Government commits S$150 million to AI materials R&D platform, names first 24 Champions of AI companies

The government will invest $150 million to launch a new AI-powered materials research and development platform, deepening the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the real economy and creating new engines of economic growth.

It also announced the first 24 companies selected for the Champions of AI programme, which provides tailored support to businesses seeking to use AI to transform their operations comprehensively.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Trade) Gan Kim Yong made the announcements at the opening of the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology 2026 (SWITCH 2026) on Tuesday (27 October).

“AI offers opportunities to raise productivity, and develop new products and capabilities,” said DPM Gan.

The new Materials Accelerator for Research and Venture Enterprise Launchpad (MARVEL-AI) is led by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), with joint support from the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, Enterprise Singapore, the Economic Development Board and the National Research Foundation.

MARVEL-AI will combine advanced AI models with automated laboratories. The models will identify promising materials and design experiments, which the automated laboratories will then carry out to rapidly synthesise, test and validate the materials.

MARVEL-AI will also connect researchers directly with businesses. Industry partners, including start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises, will be able to tap the platform’s research expertise, infrastructure and validation capabilities to foster industry collaboration, drive business growth and incubate new ventures.

Champions of AI is a national flagship AI programme led by Enterprise Singapore. The first 24 local companies selected will focus on developing in-house talent by creating new roles, redesigning jobs and equipping their entire workforce with AI skills, ensuring that talent development keeps pace with technology adoption.

Their contributions will extend beyond their own businesses. They have also pledged to support smaller suppliers in their supply chains and partners across the wider business ecosystem.

“By sharing their experience, they can help other companies understand what meaningful AI transformation involves, and give them the confidence to make changes of their own,” said DPM Gan.

He noted that more companies would join the Champions of AI programme in time.

DPM Gan also said Enterprise Singapore had launched a series of AI workshops under the theme “Driving Entrepreneurship with AI”, as well as the Catalytic AI Solutions initiative, to promote AI adoption across industries.