Strategic Research Fund - Through Implementing and Monitoring Agencies (SRF-APP)
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
21/06/2024
Research and Development Grants
1. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Start-ups that are based on/related to technology and innovation must comply with the following conditions for the SRF-APP Fund application: 1.1 Open to Companies and Businesses registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), while businesses in Sabah and Sarawak must be registered with the Local Authority. 1.2 Definition of Start-up: A technology- or innovation-enabled business at an early stage with a scalable business model and a high-growth strategy. 1.3 Eligibility criteria for Start-ups are as follows: i. Registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM); ii. Majority ownership by Malaysian citizens (>50%); iii. Paid-up capital of at least RM10,000.00; iv. At least two (2) company directors; v. Business based on/related to technology and innovation; and vi. Company operations not exceeding 5 years. 1.4 For applicants from companies with non-majority Malaysian ownership (<50%), the following additional conditions must be met: i. Applicants must have a minimum qualification in terms of proof of concept (POC) or a functioning prototype; ii. The company operates in Malaysia; and iii. At least 70% of employees are Malaysian citizens. 2. For applications from SMEs, Multinational Companies (MNC), and Large Companies, this fund is offered as a matching grant where the company must finance at least 30% (monetary or in-kind) of the total project cost. 3. Project applications from APPs must collaborate with strategic partners from the industry or other stakeholders for commercialization purposes. 4. APPs can be involved in the project as a service provider to the entity. However, APPs are not allowed to act as a collaborator to avoid conflict of interest issues. 5. A Collaborator is an individual or organization that collaborates with the Entity and is named in the application and has an agreement with the Entity. 6. A Consultant is an individual or organization appointed and paid by the Entity responsible for carrying out specific activities during Project implementation. 7. APPs and entities must reach a mutual agreement at the early stage of the application regarding project implementation planning and the method of fund disbursement or payment to ensure smooth project implementation before an agreement is signed. 8. The applicant or project team members have never been convicted of fraudulent activities or declared bankrupt. 9. The company has never been convicted of fraudulent activities, declared to be wound up, in dissolution, or under receivership. 10. The Project Leader, who is a Malaysian citizen, can involve project members from international organisations or expatriates working from the same institution. 11. Whereas a Project Leader who is not a Malaysian citizen is allowed to apply provided: 11.1 The work permit is valid throughout the project implementation period; and 11.2 Must have a project member who is a Malaysian citizen from the same institution. 12. The Project Leader is only allowed to lead one project under MOSTI approval at a time. 13. Researchers working under the contract of Government Research Institutions/Government STI Agencies/Public and Private Higher Education Institutions must ensure that the employment contract remains valid throughout the project period. 14. The project team must consist of qualified and competent members in the technical aspect of the entire project. Each team member must provide a resume (curriculum vitae) clearly detailing the research field, experience, and achievements. 15. Applicants are allowed to submit multiple applications for different projects provided the applicant has strong human and financial resource capabilities. 16. The project must be implemented in Malaysia. 17. For project applications under the priority field, the proposed project must be at the pre-commercialization stage with at least proof of concept or a functioning prototype.
Applicants must submit application to the appointed Agensi Pelaksana dan Pemantau (APP). List of APP can be referred in https://sdb.mosti.gov.my/sdbcms/en/garispanduan/
1. Objective 1.1 The financing under SRF-APP aims to support the development of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economy (STIE), encompassing research, new technology, processes, innovative products, or added value to existing technology/products that have a significant impact on society, the economy, and national concerns as outlined in the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (DSTIN). 1.2 The implementation of high-impact programs under the SRF-APP scheme also aims to produce solutions to current challenges as stated in the Malaysian Grand Challenges (MGC) and the country's current strategic issues. Scope of Funding G01: Pilot plant/prototype G02: Pre-clinical trial/clinical trial/non-clinical trial/field trial/stress test/user acceptance test G03: Intellectual Property (IP) G04: Market study and evaluation G05: Compliance with regulations and standards G06: Special services G07: Raw materials/ consumables directly related to the project G08: Administration G09: Technology/IP acquisition
Fund Division, Ministry of Science, Technology, & Innovation (MOSTI) Level 4, Block C4, Parcel C, Federal Government Administrative Centre, 62662 Putrajaya