Ready to leverage AI and ESG? These initiatives support innovators and businesses to commercialise new tech.
1. The National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) supports Malaysian startups, researchers and innovators in testing and scaling advanced tech solutions in real-world settings. Open to Malaysian-registered companies with at least 51% local ownership, NTIS prioritises mature technologies aligned with national science and technology priorities under the 10-10 Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation and Economic (MySTIE) Framework.
NTIS has backed over 220 projects since 2020, turning 77 into commercial products and generating RM157.9mil in value.
Its impact includes real-world applications such as Health Tech Hubs in hospitals and Smart City pilots like Bandar Pintar.
2. The MRANTI AI Sandbox, part of NTIS and in partnership with NVIDIA, helps Malaysian startups, researchers and innovators develop and test AI solutions in key sectors like energy, agriculture and healthcare.
Participants gain access to:
> Safe virtual and physical spaces to test AI ideas
> AI training and mentoring
> Access to labs and proof-of-concept projects
> Support for prototyping, commercialisation and regulation.
The programme focuses on autonomous systems, robotics, life sciences, healthcare, agriculture and sustainability. It is open to Malaysian-registered companies with AI expertise or interest.
3. Innovation and commercialisation support: MRANTI Park offers shared research and development facilities to help smaller companies innovate with minimal upfront costs.
4. KL20 Action Plan: This initiative aims to position Kuala Lumpur among the top 20 global startup ecosystems by 2030. To support founders, MOSTI and Cradle launched MYStartup Single Window, a centralised portal streamlining access to ecosystem data, programmes and services across ministries and agencies.
Fuelling innovation with financial support
1. Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, MOSTI offers five research and development funding schemes through the Malaysia Grand Challenge (MGC) programme to support applied research and experimental development projects focused on innovation and real-world impact.
The five funding schemes are:
> Strategic Research Fund (SRF)
> Technology Development Fund 1 (TeD1)
> Technology Development Fund 2 (TeD2)
> Bridging Fund (BGF)
> Applied Innovation Fund (AIF).
2. Malaysia Commercialisation Year (MCY): Supports researchers and innovators in bridging the gap from lab to market, while also recognising excellence through the MCY Award.
3. The MySTI programme, launched by MOSTI and the Finance Ministry, helps local research and development products as well as services get certified with the MySTI logo, which gives them priority in government procurement.
Certified products are listed on www.mysti.gov.my and supported through two key funds:
> Trial and purchase Fund (Dana Uji Beli): Lets ministries test certified products before committing to full purchase.
> Facilitation Fund (Dana Mudahcara): Offers a matching grant up to 70% or RM500,000 (convertible to equity) to help companies meet government procurement requirements.
4. Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) offers co-funding and investment schemes to help AI-driven businesses grow and scale.
5. Cradle grants: Funding for tech innovators at two key stages: for idea and prototypes and for commercial-ready solutions.
