Venture Initiation Programme (VIP@SoC)

Have a startup idea? Apply for the Venture Initiation Programme (VIP@SoC) and get up to $10,000 in grant funding to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.

The grant runs for one year and supports small, student-led teams. The main applicant must be a current NUS Computing student throughout the grant period, but team members from other faculties are welcome. We value interdisciplinary collaboration, diverse skills make stronger teams.

Building in tech? If your project involves IoT or hardware, check out Makers@SoC at COM3-01-19, a fully equipped space to turn your ideas into working prototypes.

Eligibility:

• Projects must be led and executed by student applicants (not company-driven initiatives).
• The main applicant must remain a student of NUS Computing during the one-year duration of the grant.

What We Look For:  

• Is your idea unique or something that has been tried before? (Check out the past projects here for reference)
• Is there a competitive or differentiating edge? How is it different from what already exists and how is it better?
• Is there a sizable market and a clearly defined initial target user group for your proposed innovation?
• Have you done sufficient research on the market needs and competition?
• Does the team have the competencies to deliver?
• Are you able to demonstrate some early prototypes? (This would be an advantage!)

The application is now open bit.ly/4luIJg3 until 1 September 2025 (6pm). 

Visit https://enterprise.nus.edu.sg/funding/nus-venture-initiation-programme/ to learn more about the application process, eligibility criteria, and tips for a successful pitch.

Have questions? Visit Frequently Asked Questions for VIP@SoC.

Need a spark? Check out our list of past winners and how they brought their ideas to life.