The National Research Foundation (NRF) is a department within the Prime Minister's Office, and we set the national direction for Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) by developing policies, plans and strategies; funding strategic initiatives that strengthen our scientific and technological capabilities, grow our RIE talent base, and achieve economic and national impact; and fostering RIE collaboration in Singapore and internationally.
National Research Foundation
Deputy Director, Innovation & Enterprise
Permanent/Contract
Closing on 17 Oct 2025What the role is
What you will be working on
The key role of the Innovation & Enterprise (I&E) directorate is to build a vibrant Innovation & Enterprise (I&E) ecosystem that enables deep tech innovations from our universities and A*STAR to be translated into globally competitive products, services and businesses. You will lead a team that will advance the following objectives:
• Identify emerging deep tech areas with potential for large economic growth in the future, through a deep understanding of our local peaks of excellence, global developments, and market opportunities;
• Validate the thesis on the economic potential for these areas through: (1) a data-centric approach, (2) qualitative understanding of the R&D and innovation landscape, and (3) engagements with Key Opinion Leaders and industry experts;
• Work with Economic Agencies to develop sector-specific strategies and tools to grow a critical mass of companies in the emerging deep tech areas;
• Work with deep tech ecosystem partners and multipliers, such as Venture Builders, Incubators, Tech Transfer Offices etc to provide a comprehensive suite of support that enables innovation in the emerging deep tech areas;
• Monitor the overall I&E ecosystem to identify gaps in deep tech commercialisation, particularly at the early stages of research translation; and
• Manage relevant funding schemes that are administered by NRF in support of our efforts to grow the deep tech and I&E ecosystem.
What we are looking for
• Background in science, engineering, economics or public policy;
• At least 5 years of relevant working experience preferably working on tech policy or driving innovation in a technology startup or company;
• Strong analytical abilities with a broad sense of perspective;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to forge strong relationships and networks with ecosystem partners; and
• Ability to collaborate well with others.
About your application process
This job is closing on 17 Oct 2025.
If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the job ad closing date, we seek your understanding that it is likely that we are not moving forward with your application for this role. We thank you for your interest and would like to assure you that this does not affect your other job applications with the Public Service. We encourage you to explore and apply for other roles within National Research Foundation or the wider Public Service.
About National Research Foundation
The National Research Foundation (NRF) was set up on 1 January 2006 as a department under the Prime Minister's Office. It was set up to perform the following:
a) To provide secretariat support to the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council (RIEC), chaired by the Senior Minister;
b) To coordinate the research of different agencies within the larger national framework in order to provide a coherent strategic overview and direction;
c) To develop policies and plans to implement the five strategic thrusts for the national R&D agenda; and
d) To implement national research, innovation and enterprise strategies approved by the RIEC, and to allocate funding to programmes that meet NRF's strategic objectives.
Learn more about National Research Foundation