The NUS Deep Tech Fund, associated with the National University of Singapore (NUS) Enterprise, is a pioneering investment initiative aimed at fostering innovation and development in the deep technology domain. Deep tech encompasses endeavours rooted in scientific discoveries or engineering innovations, including fields such as AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology. Historically, NUS has been proactive in nurturing an entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing resources, mentorship, and financial support to convert academic research into viable commercial ventures.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | Not specified |
| Headquarters | Singapore |
| Founders | Not specified |
| Revenue | Not specified |
| Profits | Not specified |
| Key Investors | Temasek, NUS, NTU |
| Industry | Venture Capital, Deep Tech |
| Number of Employees | Not specified |
The roots of the NUS Deep Tech Fund can be traced back to the ambitions of NUS to leverage its strong research and innovation framework for commercial purposes. Recognizing the need for support structures that enable scientific and technological research to translate into market-ready innovations, NUS embarked on creating pathways for startups emerging from its ecosystem.
In 2018, NUS launched the Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP), a foundational step in the university's efforts to cultivate an environment that fosters entrepreneurship among its postgraduates, researchers, and alumni. This program was designed to nurture early-stage ventures, facilitating the transformation of academic research into commercial entities.
NUS Enterprise, the arm executing the Deep Tech Fund, plays a crucial role in bridging academic expertise with entrepreneurial action. The fund's broad objective is to provide the necessary resources, mentorship, and financial backing for early-stage deep tech ventures within and aligned with the NUS ecosystem.
As of 2025, NUS's strategic initiatives have positioned it as a leader in nurturing deep tech startups in Asia, leveraging its academic strengths and extensive networks. The expansion into international markets, such as opening a startup hub in Tokyo, exemplifies its strategy to integrate global perspectives into its operations.
The venture capital program and the enhanced GRIP initiatives showcase NUS's commitment to providing a comprehensive support structure, enabling tech ventures to transition from research hubs to global markets. Through partnerships with leading firms and governmental support, NUS is enhancing its competitive advantage, ensuring that startup initiatives have access to both local and international avenues for growth.
The NUS Deep Tech Fund stands as a pivotal instrument in Singapore's vision for fostering innovation and technological advancements. By bridging academic research with entrepreneurial practice, NUS continues to make substantial contributions to the deep tech ecosystem, not only in Singapore but across Asia. As the landscape of venture capital evolves, NUS is well-positioned to address future challenges, supported by its robust framework that incentivizes research and development.