WINNING WAYS TO SECURE
MOSTI’S FUND
Date : 16 April 2012 (Monday)
Time : 8.00 A.M – 4.30 P.M
Venue : Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Kubang Kerian
By : Y. Brs. Prof. Emeritus Dr. Ho Chee Cheong
1
ScienceFund
2
Outline of Presentation
• Definition and Objectives of ScienceFund
• Scope of Funding
• Research Priority Areas
• Evaluation / Selection Criteria
• Proposal Writing
• Top Ten Reasons of Rejection
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
3
Definition of ScienceFund
Grant provided by Government to carry out
R&D projects that can contribute to the
discovery of new ideas and the advancement
of knowledge in applied sciences, focusing
on high impact and innovative research.
4
Objectives of ScienceFund
i.
to support research that can lead to the
innovation of products or processes for further
development and commercialisation; and/or;
ii. to generate new scientific knowledge and
strengthen national research capacity and
capability.
5
Scope of Funding
ScienceFund covers preliminary research leading to
laboratory proof of concept or towards the development of
new products or processes. The quantum of fund approved
will be determined based on the merit of each application.
Quantum of Funding
The quantum for each project is up to RM500,000.00.
Project Duration
The project duration is up to 30 months.
6
Research Priority Areas
Life Sciences
Computer Sciences and Information & Communication
Technology (ICT)
Agriculture Sciences/Agricultural Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Advanced Materials Science
Chemical Sciences
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Engineering
Medical and Health Sciences
Social Sciences and Humanities
7
Evaluation/Selection Criteria of the
SCIFUND Project
i) Scientific and technical merit: The project must be scientifically
sound, technically feasible with achievable milestones, and has the
potential for further development and commercialisation.
ii) Research competence: The research team must have the
knowledge and competency to carry out the research successfully
to completion.
iii) Innovativeness of the research.
iv) High impact research: Clear and measureable expected
output, outcome and impact in line with National Key Economic
Areas / National Key Result Areas (NKEA/NKRA).
8
Evaluation / Selection Criteria
1. Research
- must be a research proposal, NOT just development
- must be applied research, NOT fundamental research
9
Evaluation / Selection Criteria
2. Novelty
- the research proposal must be novel
- may lead to the generation of new IP, such as filing of a patent:
Newness, inventive step and industrial application
- identify the patentability aspect of the research proposal, if any
- prior art search must be done to ensure the originality of the
proposal
- Patent incentives tell it all !
10
Evaluation / Selection Criteria
3. Viability of Research Objectives
- must be specific and measurable
e.g. the objective of the project is to develop a thin-film solar cell for micro
energy harvester. The expected harvested power level is 10 µW/cm2
- must be technically feasible
11
Evaluation / Selection Criteria
4. Output Expected
- Prototype, patents, new/ improved process, new method/
technique
- must reflect the output of an applied research with potential
industrial applications
e.g. solar-based energy harvester for microelectronic devices in
aquaculture application
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Evaluation / Selection Criteria
5. Collaboration and Industry Linkages
- Collaborators may be crucial in certain projects
- Roles of collaborators must be clearly identified
- Letter of Intent or MOA with collaborators must be submitted
13
Evaluation / Selection Criteria
6. Appropriateness of Research
Methodology
- Elaborate the research methodology in stages/ phases
- give details on the analytical techniques, design, and research
activities
- should make an attempt to compare the methodology with
alternative methods
14
Evaluation / Selection Criteria
7. Relevancy of Key Milestones
- categorically quantify the various significant accomplishments
of the projects in phases
- the milestone should reflect the various major stages of
progress in the project.
- must be at least 2 milestones per calendar year.
15
Evaluation / Selection Criteria
8. Commercialisation Potential
- the research output MUST have the potential for further
development and commercialisation.
16
Evaluation / Selection Criteria
9. Cost Effectiveness
- cost effectiveness of the research outcome /
proposed solution.
17
Evaluation / Selection Criteria
10. Project Risk
- identify the Technical Risk, Financial Risk and Timeline Risk
and justify accordingly.
- suggest a risk mitigation plan if the risk is deemed high.
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Evaluation / Selection Criteria
Possible Outcomes of Evaluation
(1) Recommended for Approval
(2) Recommended for Rejection (WITH REASONS). Re-submit
will be considered new application
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Top Ten Reasons of Rejection
1. Not a Research Project
- The so-called proposed research is NOT a research and does
not fall under Research & Priority Area.
- The focus is more on application development/ integration
E.g. Integrated fleet management system, online video game.
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Top Ten Reasons of Rejection
2. Lack of Novelty
- various similar works have been published.
- There are already such devices/ software applications in the
market that have same functionality
- e.g. search engine
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Top Ten Reasons of Rejection
3. Research Objective Not Clear
- The research objective is too general with no details of goals
and specific objectives.
22
Top Ten Reasons of Rejection
4. Research Methodology Not Well
Explained
- Lack of proper detailing of research methodology and
approach.
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Top Ten Reasons of Rejection
5. Technology Soon Becoming Obsolete
- The technology proposed may become obsolete by the time
the research is done
- e.g. DDR SDRAM
- crowded market, red ocean
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Top Ten Reasons of Rejection
6. Plagiarism
- such dishonesty will never be condoned.
25
Top Ten Reasons of Rejection
7. Unclear Expected Output
- The expected output of the project is inconsistent and puzzling
26
Top Ten Reasons of Rejection
8. Little Commercialisation Prospect
- The project has little prospect for further development and
commercialisation
- Commercialisation potential not explained in the proposal.
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Top Ten Reasons of Rejection
9. No Collaborator
- Failed to identify a collaborator
(for certain projects whereby it
is critically important to have collaborators)
28
Top Ten Reasons of Rejection
10. Incomplete/ Empty CV
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FAQ
Question :
Though similar research has been done elsewhere, no one
has done this in Malaysia. I want to do it here to show that
Malaysia Boleh!! Will my application be considered ?
Answer :
No. Localisation, cost cutting, - not eligibility criteria
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FAQ
Question :
Do I stand a better chance to get the fund if I were to be a Datuk
or Professor ?
Answer :
No. We don’t look at your status. Evaluation is done purely
based on the research proposal
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FAQ
Question :
Is priority given to applications from IPTA over that from IPTS?
Answer :
No. It is immaterial where the applications come from.
32
FAQ
Question :
Is there any quota on the number ScienceFund a university/RI
may get ?
Answer :
No.
33
FAQ
Question :
If I can’t finish my ScienceFund project in 30 months, can I
apply for extension ?
Answer :
For projects in the ICT Cluster, you are strongly encouraged to
finish your project in 18 months
34
FAQ
Question :
How do I go about getting the allocation of IP incentives for
patent filing?
Answer :
Must budget in during submission of ScienceFund application
under Special Services (V 29000) :
IP incentives for Patent filing:
RM500 for disclosure, RM5000 for filing, and RM10000 for patent granted
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FAQ
Question :
Is there a limit to the number of patents that I can file in a
ScienceFund Project?
Answer :
No.
36
FAQ
Question :
My project is novel but I don’t want to file for a patent. Is it ok ?
Answer :
Yes.
37
FAQ
Question :
My research proposal is novel, but lacks inventive step, and
thus can only have a Utility Innovation filed. Am I still qualified
for ScienceFund ?
Answer :
It depends on other factors such as the commercialisation
potential of the research outcome
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FAQ
Question :
If my application is rejected, can I make an appeal ?
Answer :
Yes, but please make amendments according to the comments
given before resubmission.
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Pre Commercialisation Fund
TECHNOFUND
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Outline of Presentation
•
•
•
•
•
•
Definition and Objectives of TechnoFund
Scope of Funding
Research Priority Areas
Approval Criteria
Top Ten Reasons for Rejection
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
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Definition of TechnoFund
TechnoFund is a grant scheme which aims to stimulate the growth and
successful innovation of Malaysian enterprises by increasing the level of
R&D and its commercialisation. The scheme provides funding for
technology development, up to pre-commercialisation stage, with the
commercial potential to create new businesses and generate economic
wealth for the nation
42
Objectives of TechnoFund
• to undertake the development of new or cutting edge technologies or further
develop/value add existing technologies/products in specific areas (Section
7) for the creation of new businesses and generation of economic wealth for
Malaysia;
• to undertake market driven R&D towards commercialisation of R&D
outputs;
• to encourage institutions, local companies and inventors to capitalise their
intellectual work through intellectual property (IP) registration; and
• to stimulate the growth and increase capability and capacity of Malaysian
technology-based enterprises, Malaysian Government Research Institutes
(GRI) and Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) through both local and
international collaborations.
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Quantum of Funding
RM1.5 – RM3.0 million
Project Duration
The project duration is up to 30 months*.
*Additional 6 months is permitted for application involving IP acquisition.
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ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Eligible applicants can be researchers and other individuals
from:
• Small and Medium Enterprises;
• Institutions of Higher Learning;
• Research Institutes; and
• Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Agencies.
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Eligibility Criteria
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
All categories of companies must have a minimum of 51% equity held by Malaysians;
Applicant or collaborator under the small and medium company category must have
minimum paid up capital in cash of RM10,000.00. However, start-up companies are
exempted from this stipulation but must provide justification and supporting
documents on the ability to sustain itself;
None of the company directors or project team members have been convicted of any
fraudulent activities or the company been declared bankrupt, under liquidation or
placed under receivership
The proposed project must contain elements of technological innovation leading to
commercialisation of innovative products, processes and services;
The proposed project should be in the pre commercialisation stage with established
Proof of Concept (POC);
The project leader and team members must be competent to undertake the proposed
project. The resume and supporting documents of the project leader and each project
team member must also be submitted.
The following are not eligible for funding under the Pre Commercialisation Fund
(TechnoFund):
1.
projects under the scope, responsibility or portfolio of certain Ministry,
Department or Agency other than MOSTI; and
2.
applications from Research Institutes with internal research funding such as CESS
Fund
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Scope of Funding
1. the acquisition of technology (foreign and/ or local).
Applicants should provide the acquisition agreement or if
such an agreement is not in place, applicants shall
provide details of the technology to be acquired;
2. the up-scaling of laboratory-scale prototype or the
development of commercial ready prototype; and
3. pre-clinical testing/clinical testing/field trials
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The funding can be used for the following:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
pilot plant/ prototype – equipment and supporting infrastructure
which is directly related to the pilot plant;
IP Preparation and Registration in Malaysia only (excluding
maintenance)- existing and new IP;
market testing / assessment and/or evaluation;
regulatory and standards compliance;
expenditure for services (consultancy/ testing) not exceeding 20%
of project cost;
contract expenditure applicable to IHLs and GRIs only (research
assistant);
raw materials/consumables; and
technology / IP acquisition (if applicable).
48
Research Priority Areas
1.
2.
Life Sciences,
Computer Sciences and Information and Communication
Technology (ICT),
3. Agriculture Sciences / Agricultural Engineering,
4. Environmental Sciences,
5. Advanced Materials Science,
6. Chemical Sciences,
7. Physical and Mathematical Sciences,
8. Engineering,
9. Medical and Health Sciences, and
10. Social Sciences and Humanities.
49
Approval Criteria of the TechnoFund Project
1.
Novelty
Project proposal must be able to show the
uniqueness and the novelty aspect of their
technology/product in terms of new product, new
technique, new process, modification of existing
product/process, additional application, cutting
edge technology, and/or patentable. Applicant
must conduct a Prior Art Search to verify on the
patentability aspect.
50
Approval Criteria of the Project
2.
Technical Feasibility
The applicant will be evaluated with respect to the
applicant’s ability to successfully complete the project
within the stipulated time.
3.
Laboratory Proof of Concept (POC)
Evaluation of the Proof of Concept will be made to
establish viability, technical issues and overall direction,
as well as provide feedback for budgeting.
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Approval Criteria of the Project
4. Competency of the Project Team
-Project teams should consist of qualified and competent members with respect to
technical and commercialisation aspects.
-Roles and responsibilities of collaborators involved in the project should be clearly
defined.
-Core business of applicant must be related to area of research.
-Project leader must be technically fluent & competent in the related project.
-Involvement of consultants in the project should be justified and with details
submitted.
-Each member of the team should provide CV clearly stating their previous research
as well as highlighting significant successes.
52
Approval Criteria of the Project
5.
Credibility of Project Proposal
The project proposal must be clear, accurate and consistent with the
objectives of the Pre Commercialisation Fund (TechnoFund). The
proposal must also have milestones and project activities that can be
completed within the agreed time frame.
6.
Appropriateness of Methodology
The applicant should provide sufficient information (clear sequence of
stages & phases of the proposed methodology) for the evaluator to
determine whether the chosen methodology (new or established
methods/techniques) is appropriate to achieve the project objectives.
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Approval Criteria of the Project
7.
Deliverables
The applicant should be able to indicate clearly the type of
output expected, market size and able to demonstrate its
potential for commercialisation of new/innovative technologies
and/or new IPs derived from the project.
8.
Financial Capability
Applicants should show proof of financial capability to
finance any portion of project cost not funded by Pre
Commercialisation Fund (TechnoFund).
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Approval Criteria of the Project
9.
Projection of the Project Costs
Detailed projection of the project costs must be provided. As for
purchase of equipment and acquisition of services, all the
relevant documents of the Pre Commercialisation Fund
(TechnoFund) guideline must be included in the project
proposals for evaluation.
10. Risk
The applicant must state the possible risks (technology
risk, financial risk and time risk) that may affect the
implementation or completion of the project.
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Approval Criteria of the Project
11. Others
The applicant and collaborator(s) must fulfill other conditions
stipulated under the guidelines and policies of the Pre
Commercialisation Fund (TechnoFund).
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Top Ten Reasons of Rejection
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
No Proof of Concept (POC) and weak of methodology;
Business model is not clear;
There is no novelty in the technology presented;
Weak project team;
The project is already successful and in the commercialisation
stage;
6. The project proposed is a common technology and has no value
added aspect;
7. Project already exist in market;
8. The project is just to assemble commercial components;
9. The main purpose of the project is to buy equipment and
provide services. No element of R&D and technology
development have been carried out; and
10. Proposal is still in the idea stages only.
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FAQ
1.
We are a newly established company. Due to that nature, we are unable to
provide certain documents that are required in the proposal form’s
checklist. How can we proceed?
In your application, please specify the document in question and provide
specific reasons for its unavailability. However, this rule does not apply to the
required fields in the application forms itself.
2.
Can we use the fund to pay for employees salaries?
No. Pre Commercialisation Fund is to be used for development purposes only.
Salary comes under operational costs and should be borne by the entity. Kindly
also refer to the Pre Commercialisation Fund Guideline.
58
FAQ
3.
Once the project is approved, are we entitled to receive the entire approved
amount?
Entity is entitled to claim the entire approved amount, however, payment will be
made in stages as agreed in the agreement. Initial payment will be made upon the
return of signed duty-stamped agreement and subsequent payment will be on
reimbursable basis upon completion of each milestones. MOSTI will identify the
recommended amount to be reimbursed according to the physical progress and
financial performance of the project.
4.
Are we required to pay back the money once the project is completed?
Pre Commercialisation Fund is a 100% grant given to qualified applicants; hence, no
repayment is needed. However, if the entity fails to abide the fund agreement and
guidelines, MOSTI could take necessary action according to the agreement, i.e.
including requires entity to repay the grant.
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FAQ
5.
Can we apply for extension of project completion date?
Yes with reasons and strong justifications. The cluster has the rights to disallow time
extensions if the justifications are not strong or raise any doubts.
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Pre Commercialisation Fund
INNOFUND
 Enterprise Innovation Fund
 Community Innovation Fund
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Outline of Presentation
 Introduction and Objectives of InnoFund
Eligible Applicant
 Scope of Funding
 Research Priority Areas
 Approval Criterias
 Main Reasons of Rejections
FAQ
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Introduction of InnoFund
Innovation contributes to productivity, economic growth and
societal wellness. It can be the recombination, fusion or
integration of technologies that lead to new products, processes or
services or the refinement of existing technologies with improved
value enhanced efficiency or cost reduction. The final result of
innovation is new products, processes or systems by which value
can be created for customers, businesses and society. Realising the
importance of innovation for wealth creation and social wellbeing, the Government initiated the Innovation Fund.
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Objectives of InnoFund
Enterprise Innovation Fund (EIF)
The Enterprise Innovation Fund is to increase the
participation of micro-businesses, individuals in
innovative
activities and encourage technological
innovation of new or existing products, process or
services for commercialisation.
Community Innovation Fund (CIF)
The Community Innovation Fund is to assist community
groups in translating knowledge and ideas into products,
processes or services that improve the socio-economic
standing and quality of life of the community.
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Eligible Applicant
Eligible Applicant
Enterprise
Innovation Fund
Individual
√
Sole Proprietor
√
Micro Companies
√
Small Companies
√
Community
Innovation Fund
Registered Associations/ NGOs
√
Registered Cooperatives
√
Community Group
√
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Scope of Funding
Funding Components
Enterpris Communit
e
y
InnoFund InnoFund

Specialised Equipment;
√
√

Pre-Clinical/Clinical Trial / Field Trials (if applicable);
√
√

√
√

IP Preparation and Registration in Malaysia only
(excluding maintenance);
Market Testing;

Regulatory and Standard Compliance;

Expenditure for Services not exceeding 40% of
project cost (consultancy/ testing)
Raw materials

√
√
√
√
√
√
√
66
The funding DOES NOT COVER the following items:
 Purchase or rental of non-critical assets such as building, vehicles
and furniture;
 Construction of new infrastructure. However, infrastructure
renovation is permitted if critical to the project and verified by
authorised bodies;
Utilities;
Travelling costs;
 Salary or allowances of any personnel employed by the applicant ;
and
Collateral or loan for any purpose.
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Quantum of Funding and Project Duration
Type of Fund
Enterprise
InnoFund
Community
InnoFund
Enterprise
Innovation Fund
Community
Innovation Fund
Duration
(maximum)
12 months
18 months
Entity
Maximum
Quantum
(RM)
Individual /
Sole proprietor
50,000.00
Micro/
Small
Companies
500,000.00
As listed
500,000.00
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Research Priority Areas
•Life Sciences
•Computer Sciences and Information & Communication
Technology (ICT)
•Agriculture Sciences/Agricultural Engineering
•Environmental Sciences
•Advanced Materials Science
•Chemical Sciences
•Physical and Mathematical Sciences
•Engineering
•Medical and Health Sciences
•Social Sciences and Humanities
69
Approval Criteria
•Innovativeness of the project proposals (only applicable to Enterprise
InnoFund)
Project proposals must indicate whether it is recombination, fusion,
integration, replication or refinement of existing technologies with improved
value, enhanced efficiency or cost reduction. Applicant must conduct a Prior
Art Search to verify on the patentability aspect.
•Societal benefits (only applicable to Community InnoFund)
The project proposals must clearly describe the socio-economic benefits to the
community. The proposals must also describe the community chosen and their
involvement in the project.
•Credibility of project proposal
The project proposal must be clear, accurate and consistent with the objectives
of the Pre-Commercialisation Fund (InnoFund). It must have achievable
milestones and methodologies that can be completed within the agreed time
frame.
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Approval Criteria
•Appropriateness of methodology
The applicant must provide sufficient information or evidence on the
appropriateness of the chosen methodology (new or established
methods/techniques). The methodology should outline the sequence of
proposed actions and identify these actions as numbered stages, steps and
phases. Each phase or step should be explained clearly. Other considerations
include the feasibility of the project to be accomplished within the specified
time frame and resources available.
•Appropriateness of milestones
The proposed milestones must be appropriate and consistent with the project
objectives and activities.
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Approval Criteria
•Competency of the Project Team
Project teams should consist of qualified and technically competent members
with respect to technical and commercialisation aspects;
Roles and responsibility of collaborators involved in the project should be
clearly defined;
Involvement of consultants in the project should be justified and with details
submitted; and
Each member of the team should provide their CV clearly stating their
previous research and highlighting significant successes.
72
Approval Criteria
•Commercialisation Prospect (only applicable to Enterprise InnoFund)
The applicant should be able to indicate clearly the type of output expected
and able to demonstrate potential for commercialisation of new or innovative
technologies.
•Sustainability
The project proposal must provide evidence that the project can be sustained
beyond the funding duration.
•Financial Capability
Applicants should show proof of financial capability to finance any portion of
project cost not funded by InnoFund.
•Risk
The applicant must state the possible risks (technology risk, financial risk and
time risk) that may affect the implementation or completion of the project.
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Main Reasons of Rejection
1. No innovation and novelty of the proposed project.
2. Project beyond pre-commercialisation stage.
3. Project with no potential of commercialisation or
already in commercialisation stage.
4. Idea of the development project not supported with
substantive data.
5. Prior art search was not conducted.
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Main Reasons of Rejection
6. Purpose of project for commercialisation production
or expansion of business.
7. Applicant lack of expertise and solely dependent on
the consultant for the implementation of project.
8. Project substantially similar to project that was
previously approved and completed.
9. Business model was not properly and clearly
prepared to support the project and sustainability of
the project.
75
FAQ
1.
We are a newly established company. Due to that
nature, we are unable to provide certain documents
that are required in the guideline. How can we
proceed?
In your application, please specify the document in
question and provide specific reasons for its unavailability.
However, this rule does not apply to the application forms
and the particulars required in the proposal itself.
76
FAQ
2.
Can we use the fund to pay for employees salaries?
No. InnoFund is only to be used for development purposes.
Salary comes under operational costs and should be borne
by the entity.
77
FAQ
3.
Are we required to pay back the money once the
project is complete?
If MOSTI believes that the project is successfully completed,
the recipient is not required to reimburse the allocation
that was granted to them. However, the failure of the
applicant to abide by the particulars of the agreement
could lead to compulsory repayment, the amount of which
will be determined by MOSTI.
78
FAQ
4.
Our project is an awareness program in the form of
seminar, talks, workshop or road shows. Are we
eligible for InnoFund?
Program that solely consists of seminar, talks, workshop or
road shows is not considered as innovative as it is a widely
adopted approach for awareness programs.
79
FAQ
5.
How and when will payment be made?
The disbursement of allocation is made in stages and could
be made via cheque or Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). The
initial payment will be made upon the return of a signed
duty-stamped agreement. Subsequent payment is made
upon the recommendation of the Project Management
Team (PMT), depending on the achievement of agreed
milestone.
80
FAQ
6.
How and when will the monitoring be conducted?
Fund recipients are required to submit milestone and
financial report according to the schedule stated in the
agreement. The PMT will then assess and verify the
milestone achievement to determine whether subsequent
disbursement should be made. This evaluation could be
done in the form of presentation or site-visit depending on
the scope of the milestone.
81
FAQ
7.
Can we transfer the allocation that has been approved
for a specific expenditure (i.e.: consumables) to be used
for other purposes (i.e: equipment)?
Yes, but subject to MOSTI’s approval. The transfer must still
be within the scope of funding and does not contravene
established criteria. For example, if a set amount of
allocation is to be transferred as expenditure for
equipment, the final allocation for that purpose must not
exceed 40%, as per the criteria.
82
FAQ
8.
What about intellectual property?
End product developed under Innofund is encouraged to be
patented and registered. Successful registration is to be
informed to the Innofund Secretariat for documentation
purposes.
83
9.
I have submitted all theFAQ
necessary documents required
in the guideline, but I was still asked for additional
documents. Why is that?
Although you have submitted all the documents requested,
the information stated in the proposals might still require
some corroboration. In some cases, the evaluation
panel might feel that further elaboration is required,
especially in the technical aspects of the project.
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10. IP/Patents belong to the PI/IPTA
11. Rejected with reasons. Resubmit and
evaluated as a new proposal/application.
12. MOSTI research must be done in
malaysia (not overseas).
85