MDGF - Frequently Asked Questions

Can researchers from other than School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS) apply for this grant?

Yes, it is open to all the funded research projects in SMU, as long as it can be licenced from SMU and the research can create meaningful commercial impact.

What kind of innovation projects are eligible to apply for the grant?

The grant is mainly for the technology innovation, to support SMU researchers with the Commercialisation of the technologies.

At what stage of my research will be eligible to apply for the grant?

The grant is for the research projects that have passed the publication stage, ideally already in demo/prototype or later development stage of the technology, has higher Technology Readiness Level that are ready for Commercialisation.

Must project’s IP apply/secure a patent before applying for MDGF?

It is not a must to apply for MDGF, however, an invention discloser must be submitted along with the MDGF application.  Please use the latest & approved Invention Disclosure Form from   Contract Document Management System (CDMS).  Applying/Securing a patent is desired but a patent application is approved/granted based on its merits, novelty/other factors. Please refer to IP Protection intranet page for more details.

Should a company be incorporated before submitting a grant application?

No. It’s not advisable to incorporate a company at the point of grant application. It would complicate the disbursement process due to the nature of the grant, which is meant for SMU research projects, rather than a business entity.

Is there a minimum time commitment for the Principal Investigator (PI) to be involved in the project?

No. There is no mandatory time commitment for the PI to be involved in the project. It is up to the team to decide on each member’s contribution in terms of time commitment.

If a SMU research staff is currently fully funded by another grant, and he/she would like to join the team to apply for the SMU Commercialisation Grant, can he/she be funded by the Commercialisation Grant at the same time should the team be awarded?

No. There should not be double funding in all circumstances. PIs are allowed to propose alternative solutions, e.g. 50% funding from each grant to support the research staff to avoid a conflict of interest.

In the event of IP being co-owned by SMU and corporate partners, can the PI apply for the Innovation Grant?

If the corporate partner has the first right of refusal to Commercialisation, the PI will not be able to take it forward and apply for the grant, unless he/she obtains the approval from the corporate partner.

Do applications need to be endorsed by School Dean before they reach IIE?

The MOE De-centralised Gap Funding ( previously known as SMU Internal Innovation Grant) for commercialisation projects is an internal grant, hence the endorsement by School Dean is not necessary. The application is made directly to IIE.

Will the evaluation be more focused on the business model and commercialisation and less on technology?

The evaluation will strike a balance between both technology and commercialisation considerations.

Is there any restriction on the nationality of the PI?

No, as long as the PI is a member of the SMU Faculty, he/she is eligible to apply.

When a start-up company is formed out of the project, will SMU decide on the share distribution among PI and the team members?

No, the project team can decide on the share distribution among themselves.

Is detailed revenue projection required as part of the evaluation criteria?

No, it is not required.

Will the university impose a 30% overhead charge on the SMU Internal Innovation Grant?

IIE will be responsible for any overhead charge imposed on the MOE De-centralised Gap Funding ( previously known as SMU Internal Innovation Grant).

Will SMU support the cost of filing a patent application as a result of the SMU Internal Innovation Grant?

Yes, please refer to IP Protection intranet portal for more details.

During the grant application process, in view of the project being exposed to the evaluation panel as well as the assigned mentors, how do you safeguard the interests of the SMU Faculty as the owner of the technology?

PI must not share any information in any presentation/discussions with external parties which are not declared or protected by an Invention Disclosure or IP .

How much market validation should be done for the proposal submission?

• How much market validation should be done for the proposal submission?
• The team should have done some preliminary market research to be able to address the following questions:
• Who are the target customers for this product?
• What is the market need?
• Why would they buy the product?
• How big is the market and how would the technology fit?
• What do you know about your potential customers and who have you talked with in that market to validate your ideas?
• Explain how your proposed solution would be economically attractive and competitive. Part of the grant can be utilised to conduct further market validation if required.

Can the grant be used to pay the PI’s time involvement in the project?

The grant is not allowed to be utilised to pay for the PI’s or Co-PI time in any form, i.e. honorarium, buy-out for teaching time etc.

Is there any criteria for a qualified Entrepreneurial Lead (EL)?

The EL will be treated as a potential future CEO, who is in charge of the business of future start-up. He/She must be able to provide a clear vision and show strong capability of execution. (A sample job description enclosed)

Must ELs be SMU employees?

No. ELs can join the projects without being employed by SMU. He/She could choose to join the spin-off in the future. 

 I am interested to commercialize my invention but cannot find a qualified EL. Could IIE help?

Considering each project has different status and requirement, please contact IIE for further discussion and evaluation.

Is Post-doctoral eligible to this grant? 

Post-doctoral is also included in SMU Academic Staff so is eligible for this grant.