Piloting New Sector Solutions on iSPRINT Grant

Piloting New Sector Solutions

Overview

ICT vendors and SMEs are encouraged to take the lead in piloting new or emerging solutions that can help to transform the SME sectors. There are many such successful transformations in the larger corporations or in SMEs’ sectors in other countries.

“Emerging Solutions” are technology solutions that have the potential to transform businesses in the form of capacity for new revenue streams (domestic or overseas), new business models or new processes (automation, mechanisation or collaboration within the sector or across sectors). These can include, for example, innovations in sensors, data analytics and robotics.

Depending on the expected sector impact that can be brought about by the solutions, SMEs will be able to receive support of up to 80% capped at $1 million per SME for this solution.

To simplify the application process, this support will be disbursed directly to the vendor. No claims from SME required.

IDA welcomes partners and collaborators to use technology to be the game changer for Singapore SMEs.

Project Eligibility

1. Target beneficiary
   Sector-specific SMEs in Singapore. At least two (2) SMEs must be committed to participate in the pilot project (projects with higher number of SME participation will be considered more favourably).
2. Business impactSolution must be able to help the SMEs to -
   • Raise productivity by at least 15% (basis for measure to be agreed upon and approved); And,
   • Transform business based on at least one of the following:
     • capacity for new revenue streams (domestic or overseas)
     • new business models
     • new processes (automation, mechanisation or collaboration within the sector or across sectors)
3. Solution readinessPilot solution -
   • Can be technically viable;
   • Can be ready-made, to be developed, or customised for the SMEs in specific sector; and,
   • Must be the first or initial deployment (not more than 5 past projects) in Singapore SME sector.
4. Potential for wide deployment
   Clear plan for a sustainable pricing model (based on market benchmarks and best practices).
5. Support for SMEs
   Project support must be provided locally, unless otherwise justified.
6. Qualification period
   Project must not have commenced prior to proposal approval.

Eligibility of Applicant and Participating SME

The Applicant -

1. Must be an entity registered and incorporated in Singapore;
2. Have sector expertise; and,
3. Is to serve as the lead to implement the project that proposes to bring about ICT for productivity and growth for the SMEs in the sector.  The Applicant can be the ICT vendors or trade associations.

The SME -

1. Must be registered and incorporated in Singapore;
2. Have at least 30% local shareholding; and
3. Not more than S$100 million group annual sales turnover OR Note more than 200 employees under the group.

Application and Evaluation Process

There are two (2) phases in the evaluation process. Where relevant, IDA will conduct joint evaluation with other government agencies.

• Phase 1 – Pre-Submission Consultation with IDA: The Applicant must initiate discussion with IDA on the proposed project. If the proposed project concept is assessed to meet the programme objectives, IDA will send Applicant the proposal template for completion. This must not be viewed as the approval of the project. The Applicant will next submit the formal project application to IDA. To initiate the consultation, please send your request to ida_isprint@ida.gov.sg
• Phase 2 – IDA’s evaluation of formal project application submitted: Evaluation for eligibility (project, applicant). Evaluation will only commence when the formal project application is assessed as complete by IDA. Evaluation and clarifications of each proposal will take about 2-3 months. IDA will notify Applicant with Letter of Offer upon successful qualification or Notice of Rejection if otherwise. 

Sector Requirement

IDA works with Sector Champions (such as government agencies, trade associations) to define the requirements of their respective sectors, in order to serve as a reference for the ICT industry. The first set of sector requirements will be published from 1st September, 2014, and updated, if any, on the 1st or 15th of every month thereafter. Consideration for support is not restricted to these sectors.

Construction Sector

• Specification for Construction Sector - Biometrics Authentication Systems (BAS)

Registration of interest to the submission of solutions for the Biometrics Authentication Systems should reach IDA no later than 16 April 2015 (Thursday) 1800hrs at the following email address: ida_isprint@ida.gov.sg.

Grant Support

Projects could be supported from grants other than from IDA or iSPRINT, where relevant. Such grants may have different support considerations, terms and conditions.

The invitation for piloting of sector solutions is led by Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (“IDA”) and our current set of collaborators are SPRING Singapore (“SPRING”), Singapore Tourism Board (“STB”), Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), Institute for Infocomm Research (“I2R”) and IPI Singapore (“IPI”).

For any inquiries please write to IDA_ISPRINT@IDA.GOV.SG

All information retrieved from IDA website. For information on isprint grant PIC, do visit the link.