Singapore has unveiled a major new initiative designed to strengthen its role in international research collaboration: the Horizon Europe Complementary Fund.
The announcement marks a significant step in boosting the participation of Singapore-based researchers and innovators in the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe.
A new funding pathway for global collaboration
The Horizon Europe Complementary Fund will provide targeted financial support to eligible legal entities based in Singapore that join collaborative research projects under Pillar II of Horizon Europe.
Pillar II focuses on global challenges and industrial competitiveness, making it a strategic fit for Singapore’s national research priorities.
Through this complementary funding mechanism, Singapore-based participants can overcome financial barriers that sometimes limit engagement in large-scale international consortia.
The fund is expected to unlock new opportunities for universities, research institutes, and innovation-driven organisations to collaborate with European partners on cutting-edge research.
Strengthening researcher support on the ground
To further encourage uptake, Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF) has established dedicated National Contact Points.
These contact points will serve as a first port of call for local researchers seeking guidance on Horizon Europe calls, eligibility rules, and proposal development.
In addition, the NRF will host a series of information sessions in January 2026 to demystify Horizon Europe processes and help Singapore-based teams navigate international collaboration requirements with confidence.
Part of a broader research and innovation strategy
The launch of the Horizon Europe Complementary Fund aligns closely with Singapore’s long-term research vision under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030) programme.
Under this plan, the Singapore Government has pledged S$37bn (€24.5bn) over five years to advance research, innovation, and enterprise.
This represents a 32% increase compared with the previous funding cycle and reflects Singapore’s ambition to translate scientific excellence into tangible societal and economic outcomes.
International collaboration is a key pillar of this strategy, enabling local researchers to tap into global expertise and infrastructure.
Expanding EU–Singapore research ties
The initiative also reinforces the broader EU–Singapore partnership in science and innovation.
International cooperation is central to the European Union’s Global Approach to Research and Innovation, with Horizon Europe serving as a primary instrument to implement this vision.
Horizon Europe offers multiple entry points for non-European researchers. Beyond Pillar II collaboration, Singapore-based researchers may pursue Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions or European Research Council grants under Pillar I, or explore innovation funding opportunities through the European Innovation Council under Pillar III if establishing ventures in Europe.
Addressing global challenges together
By launching the Horizon Europe Complementary Fund, Singapore is sending a clear signal of its commitment to open, collaborative science.
The initiative not only lowers barriers to participation but also positions Singaporean researchers as active contributors to international efforts tackling shared global challenges – from sustainability and digital transformation to health and resilience.
As global research becomes increasingly interconnected, the Horizon Europe Complementary Fund stands out as a timely and strategic investment in collaboration, excellence, and impact.
