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JUST IN: New public-private grant opportunity announced in Singapore

1 Aug 2025

It was just under a year ago that the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein officially launched at the National University of Singapore (NUS), establishing a new epicentre of cutting-edge alternative protein science in Southeast Asia. In addition to undertaking primary research by more than 20 principal investigators, the centre hosted a regional scientific symposium last month attended by top scientists from China, Australia, Japan, and other APAC innovation hubs. 

Now, just moments ago, the Bezos Centre further expanded its influence by announcing a new grant opportunity jointly funded with Enterprise Singapore (ESG), which will offer startups a premier slot on stage at Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW) and the opportunity to secure 150,000 SGD in cash.

OK, you’ve got my attention. How does it work?

The grant was announced live on stage at the International Summit on Sustainable Protein (ISSP)—a major event co-organised by the Bezos Centre, ESG, the Singapore Food Agency, and the National University of Singapore, in partnership with A*STAR – Agency for Science, Technology and Research. The summit brought together distinguished scientists from all three Bezos Centres around the world, as well as representatives from national-level alternative protein centres in the US, Australia, and UK, high-level envoys from multilateral institutions like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and more than 200 local and international attendees. 

GFI APAC Corporate Engagement Manager Jennifer Morton spoke about Singapore’s alt protein ecosystem

At the close of the event, a competition call was officially announced, which will run until 8 September 2025. The grant opportunity will be open to all international startups. To qualify for the cash prize, startups must demonstrate efforts to anchor key activities in Singapore, including:

Judges will then shortlist a total of eight startups, which will be invited to pitch at SIAW. Of those, three will be selected to receive cash prizes of 150,000 SGD, plus 25,000 SGD of in-kind support. 

Scaling the second mountain

After an initial surge of enthusiasm for Asia’s alternative protein sector during the early 2020s, a challenging global fundraising climate and underwhelming market performance by some plant-based meat brands put a temporary damper on growth. 

But following the regulatory approval and citywide rollout of Vow’s cultivated quail in dozens of restaurants, combined with last year’s Bezos Centre launch—which received high-level support from Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam—it’s clear that the Lion City continues to believe in the untapped potential of alt proteins, and remains committed to working with domestic and international partners to reimagine Asia’s protein supply before it’s too late.

Onwards,

Ryan Huling
Senior Writer | GFI APAC

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