Frequently Asked Questions

Summation, SGInnovate’s longest-running talent programme, connects top global talent with compelling Deep Tech projects. Talent delve into niche technical roles in areas such as AI, Biotechnology, Cleantechnology, Quantum Computing, and Robotics.

Under the guidance of technical mentors, participants gain hands-on experience in exclusive projects, cultivating in-demand Deep Tech skills. This immersive approach allows talent to contribute to cutting-edge technologies directly, fostering the growth of Singapore's vibrant Deep Tech landscape.

This FAQ is for international students and students or fresh graduates studying overseas. 

If you are a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, please refer to the FAQ for "Summation Programme- For Local Talent".

All international students and overseas students must satisfy the Work Holiday Pass criteria:

• You must be a student or graduate aged 18 to 25 from a university with a strong technical background  

• Your university needs to be recognised by the Singapore government

• For undergraduates: you have been a resident and a full-time student at the university for at least three (3) months before applying for the pass 

• For graduates: you were a resident and a full-time student at the university and have not graduated for more than a year. 

• Please refer here to check your eligibility as it will determine whether you are authorised to work in Singapore 

• If you do not meet the above criteria for a Work Holiday Pass, you must be a postgraduate with a strong technical background 

• Only applicants who have successfully attained a work visa and are able to work physically in Singapore will be considered. Generally, remote working is not allowed under the programme. Special arrangements will only be made on a case-by-case basis. Interested applicants may send in their inquiries to [email protected] 

Showcasing relevant skills and knowledge related to applicant’s choice of project would be ideal. Applicants are encouraged to include relevant course participation, awards and competition.

• Academic courses in IHLs 

• Online courses (e.g. Coursera, Udemy) 

• Projects (e.g. Github, Stackoverflow) 

• Working experience (e.g. past internships, part-time, freelance) 

• Awards and competitions (e.g. Hackathons, Datathons) 

Summation programme is open all year round, applicants are encouraged to apply at least 3-4 months prior to their intended commencement date.

Summation offers projects in Deep Tech areas, such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, IoT, Robotics, Quantum, Biotechnology and more. You can check out the complete project list here.

No, projects may differ in scope and duration. You can check out the complete project list here.

The minimum commitment period is 4 months, to a maximum of 6 months.

In unique circumstances, such as foreign students on student visas, a combination of full-time and part-time arrangements equivalent to three (3) months full-time stint may be considered (subject to SGInnovate’s approval).  

Any additional arrangements beyond the specified program duration, such as part-time employment, will be coordinated directly between the participants and the organisation. SGInnovate will not be facilitating or intervening in such agreements.

The total package amount varies based on applicant’s education level:  

^ Note: Applicants who graduated within 12 months are eligible to apply. 

The system only allows an applicant to edit his/her submission during the draft stage. Once the application form is successfully submitted, edits are no longer allowed.   

Alternatively, applicants can choose to re-submit another application form.

Start dates are flexible and should be agreed upon between the organisation and the Talent prior to signing the agreement. 

Applicants will need to check with their schools on such arrangement. SGInnovate will not be responsible for liaising with the IHLs regarding such arrangements. 

Applicants will be evaluated against the respective criteria of the projects that they have identified in their preference selection.  

Programming-related projects will typically require proficiency in at least one programming language. Apart from technical skills, relevant knowledge and/or experience related to the project will also be considered. You can check out the complete list of projects and the specific eligibility criteria here.

The shortlisting phase comprises of two stages:  

 
 
Stage 1: Technical & Cognitive Assessments 

Applicants will need to take several assessments based on the projects they are shortlisted for. Applicants who select non-coding related projects will not be required to take the technical assessment. 

Stage 2: Interview 

Shortlisted applicants who successfully passed technical assessments will be invited to attend interview sessions with organisations. Organisations will reach out to relevant applicants directly for interview arrangements. The organisation you applied to may administer additional technical assessments during this phase. If the organisation decides to proceed with the applicant, there will be a final round of interview with SGInnovate before any final offers are made.  

Please refer to the timeline on our website under Summation. 

Applicants can check the progress of their application via the Deep Tech Central platform where they submitted the application.

Successful applicants will sign a 3-way contract between you, SGInnovate and the organisation before starting the programme. Start dates will be agreed upon between the applicant and the organisation prior to the signing of the contract. 

The monthly stipend will be paid out fully by the organisation along with the organisation’s monthly payroll.

Generally, remote working is not allowed under the programme. Special arrangements will only be made on a case-by-case basis. Interested applicants may send in their inquiries to [email protected]. 

Yes. The 3-way contract signed between you, the organisation and SGInnovate will act as a confirmation, securing the spot for the Talent. 

However, offer made to the Talent is still subjected to the talent securing a Work Holiday Pass in Singapore. All Talent are required to provide an in-principle approval (IPA) letter to be guaranteed a spot in the organisation. More information will be shared with the selected applicants.  

Upon successful application of Work Holiday Pass, international applicants will be provided one (1) round-trip air ticket from their city to Singapore.  

Talent will also be provided with a living allowance of SGD$1,500 / month (up to a maximum of six (6) months). Talent are required to source for their own accommodation.  

More details will be sent to the Talent upon notification of their successful application.  

International applicants should apply for the Work Holiday Pass within one week of the offer acceptance or at the earliest possible date allowed by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM), whichever earlier. Note that there will be three (3) weeks of processing time. Please refer to this link for more information on how to apply.  

We will arrange for the Talent to come to Singapore a few days before Summation officially starts. This will give the Talent ample time to open a bank account and get the Work Holiday Pass issued*. The Talent will be able to move into their hostel upon arrival in Singapore, a week before the programme's official start. 

*Note that Talent will not be reimbursed for the issuance of the Work Holiday Pass and it is the responsibility of the applicants to apply and obtain it.  

We recommend Talent to bring at least SGD$1,500. An international student in Singapore spends, on average, about SGD$750 to SGD$2,000 a month on living expenses. This amount will vary depending on the Talent’s lifestyle.  

Here are some of the potential costs that Talent will possibly incur. All Talent are recommended to plan their budget well before coming to Singapore: 

• Opening of bank savings account: depending on the bank of choice, Talent might have to pay an initial deposit of SGD500-100 

• Work Holiday Pass: one-time cost of SGD175 for issuance of the pass 

Estimated living and transport expenses per month: 

• Meals: SGD300-450 (based on SGD10-15 per day for three (3) meals at a food court) 

• Transport: SGD50-100 (dependent on the mode of transport you take) 

• Personal expenses: SGD100-350 (e.g. clothes, toiletries, miscellaneous expenses) 

More information will be sent to the Talent when they are selected for the programme. 

Talent are required to complete feedback forms, training logs, attend planned training workshops and participate in event(s) related to the programme.  

Talent will receive a certificate of participation upon completion. Any additional arrangements beyond the specified program duration, such as part-time employment, will be coordinated directly between the participants and the organisation. SGInnovate will not be facilitating or intervening in such agreements.