SMEs get boost in biomedical research support

A new scheme in the government's GET-Up programme will make biomedical research institutes more accessible to SMEs.

In a news release, the government announced that to grow the capabilities of small and medium enterprises involved in biomedical sciences, it has expanded the Growing Enterprises with Technology Upgrade or GET-Up programme.

Under a new scheme named "T-Up", biomedical research scientists from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research or A*STAR biomedical research institutes may be seconded to SMEs to share expertise in and provide R&D support. About 10 biomedical SMEs have shown interest in the T-Up programme.

The aim of the expanded GET-UP scheme is to make R&D talent more accessible to SMEs and help them become more competitive. GET-Up is a collaboration between A*STAR, the Singapore Economic Development Board, International Enterprise Singapore and SPRING Singapore. Since its launch in 2003, GET-Up has benefitted more than 370 local companies.