Programme details

Participating companies will partner Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) to access cutting-edge AI tools, cloud credits, and related training needed to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). 

Companies will be supported by select Consultant Partners who are familiar with the CSPs’ cloud platforms, with Government supporting part of the cost of consultancy services needed to create an MVP or conduct change management.

Each Participating Company will receive support in the form of (i) cloud credits and related tools from CSPs and (ii) consultancy services from Partners aimed at developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and eventual change management.

1. CSPs will provide access to cloud credits, training, and AI tools. Details on the support packages and cloud resources offered by each CSP can be found here.

2. Consulting partners/ System Integrators (SIs) will deliver consulting services for AI strategy development, technical implementation, and process redesign/change management.

The total supportable consulting cost is capped at S$150,000, with DISG supporting 70% of actual costs, capped at S$105,000 per company. Participating Companies are required to pay the remaining 30% of the actual consulting cost.

As part of the programme, companies are expected to: 

1. Fully commit manpower and technical resources to this project for the programme duration (up to six months) 

2. Deliver on the outcome which is the MVP and change management processes 

For companies that are able to progress quickly, it is possible to complete the programme earlier. Thereafter, if DISG assesses the company to be ready for broader and longer-term AI plans, DISG will have a separate discussion with the company on support options.

Companies registered or incorporated and are physically present in Singapore are eligible for this programme, subject to meeting the following criteria:

Baseline Criteria

• A business entity registered or incorporated and is physically present in Singapore

• CEO or equivalent-level sponsorship

• Total organisation headcount based in Singapore should be at least 10 pax

• Software/AI & data capabilities: The organisation should have a tech team of 2 or more pax. The Tech team can comprise of software engineers, AI engineers, and/or data scientists roles. 

• Organisation has experience in building a custom AI solution for a proof of concept and/or wider deployment. 

• Organisation has accessible data sets to be worked on for the use case 

• Financial ability to ensure project completion (e.g. stakeholder’s equity etc.)

Use Case Assessment

Applications will be assessed based on the impact of use case as well as organisational and infrastructure readiness

• Type of use case: The proposed use case should focus on leveraging AI to achieve at least of one of the following objectives: (i) process improvement; (ii) new product development; (iii) research and development and/or (iv) contribution to the broader ecosystem.

• Impact: The proposed use case must demonstrate impact to the company and/or industry and lead to the establishment of AI team(s) within the company.

Interested companies who assess that they meet the eligibility criteria may apply here. 

Applications will be assessed based on the impact of the use-case to the company and the industry, as well as organisational and infrastructure readiness. Use-cases that are complex and scalable will be prioritised. 

Companies will be notified by DISG if their application is successful. 

A. Eligibility

1. Is the programme open to companies from all sectors?
   Yes. Companies from all sectors (except for companies in the gambling and betting industry) may apply for the programme as long as the eligibility criteria is met.  
   

2. How will my application be assessed?
   Applications will be assessed based on the company meeting the baseline criteria, and the potential impact of the proposed use case to the company and the broader industry.
   

3. Am I eligible for ECI if I am currently or have received grants for AI-related projects? 
   Yes, you are eligible if your company meets the criteria for ECI and the proposed use case is differentiated from the other projects that have received government support.

B. Programme offerings

1. What consultancy services does the programme support?
   This includes consultancy services aimed at developing an AI roadmap based on the submitted use-case, and eventual change management execution plans. The consultancy services rendered must go beyond strategy consulting and focus on technical implementations.
   

2. Which Cloud Service Providers can I choose from?
   There are currently three participating Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) offering the ECI programme: Google Cloud, Microsoft and Amazon Web Services. Please refer to the CSPs’ websites for details on their cloud credit offering and training programme.
   

C. Application

1. How and when can I apply for ECI?
   Companies may apply for ECI through Digital Industry Singapore. The launch dates of each cohort will be announced by DISG and the respective CSPs from Q2 2025.
   

2. What is the processing time for applications? What milestones can I expect after application?
   Applicants will be notified on the status of their application within 4 weeks. Successful applicants will also be notified of their assigned CSP, which will subsequently reach out with onboarding information, including programme milestones.
   

3. Is it mandatory to select a CSP that I am currently using?
   No, it is not mandatory. You may select a CSP that you are not currently using.
   

4. Can a parent entity have multiple subsidiaries as participants?
   No. This is not allowed. We encourage the parent entity to join the programme to chart an AI transformation strategy for the entire company group.
   

5. My company has multiple use cases. Do I need to submit multiple applications?
   No, please submit a single application with your main use case. Should the application be approved, your assigned CSP and partner will be happy to discuss the different use cases you have in mind and advise on a prioritisation framework and implementation roadmap as needed.
   

6. My application was rejected previously. Can I try again?
   Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply again with a revised or new project proposal. However, applicants should ensure that there have been meaningful modifications since the prior submission.
   

7. I have a preferred consulting partner/SI which is not on the list of partners. Can I still work with them?
   No, you will need to work with a pre-qualified Consulting Partner on the ECI list. These SIs are selected based on their familiarity with the CSPs’ cloud credits and tools. If your application is approved, your assigned CSP will get in touch with onboarding information including your assigned partner.
   

D. Others

1. I have completed the ECI programme and would like to pursue broader AI initiatives. What are the next steps?
   Companies can engage with EDB to explore opportunities for building dedicated AI expertise within their organisations. To discuss your specific requirements and potential next steps, please contact ECI_DISG@edb.gov.sg with details of your request.