THE agency which funds research programmes, centres and grows technology-based enterprise will continue its efforts to strengthen innovation in Singapore, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday.

His addendum to the President's Address at the opening of Parliament was on the priorities and roles of the National Research Foundation (NRF).

He noted that scientific breakthroughs were often not made by single brilliant researchers working in isolation, which was why the NRF was setting up the framework for multi-disciplinary research by setting up with the Education ministry a few Research Centres of Excellence.

The four which have been established will train 580 PhD students and post-doctoral fellows.

And just as the NRF will bring together in one physical location the best research talents from the world over, homegrown scientists will also be given the chances to lead research teams that will generate breakthrough ideas, he said.

Investments will continue - to the tune of $1.5 billion.

With innovation being the key to sustainable economic growth, and high-tech start-ups contributing to breakthrough innovations, job and wealth creation, the NRF has put $360 million into a National Framework for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

From that kitty, $50 million will be paid out over five years to support university students or faculty who want to set up their own companies.