the programme while acting as an industry role model to provide professional insights.  While there are certain structures in place (e.g mid & end-programme review), mentors have the flexibility to design the mentoring experience and developmental goals for their mentee. 

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.  

Organisations can expect fresh graduates as well as full-time student applicants who are currently pursuing a Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree or PhD from a local or overseas Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL).  

The programme duration ranges from 3 – 6 months with a minimum commitment of three (3) months full-time. Actual duration of programme may vary based on role requirements and Talent’s availability.  

A combination of full-time and part-time arrangement may be considered to help meet the minimum commitment of 3 months full-time combined (subjected to SGInnovate’s approval). 

Any arrangement after the stipulated maximum 6 months duration is beyond the programme scope. Your organisation is free to liaise directly with the Talent. SGInnovate will not be facilitating or intervening in such agreements.

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.  

All figures are quoted in Singapore dollars. 

1  The Summation Programme award will be reimbursed to the organisations on a monthly basis. 

Co-funded Items 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.  

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. 

Organisations may submit a maximum of three (3) projects and indicate the number of talent they would like to have for each project. The maximum number of talent that can be onboarded to each project is two (2).  

Depending on the type and quality of projects submitted, the number of projects selected can vary in each run. Approximately 60 projects were selected in the previous run.  

Upon signing of the partner agreement between your organisation and SGInnovate, SGInnovate would get in touch with you to understand your 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 three stages: 

• Stage 1: SGInnovate will review all applications and shortlist those who meet the basic requirements required for each role specified in the project(s) 

• Stage 2: Shortlisted applicants will go through technical and cognitive (General Reasoning) assessments  

• If your project does not require coding skills, please let SGInnovate know. Applicants who select non-coding projects will not be required to take the technical assessment. 

• Stage 3: Organisations will reach out directly to shortlisted applicants to conduct interviews with them  

• 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. 

Once an applicant accepts your organisation’s offer, an agreement between your organisation, SGInnovate and the Talent must be signed within three (3) working days.  

Due to the current COVID situation, do take note that organisations may face a longer waiting time and greater restrictions to bring in foreign applicants to Singapore to commence their apprenticeship. More information on this agreement will be shared later with the selected organisations. 

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 relevant personnel 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.