Innovation to Protect (I2P)
Aim
This scheme provides funding for patentable inventions with demonstrated proof of concept.
Eligibility
The applicants for this scheme must be the Head/Deputy Director/Director of Designated Offices listed below.
| Healthcare Cluster | Designated Office |
| National Healthcare Group | NHG Group Research |
| NUHS | NUHS Research Office |
| SingHealth | SingHealth Office of Intellectual Property (SHIP) |
Applications for this scheme can apply to this scheme for inventions in which one of the inventors hold a primary appointment and is employed by a public healthcare institution in Singapore.
All applications are subject to due diligence by NHIC.
Funding criteria
This scheme provides funding for different stages of patent protection namely First Filing, PCT Filing, National Phase Filing, National Phase Prosecution, Grant and Maintenance. Funding for both solely owned and jointly owned inventions is considered if the invention satisfies the following criteria:
- Strong patentability in terms of novelty and inventiveness.
- A work plan detailing ongoing & future development.
- Commercial plan outlining proposed route to market, healthcare impact, competing technologies and potential industry partners.
Depending on the stage of patent protection and ownership of intellectual property, grant quantum and duration vary as following:
| Stage | Stage Description | Grant Duration | Grant Quantum (when institution owns >50% of IP)* | Grant Quantum (when host institution owns ≤ 50% of IP)* |
| 1 | First Filing | 12 months | $10,000 | $5,000 |
| 2 | PCT Filing & Prosecution | 12 months | $30,000 | $15,000 |
| 3 | National Phase (NP) | 12 months | $40,000 for 2 territories | $20,000 for 2 territories |
| 4 | NP Prosecution & Grant Maintenance | 12 months | $20,000 | $10,000 |
*Institutions are not allowed to claim Indirect Research Cost (IRC)
Terms and Conditions
For the Terms and Conditions governing NHIC scheme.
Grant call
Applications to this scheme can be submitted to NHIC at any time.
Submission Process
The NHIC I2P Patent Support Scheme Application Form along with other supporting documents listed in the Application Form must be submitted to NHIC Grant Secretariat at ip@nhic.cris.sg. Only applications endorsed and submitted by the Designated Offices listed above are accepted by NHIC.
For any queries on this scheme, please contact the NHIC I2P Grant Secretariat at ip@nhic.cris.sg.