Home > Venture Support > NUS Venture Support Fund (NVSF)

Objective of the NVSF

The NUS Venture Support Fund (NVSF) is set up to provide seed funding for NUS spin-off and start-up companies, and assist them so that they become attractive candidates for significant external funding. By helping the spin-off and start-up companies, NUS promotes the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Funding Principle

The NVSF is to assist NUS spin-off and start-up companies in their commercialisation and/or business development activities that would enhance their potential to receive significant external funding to finance, at least, their next stage of development through venture capitalists, private equity and corporate investors, or they are able to achieve significant organic growth.

Amount of Funding

Subject to the scope and nature of the business proposal, each successful business proposal may be granted a seed funding up to Three Hundred Thousand Singapore Dollars Only (S$300,000.00). The amount will be determined by the Venture Support Steering Committee (VSSC) on a case by case basis, based on funding requirements to reach specific milestones outlined in the business proposal.

Qualifying Criteria

The NVSF is opened to all whose business is based on NUS technology or founded by the NUS community comprising of NUS staff, students and Alumni. Preference will be given to technology based business especially those who have licensed the technology from NUS.

The business proposal should be for:

a. Engagement in the development of new or better products, processes and applications based on technologies developed in NUS

b. Innovative technology and/or business models

The company should be incorporated and is about six to twelve months from launching the product / service on the market.

The business proposal is being evaluated based on the following:

a. Unique and innovative idea;
b. Substantial intellectual content;
c. Significant growth markets;
d. Technological differentiation and protection; and
e. Scalable for global market

The preferred funding option is a direct equity investment in the form of Convertible Preference Shares (CPS) as this allows the company to participate in EDB SEEDS fund.

Funding Decision

The VSSC will evaluate the business proposal and decide if it qualifies for NVSF funding.

Application Process

All applicants shall submit the following required documents to the NUS Venture Support:

a. Duly completed and signed application form

b. Business proposal using the following framework:

• Executive summary (including funding requirements and use of funds here)
• Description of the business, core products/services
• Key customers and users
• Business & revenue model, strategy for profitability
• Market and opportunity analysis
• Competitive analysis / Unfair advantage / Why is it better than existing solutions
• Technology strength, patents
• 5-year financial projections, including P&L and cash flow
• Capital / shareholding structure
• Resumes of founders and management team
• Manpower plan
• Detailed schedule / timeline with key milestones clearly indicated
• Deliverables at each milestone

Download an application form in either Adobe PDF or word document.

Duly filled and signed, then submit it together with your business proposal to:

Attn: NUS Venture Support Fund
Address: Block E3A, Level 6, 10 Kent Ridge Cresent, Singapore 119260

Fax: 67732269

Alternatively, you can submit via email at nvsquery@nus.edu.sg.