NTUitive-Zimin Gap Fund - Physical AI Joint Grant Call
Accelerating Physical AI from Lab to Market
About the Grant
The NTUitive-Zimin Gap Fund supports NTU researchers developing technologies in Physical AI beyond proof-of-concept (above TRL 5). Its goal is to translate promising research into commercially viable solutions. Projects should be technically sound and commercially viable, and the work must be conducted at NTU.
The grant runs in two phases:
- Phase 1 is supported by NTUitive and funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE). Awardees receive up to S$100,000 over a project duration of up to 8 months.
- Phase 2 is supported by Zimin Studio. Projects approved at the mid-term review proceed to Phase 2 and receive up to S$100,000 over up to 8 months.
Zimin will have a first right to look at the research results arising from Phase 2 projects. This does not give Zimin any pre-emptive rights to the intellectual property. Applicants shall discuss any commercialisation plans with Zimin in good faith.
What is Physical AI?
Physical AI refers to AI systems that can perceive, reason and act in the physical world by integrating AI, robotics, sensing, autonomous decision-making and actuation. These systems interact with real-world environments, and can learn, adapt and perform tasks autonomously or collaboratively with humans.
Areas in scope include:
- Robotics and autonomous systems
- AI for manufacturing
- Embodied AI
- Edge AI and intelligent sensors
- Healthcare and assistive robotics
- Smart infrastructure
- AI for mobility and logistics
Example applications include humanoid and industrial robots, digital twins, human-robot interaction, sensor fusion, autonomous vehicles, warehouse automation and intelligent buildings.
- Faculty members and researchers from NTU are eligible. Each team must have a Lead Principal Investigator (Lead-PI).
- Please refer to the application guidelines for more information.
- Submit your proposal and slides deck using the Gap Fund application form to gap_fund@ntu.edu.sg by 12 November 2026.
- NTUitive's Panel will evaluate your proposal for technical soundness and commercial viability. Only endorsed proposals go forward to the NTUitive-Zimin joint panel.
- The NTUitive-Zimin Panel will assess the endorsed proposals and recommend projects for the award. NTUitive will inform successful applicants.
For queries or application submission, please contact gap_fund@ntu.edu.sg. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Applications will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Technical Innovation (55%): technical differentiation, competitive landscape, strength of IP, scalability and technical readiness
- Value Proposition (25%): a well-defined problem, a significant pain point and a unique solution
- Market Opportunity (20%): a large, clearly identified addressable market within reach, and its growth rate
| Call Opens | 12 October 2026 |
| Submission Deadline | 12 November 2026 |
| NTUitive-Zimin Panel Evaluation | 26 November 2026 |
| Award Announcement | January 2027 |
| Phase 1 Start | February 2027 |