Published on: 24 March 2026 

Navigating the 2026 IP Grants Landscape

For many business owners, Intellectual Property (IP) can feel like a heavy investment — a slow-growing tree that requires significant care before you see the fruit. However, in Singapore, you don’t have to tend this orchard alone. 

With recent updates from Budget 2026, the government has added fresh "fertilizer" to the ecosystem, making it easier and more affordable for local companies to scale. If you are planning to plant new seeds (filing a patent) or brand your harvest (registering a trademark) this year, here is the support available to help your business flourish. 

1. The MRA Grant: Expanding Your Canopy 

If you are looking to protect your IP in foreign soil, the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant is your primary support mechanism. 

• The 2026 Boost: As of 1 April 2026, support for SMEs has been enhanced to 70% (available until March 2029). 

• The "New Market" Evolution: From the second half of 2026, the government will remove this "new market" restriction. This means that very soon, you won't just be able to plant new seeds, you can get 70% support to deepen and scale your IP protection in countries where you already have a harvest growing. 

• What it covers: Professional fees for IP search, registration, and legal consultancy for overseas expansion. 

• The Harvest: Covers up to S$100,000 per market. 

• Official Link: Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) - Enterprise Singapore 

2. The Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS): Tax-Efficient Growth 

For businesses that prefer a "drought-resistant" financial strategy, the EIS offers significant tax relief. 

• 400% Deduction: You can claim a massive 400% tax deduction on the first S$400,000 of qualifying IP registration costs. 

• The Cash Option: If your "orchard" hasn't started turning a profit yet, you can convert a portion of these expenditures into a cash payout of up to S$100,000 (at a 20% conversion rate) to help with immediate cash flow. 

• Official Link: Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS) - IRAS 

 3. Enterprise Development Grant (EDG): Cultivating Large Projects 

The EDG is ideal if your IP filing is part of a larger R&D or innovation project. 

• The Focus: It covers up to 50% of costs for projects that upgrade your business, which can include the development of a brand-new product or technical solution where IP strategy is a core component. 

Note that a simpler way to manage your grants is coming. 

• The "EDGE" Grant: Announced in the recent Budget, a new unified grant called EDGE will launch in H2 2026. 

• The Goal: It will merge MRA, EDG, and PSG into one "single shopfront," making it easier for SMEs to apply for support without getting lost in the thorns of bureaucracy. While we wait, businesses can continue to apply for existing grants via the Business Grants Portal 

• Official Announcement: Budget 2026 - Enterprise Singapore 

4. Mediation Support (REMPS) - Protecting Your Yield 

Sometimes, a dispute can threaten your harvest. The Revised Enhanced Mediation Promotion Scheme ensures that legal costs don't eat up your profits.  The scheme provides support of up to approximately S$12,000 to help cover mediation costs, ensuring that SME has a fair shot at defending its rights.  

Official Link: IPOS Mediation & REMPS Funding 

Strategic Takeaway 

In the world of innovation, your IP is the fruit of your labour. The difference between a "filing service" and a "strategic IP partner" is knowing how to use these grants to keep your orchard healthy and productive without breaking the bank.