anaboo.ai

Let the government pay for part of your AI.

Grants, co-funding and tax reliefs for AI and digital projects in Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, the UK and the UAE. What each one pays, who qualifies, how to apply, and the mistakes that cost people the money.

Four rules before you apply anywhere.

Rule 1

Apply before you sign or pay

Almost every scheme refuses costs incurred before approval. A deposit, a signed quote or a started project can make the whole thing ineligible.

Rule 2

Your business makes the application

Vendors and consultants can help you prepare, but the application is submitted by the company, usually through a government business login such as Singapore's Corppass.

Rule 3

Most grants pay you back

You pay the full invoice first, then claim the grant portion after the work is complete. Plan your cash flow for that gap.

Rule 4

Tax reliefs need your accountant

R&D credits, write-offs and enhanced deductions are claimed through your tax return. Bring your accountant in before you spend, not after.

Singapore

The strongest market for AI funding right now. The new EDGE Grant replaced PSG, EDG and MRA on 30 September 2026 and pays up to 50% of qualifying digital and automation projects for SMEs. AI spend also becomes a qualifying activity under the Enterprise Innovation Scheme from Year of Assessment 2027.

Cash grantOpen

EDGE Grant

Enterprise Singapore

Up to 50% of project costs for SMEs (up to 70% for internationalisation and sustainability), capped at S$100,000 per company per year.

Who it is for
Singapore-registered businesses with at least 30% Singaporean or PR ownership. SME rates apply to groups with up to S$100m in annual sales or up to 200 staff.
What it covers
Over 150 activities across eight business areas, including Automation & Digitalisation, Business Strategy, Innovation, Internationalisation and Sustainability. Digital solutions, integrated enterprise systems and pre-scoped equipment share a S$30,000 sub-cap.
How to apply
  1. Find your activity on the EDGE Grant page or the BizSG grant recommender.
  2. Get a quote, but do not sign it, pay a deposit or start work.
  3. Log in to the Business Grants Portal with Corppass and submit one application per activity.
  4. Wait for approval, then complete the project and pay the vendor in full.
  5. Submit a single final claim in the Business Grants Portal.

Watch out: No retrospective applications. Some activities require a pre-approved vendor or a solution listed on IMDA's SMEs Go Digital platform. Claims open 1 November 2026 for digital solutions and equipment, 1 December 2026 for everything else. Apply before 31 March to use the current year's cap.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Tax reliefAnnounced

Enterprise Innovation Scheme: AI expenditure

IRAS and Ministry of Finance

AI spending added as a qualifying activity, on up to S$50,000 of qualifying AI expenditure per year.

Who it is for
Singapore taxpayers claiming the Enterprise Innovation Scheme.
What it covers
Qualifying AI expenditure, for Years of Assessment 2027 and 2028, as announced in Budget 2026.
How to apply
  1. Keep invoices and records for AI spending from the qualifying basis period.
  2. Ask your accountant to confirm the qualifying definition once IRAS publishes it.
  3. Claim through your corporate income tax return.

Watch out: Detailed qualifying rules and the deduction rate for AI spend are still to be published by IRAS. Check before you rely on a figure.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Cash grantClosing soon

SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit

Enterprise Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore

Up to 90% of out-of-pocket costs on qualifying training and transformation, from a S$10,000 credit.

Who it is for
Employers already notified by Enterprise Singapore that they hold a credit.
What it covers
Workforce training and qualifying enterprise transformation projects.
How to apply
  1. Check whether your business holds a credit.
  2. Use it against an eligible programme or grant-supported project.
  3. Submit final claims by 30 November 2026.

Watch out: The current credit expires on 30 November 2026. A redesigned credit has been signalled for after that date, but its terms are not yet confirmed on an official page.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Free supportRegister interest

Champions of AI Programme

Enterprise Singapore with Digital Industry Singapore

Tailored support for end-to-end AI transformation, starting with a small pilot group.

Who it is for
Larger, digitally mature Singapore-based companies ready to commit resources over a sustained period.
What it covers
A transformation roadmap, priority AI projects, change management, workforce training and building an internal AI team.
How to apply
  1. Register interest through the form on the programme page.
  2. Shortlisted companies are contacted.

Watch out: No funding amount is published. Aimed at advanced firms, not a first step for a small business.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026

Closed or paused, do not chase

  • Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG), Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) and Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) closed to new applications on 29 September 2026. Existing projects continue under the old rules.

New Zealand

New Zealand has the clearest AI-specific grant of the six markets. The AI Advisory Pilot co-funds half the cost of an AI roadmap and its implementation for businesses under 50 staff, and it is open until 30 June 2027.

Co-funded adviceOpen

AI Advisory Pilot

MBIE, through the Regional Business Partner Network

Up to 50% of eligible costs: up to NZ$2,500 for an AI roadmap and up to NZ$12,500 for implementation support.

Who it is for
Established New Zealand businesses with an NZBN and fewer than 50 full-time staff, including Māori trusts and incorporations.
What it covers
Finding where AI adds value in your business, then putting it into practice.
How to apply
  1. Register with the Regional Business Partner Network.
  2. Speak with a growth advisor about your AI plans.
  3. Get approval before any work starts.
  4. Complete the work, paying at least half the cost yourself.

Watch out: Funding is competitive and limited. Work completed before approval is not funded. Open until 30 June 2027.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Co-funded adviceOpen

Management Capability Development Fund

MBIE, through the Regional Business Partner Network

50% of one-to-one training or 75% of group training, up to NZ$5,000 per business per year.

Who it is for
Established New Zealand businesses with fewer than 50 full-time staff.
What it covers
Management and leadership training from approved providers, including digital capability.
How to apply
  1. Register with the Regional Business Partner Network.
  2. Have a discovery session with a growth advisor.
  3. Choose an approved provider and get the training approved before you pay.

Watch out: Approved providers only. Do not pre-pay. This replaced the older capability vouchers.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Cash grantOpen

New to R&D Grant

MBIE

40% of eligible R&D costs, up to NZ$400,000 over up to two years.

Who it is for
New Zealand businesses starting their first R&D project, usually with fewer than 20 staff.
What it covers
Genuine research and development with an uncertain outcome, plus R&D capability building.
How to apply
  1. Check eligibility on business.govt.nz.
  2. Apply through the Innovation Services route on business.govt.nz.

Watch out: Building a new AI product can qualify. Adopting existing AI tools does not.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Tax reliefOpen

Research and Development Tax Incentive

Inland Revenue

A 15% tax credit on eligible R&D spend, minimum NZ$50,000 a year.

Who it is for
Businesses doing core R&D in New Zealand.
What it covers
Eligible R&D expenditure, including novel AI development.
How to apply
  1. Check eligibility and register with Inland Revenue.
  2. Submit a general approval or criteria and methodologies application by the due date.
  3. File the R&D supplementary return to claim.

Watch out: For R&D, not for buying AI tools. Deadlines are strict.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026

Closed or paused, do not chase

  • Callaghan Innovation is being disestablished. Its grants are now delivered by MBIE and the R&D tax credit by Inland Revenue.

Australia

There is no open federal cash grant for a small business buying AI. The real levers are subsidised advice, tax write-offs and the R&D Tax Incentive if you are building something new. Queensland has announced a A$10 million small business AI programme, with details still to come.

Co-funded adviceOpen

Digital Solutions (Australian Small Business Advisory Services)

Department of Treasury, via business.gov.au

Free workshops and webinars, plus up to 4 hours of one-to-one coaching for a small fee. AI is one of five priority topics.

Who it is for
Small businesses with fewer than 20 staff, and sole traders.
What it covers
Digital advice covering AI and emerging technologies, business software, selling online, and cyber security.
How to apply
  1. Go to business.gov.au/digitalsolutions or call 13 28 46.
  2. Book a session with the provider for your state.

Watch out: Advice only, no cash towards building anything.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Free supportOpen

NSW Small Business Advisory

Service NSW

Up to 4 free hours of advice per financial year, including AI.

Who it is for
Small business owners and operators in New South Wales.
What it covers
Advice on AI, marketing, finance and digital skills, plus free workshops.
How to apply
  1. Go to the Service NSW Small Business Advisory page.
  2. Choose Find an advisor and book.

Watch out: Replaced Business Connect from 10 September 2026. Advice only.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Free supportClosing soon

Manufacturing AI Uplift

Queensland Government, delivered by ARM Hub

AI services worth up to A$250,000 for selected Queensland manufacturers.

Who it is for
Queensland manufacturers, including regional businesses.
What it covers
Hands-on AI adoption services, not cash.
How to apply
  1. Read the programme guidelines.
  2. Submit an expression of interest through ARM Hub before 30 October 2026.

Watch out: Manufacturers only, and the expression of interest closes 30 October 2026.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Tax reliefOpen

R&D Tax Incentive

AusIndustry and the ATO

A tax offset on eligible R&D, refundable for smaller companies.

Who it is for
Companies doing genuine experimental R&D in Australia.
What it covers
Core R&D activities with an unknown outcome, which can include building new AI.
How to apply
  1. Self-assess eligibility using the business.gov.au guidance.
  2. Register your activities with AusIndustry.
  3. Lodge your company tax return with the R&D schedule.

Watch out: Plugging in off-the-shelf AI does not qualify. Changes announced in the 2026-27 Budget would start from 1 July 2028 and are not yet law.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Tax reliefOpen

Instant asset write-off

Australian Taxation Office

An immediate deduction for each eligible asset under A$20,000, now permanent from 1 July 2026.

Who it is for
Small businesses with aggregated turnover under A$10 million.
What it covers
Depreciating assets such as computers and hardware. The limit applies per asset.
How to apply
  1. Buy the asset and have it in use or installed ready for use in the income year.
  2. Claim it in that year's tax return.

Watch out: A timing benefit, not a subsidy. Software subscriptions are usually ordinary expenses rather than assets. Confirm the treatment with your accountant.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026

Closed or paused, do not chase

  • Industry Growth Program: paused to new applications, no restart date.
  • Queensland's A$10 million small and family business AI programme was announced in the 2026-27 State Budget. Its name, rules and opening date are not yet published.

Malaysia

We found no open cash grant for SME AI adoption. The live route is the Budget 2026 tax deduction for AI and cyber security training, plus HRD Corp funding for levy-paying employers.

Tax reliefAnnounced

Additional tax deduction for AI and cyber security training

Ministry of Finance

An additional 50% tax deduction on qualifying AI and cyber security training for SMEs.

Who it is for
SMEs paying for endorsed training.
What it covers
AI and cyber security training endorsed by the MyMahir National Council for Industry (NAICI).
How to apply
  1. Choose training endorsed through MyMahir.
  2. Keep invoices and endorsement evidence.
  3. Claim through your tax return with your tax agent.

Watch out: Effective years and claim rules should be confirmed with your tax agent before you book.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Cash grantOpen

HRD Corp training grants

HRD Corp

Use your HRD levy to fund registered training, including AI courses.

Who it is for
Employers registered with HRD Corp and paying the levy.
What it covers
Courses run by HRD Corp registered training providers.
How to apply
  1. Confirm your levy balance in the HRD Corp portal.
  2. Pick an HRD Corp registered course and provider.
  3. Apply for the grant before the training starts.

Watch out: The course and provider must both be registered. Check claim limits on hrdcorp.gov.my.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026

Closed or paused, do not chase

  • Geran Digital PMKS Madani (MSME Digital Grant): applications closed 5 September 2025. Ignore blogs saying it is open in 2026.
  • MDEC's MDAG-AI call closed in July 2025, with no open 2026 call found. It targets tech companies with Malaysia Digital status.

United Kingdom

The UK has little cash for a typical SME buying AI. Manufacturers can use Made Smarter, Scottish businesses get free AI adoption support, and everyone else should look at tax reliefs and the free AI Skills Boost training.

Cash grantOpen

Made Smarter Adoption

Made Smarter, delivered regionally in England

Up to £20,000 at 50% match funding (a few South East grants go up to £50,000).

Who it is for
SME manufacturers in participating English regions, typically under 250 staff. Thresholds vary by region.
What it covers
Digital technology, including AI, plus specialist advice and a funded digital roadmap.
How to apply
  1. Find your region on the Made Smarter website.
  2. Register and meet a technology adoption specialist.
  3. Agree an action plan. The grant is accessed through that plan.

Watch out: Manufacturers only. Regional rules differ and funding is limited.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Free supportOpen

National AI Adoption Programme (Scotland)

Scottish Government, delivered by The Data Lab and enterprise agencies

Fully funded AI training, workshops and hands-on support until 31 March 2027.

Who it is for
SMEs and social enterprises in Scotland ready to move beyond awareness.
What it covers
16 hours of data and AI training for leaders, problem definition workshops and hands-on data science help.
How to apply
  1. Start through The Data Lab, Business Gateway or your local enterprise agency.

Watch out: Support, not cash.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Tax reliefOpen

R&D tax relief (merged scheme and ERIS)

HMRC

A 20% expenditure credit, or enhanced support for loss-making R&D-intensive SMEs.

Who it is for
Companies paying Corporation Tax with qualifying R&D projects.
What it covers
Work seeking a scientific or technological advance, which can include novel AI development.
How to apply
  1. Check whether you must notify HMRC in advance.
  2. Complete the additional information form.
  3. Claim through your Corporation Tax return.

Watch out: Configuring off-the-shelf AI tools generally will not qualify. HMRC is actively checking claims.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Tax reliefOpen

Full expensing and first-year allowances

HMRC

Deduct the full cost of qualifying new plant and machinery in the year you buy it.

Who it is for
Companies buying new equipment. A 40% first-year allowance extends relief to more businesses from 2026.
What it covers
Hardware and some capitalised software.
How to apply
  1. Claim through the capital allowances section of your tax return.

Watch out: Software subscriptions are normally revenue expenses, not capital allowances. Take advice from your accountant.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Free supportOpen

AI Skills Boost

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Free short online AI courses with a government-backed foundations badge.

Who it is for
Any UK adult, including your whole team.
What it covers
AI foundation skills benchmarked by Skills England.
How to apply
  1. Create a learning profile on the AI Skills Hub.

Watch out: Training only.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Cash grantOpening soon

BridgeAI Deployment Catalyst: Assurance and Compliance

Innovate UK

£100,000 to £200,000 per project. Opens 21 October, closes 8 December 2026.

Who it is for
UK SMEs with an existing AI product, partnered with a UK organisation that will deploy it.
What it covers
Deploying AI that monitors, tests, verifies or evidences compliance.
How to apply
  1. Register on the Innovate UK Funding Service.
  2. Open competition 2597 from 21 October 2026.
  3. Submit before 11am on 8 December 2026.

Watch out: This funds AI suppliers, not businesses buying AI. Generic productivity and back-office automation are excluded.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026

Closed or paused, do not chase

  • Innovate UK Smart grants: paused while Innovate UK redesigns its funding.
  • Help to Grow: Digital: closed since February 2023.
  • Flexible AI Upskilling Fund pilot: closed in 2024.

Dubai and the UAE

The UAE backs AI heavily but mostly through training, certification, loans and startup programmes, not cash grants for an established business adopting AI. Treat them as ways to cut costs, and plan the budget without them.

Free supportOpen

Dubai Chambers Agentic AI training

Dubai Chambers Academy

Agentic AI training tracks for member companies, launched 1 September 2026.

Who it is for
Member companies of Dubai Chambers business groups and councils.
What it covers
E-learning on agentic AI for business.
How to apply
  1. Contact Dubai Chambers through your business group or council.

Watch out: Training only. Cost and syllabus are not yet published.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Loan or equityAnnounced

Khalifa Fund AI & Robotics Loan

Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (Abu Dhabi)

A dedicated loan for SMEs adopting AI and robotics, announced July 2026.

Who it is for
Abu Dhabi SMEs. Eligibility not yet published.
What it covers
Technology that improves operational and production efficiency.
How to apply
  1. Contact the Khalifa Fund for the programme criteria.

Watch out: A loan, not a grant. Amounts and terms are not published.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026
Loan or equityOpen

Hub71+ AI

Hub71, Abu Dhabi

AED 250,000 in kind plus AED 250,000 cash for equity, with more for high performers.

Who it is for
AI startups (pre-seed to Series A) willing to relocate to Abu Dhabi.
What it covers
Startup support for companies building AI products.
How to apply
  1. Submit the online form and a pitch deck before February 2027.
  2. Pitch if shortlisted.

Watch out: Equity-linked and aimed at startups, not established businesses.

Official page →Checked 19 October 2026

Where Anaboo fits.

A grant only helps if the project is worth doing. We start with where AI would augment your team and move your numbers, then match that project to the scheme that fits it.

Anaboo has applied to become an approved vendor. Until that is confirmed, we help you pick the right scheme, scope the project and prepare the paperwork. The application itself is always made by your business.

This page is general information, not financial or tax advice. Schemes change often. Every entry was last checked on 19 October 2026, so confirm the current terms on the official page before you commit.

Find out what you could claim.

Tell us where your business is registered and what you want AI to do. We'll come back within 48 hours with the schemes worth your time.