# AI Trailblazers (IMDA + Google Cloud) > AI Trailblazers (IMDA + Google Cloud) offers free sandbox access + technical support for Singapore businesses. Check eligibility and how to apply. Max Support Free sandbox access + technical support Cap Programme-based with successor AI CTO up to S$500,000 ### On This Page ## Overview AI Trailblazers is a joint initiative by the Singapore government (MCI, DISG, SNDGO) and Google Cloud, aimed at accelerating generative AI adoption in Singapore across public agencies and private sector organizations. The core purpose is to help organisations identify generative AI use cases, prototype/experiment using Google Cloud's AI toolsets, and mature them toward production in a sandboxed, low-risk environment. It includes providing Innovation Sandboxes, technical support/workshops, access to Google Cloud AI infrastructure/tools, and evaluation/recognition of prototype solutions. ## Support Details #### Support Rate No cost/zero fee during sandbox phase - access to infrastructure and tools provided at no cost for prescribed duration #### Cap AI Trailblazers 2.0: Up to 150 more organizations, 10-week sandbox duration. Successor AI CTO programme: Up to S$500,000 incentives ### Project Duration & Scope Initial phase: 3 months sandbox access, AI Trailblazers 2.0: Up to 10 weeks, Successor AI CTO: Longer-term scaling support ## Eligibility Criteria - Both public agencies and Singapore-based companies/organisations are eligible - Must be able to propose real-world generative AI use cases (problems to solve via gen AI) - Willing to prototype in the sandbox environment - Should have some internal capacity (developers, AI/data engineers) to engage in prototyping - Workshops aimed at AI practitioners within those organisations - Adherence to programme rules (sandbox duration, evaluation, intellectual property, responsible AI usage) - Expression of interest/application submission to be accepted into a cohort ### Supported Categories Innovation Sandboxes: Free access to Google Cloud's AI infrastructure (GPUs, Vertex AI, foundation models, low-code developer tools) for building prototypes Workshops & Training: Mandatory full-day workshops/bootcamps for AI practitioners in ideation, use case selection, and prototyping with generative AI Technical Support: Google Cloud engineers/partners provide technical check-ins, mentoring, guidance to overcome prototype challenges Recognition & Capstone Projects: High potential MVPs elevated to Capstone Projects, showcased or further supported/incubated ### Application Process 1 Express interest via official channels (EDB/DISG/programme website) as cohorts open 2 Submit expression of interest/application with proposed generative AI use cases 3 Be selected into an innovation sandbox cohort through evaluation process 4 Participate in mandatory workshops, prototyping, and follow programme schedule 5 Build prototype in sandbox environment using Google Cloud AI tools 6 Present MVP to panel of evaluators (government + Google) for assessment 7 Possible elevation to Capstone Projects for high potential MVPs 8 Transition consideration for successor programmes like AI CTO/AI Cloud Takeoff #### Processing Time Cohort-based programme with quarterly intakes, Sandbox duration: 3 months (initial) to 10 weeks (2.0) ### Project Duration & Completion Initial phase: 3 months sandbox access, AI Trailblazers 2.0: Up to 10 weeks, Successor AI CTO: Longer-term scaling support ### Best Practices for a Successful Application Start preparing use case ideas early - identify real problems where generative AI could add value Ensure data readiness - structured data, text corpora, datasets, quality, labels, privacy/consent issues Build a small AI/data team internally - having champions and engineers helps leverage sandbox fully Engage early with Google/government/ecosystem partners for guidance and best practices Plan for scaling post-prototype - think about transition from sandbox to production costs and infrastructure Be realistic in MVP scope - choose focused prototype with measurable impact rather than broad ambitions Attend workshops actively - maximise learning, networking, and insights from hands-on sessions Document use of sandbox - model versions, infrastructure usage, experiment logs for evaluation Adopt responsible AI practices from start - fairness, bias, privacy, explainability, governance Monitor successor programmes like AI CTO/AI Cloud Takeoff for scaling opportunities ### Sample Use Cases & Scenarios GSK: GMP Assistant for internal document retrieval (saved ~450 man-days) and report generation tool (saved ~5,000 man-days/year) AI Palette: AI tools for market research, trend prediction, and concept generation, dramatically cutting research time Ethlas: Generative AI prototypes developed in sandbox environment Document summarization, report generation, conversational interfaces, trend analysis applications Real-world generative AI use cases across various industries and functions ### Additional Information Programme Evolution and Successor Initiatives: AI Trailblazers 2.0 Expansion: • Aims to empower up to 150 more organisations • Improved Innovation Sandboxes over up to 10 weeks • Access to Gemini (Google's newer foundation model) • Access to Duet AI for Developers for building, deploying, and operating applications AI Cloud Takeoff (AI CTO) - Successor Programme (2025): • New programme under Enterprise Compute Initiative (ECI) • Replaces or supplements AI Trailblazers programme • Helps companies scale AI adoption beyond prototyping • Incentives up to S$500,000 including consulting and cloud costs support • 70% grant for consulting, training credits, and additional cloud credits Key Benefits and Outcomes: • Access to advanced AI infrastructure at low risk during prototyping • Accelerated prototyping and iteration in sandbox environment • Hands-on learning and capacity building via workshops and mentoring • Validation via expert evaluation panels • Case studies and ecosystem momentum building Important Limitations: • Time-limited sandbox access (not full production support) • Competition/selection risk for cohort acceptance • Need internal capacity and commitment for success • Transition to production requires significant investment planning • Sustainability post-programme depends on organisation's ability to carry forward momentum ## Contact Information Official Website Email: enquiry@enterprisesg.gov.sg Phone: +65 6898 1800 ## Frequently Asked Questions AI Trailblazers is a joint initiative by the Singapore government (MCI, DISG, SNDGO) and Google Cloud, aimed at accelerating generative AI adoption in Singapore across public agencies and private sector organizations. The core purpose is to help organisations identify generative AI use cases, prototype/experiment using Google Cloud's AI toolsets, and mature them toward production in a sandboxed, low-risk environment. It includes providing Innovation Sandboxes, technical support/workshops, access to Google Cloud AI infrastructure/tools, and evaluation/recognition of prototype solutions. Both public agencies and Singapore-based companies/organisations are eligible. Must be able to propose real-world generative AI use cases (problems to solve via gen AI). Willing to prototype in the sandbox environment. Should have some internal capacity (developers, AI/data engineers) to engage in prototyping. Workshops aimed at AI practitioners within those organisations. The AI Trailblazers (IMDA + Google Cloud) provides Free sandbox access + technical support funding support, capped at Programme-based with successor AI CTO up to S$500,000. No cost/zero fee during sandbox phase - access to infrastructure and tools provided at no cost for prescribed duration Express interest via official channels (EDB/DISG/programme website) as cohorts open. Submit expression of interest/application with proposed generative AI use cases. Be selected into an innovation sandbox cohort through evaluation process. Participate in mandatory workshops, prototyping, and follow programme schedule. Build prototype in sandbox environment using Google Cloud AI tools. Present MVP to panel of evaluators (government + Google) for assessment. Possible elevation to Capstone Projects for high potential MVPs. Transition consideration for successor programmes like AI CTO/AI Cloud Takeoff. Visit the official portal at https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/about-edb/media-releases-publications/mci-disg-sndgo-and-google-cloud-launch-ai-trailblazers-initiative.html The AI Trailblazers (IMDA + Google Cloud) is administered by IMDA + Google Cloud. You can contact them at enquiry@enterprisesg.gov.sg or +65 6898 1800. Where Volty fits ## For businesses that answer customers on WhatsApp Volty is Voltade's WhatsApp AI agent builder. A business trains its own agent on its SOPs, products and brand voice, and the agent answers enquiries on the business's own WhatsApp number, then takes the booking, logs the order or updates the record in the tools the business already runs. Volty starts at S$199 a month on the Plus plan, with unlimited seats. Volty is sold under Voltade AI Solutions, a PSG Pre-Approved Solution, so eligible Singapore SMEs can receive up to 50% PSG support on it. Talk to Volty to start a 7-day trial: Volty interviews your team and drafts its own instructions, and you read them before anything is live. Talk to Volty ## Other Relevant Grants Explore additional funding opportunities that might complement this grant Energy Efficiency Fund (E2F) · Up to 70% (enhanced from April 2023) support, Technology-specific caps: S$200k-S$350k per facility · Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) · Up to 50% support, S$100,000 per company per new overseas market · PSG – Job Redesign (PSG-JR) · Up to 50% support, S$30,000 per company ## Links - [Energy Efficiency Fund (E2F)Up to 70% (enhanced from April 2023) support, Technology-specific caps: S$200k-S$350k per facility](https://voltade.com/sg/grants/e2f-grant) - [Market Readiness Assistance (MRA)Up to 50% support, S$100,000 per company per new overseas market](https://voltade.com/sg/grants/mra-grant) - [PSG – Job Redesign (PSG-JR)Up to 50% support, S$30,000 per company](https://voltade.com/sg/grants/psg-jr-grant)