Design-2-Venture Grant is an equity-free funding to launch and scale your innovative solution within 12 months.
The Design-2-Venture (D2V) Grant is created to support teams ready to deploy their solutions to the market. We provide the resources and a milestone-based pathway to help you overcome the initial operational gaps of launching a start-up. D2V fuels your journey from design to market deployment – by providing the resources, access and ecosystem for your solution to thrive in the market.
Highlights
Achieve milestones as you build critical aspects of your startup.
Supporting the wider SUTD community, including undergraduates, postgraduates and alumni.
Access to SUTD start-up support and resources.
Application
Two-stage process to submit your project for grant consideration.
First stage is a proposal-submission phase where you will share your product or service in a written application. Successful first-stage teams will be invited to pitch in front of a panel for further evaluation of the project.
Second stage is a pitch session where teams will dive deeper into your operations of your venture and the solution the team will bring to the market. Successful teams in the second stage will be invited to receive the grant.
Evaluation
The grant intends to support teams transitioning from project-based work to business operations, particularly those who have demonstrated significant progress in the validation process. We will be evaluating teams based on the following areas:
- User’s interests
- Business model
- Product readiness
- Team composition
The grant is competitive and only top teams in each cohort will be invited to receive the grant.
Milestone-based tranches
The grant is divided into three progressive grant tranches to ensure broad market adoption and financial sustainability for the solution. Teams will accomplish five milestones over a 12-month period.
Support and access
Beyond grant support, the team will have access to SUTD venture partnership, incubation, ecosystem programmes and other venture support and resources offered to the SUTD community.
Application cycle
There is only one application window each year.
Register your interest and be informed of the next application window.
Book a chat with our VIE team to better understand the grant.
what's next
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
I am not sure if I am ready for this programme.
Our programmes are friendly for all participants and we are excited to witness your development, so you do not have to worry!
Concerned about your commitment? We have a short introductory programme and one-off events for you to take that first step!
How long does this programme last, and what does the commitment look like?
Typically between 12 to 14 weeks. Apart from attending the workshops, you may be expected to complete assignments outside of class (e.g., interviewing customers, preparing pitches and actively consulting your mentor).
As our programmes are designed to take you from zero-to-one in the most efficient way, we encourage you to follow through the full course of the programme. We understand if you have one-off commitments which might affect your attendance, but do make time if you are signing up.
We also have a short introductory programme and one-off events for you to take that first step!
What do I need in order to join this programme?
Most of our programmes require that you have an idea of the problem you want to address.
You can choose to join with a pre-formed team, or find like-minded teammates during the programme. We have had many participants who met their teammates during the programme as well!
I am not from SUTD / My team is not from SUTD. Can we still join this programme?
Yes, we welcome all aspiring founders.
Will I have to give up equity in my company to be part of this programme?
We do not take take equity from teams and start-ups who join our programmes.
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