TWENTY entrepreneurs in Penang will learn to start businesses solo with an artificial intelligence (AI) “management team” under a state government programme.
State infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari (pic) said the Creative Creator AI One-Person Company (AI OPC) Incubator programme was designed to support individuals in building and operating digital startups as solo founders using AI systems.
“For now the AI can be developed for functions such as marketing and lead funnels, automating operational workflows like customer engagement, financial functions, reporting and updates.
“It can handle creative production processes and documentations as well.
“Further AI implementation can do more than the above after onboarding the group of applicants and corporate partners for market access,” he said.
Zairil also told StarMetro that the programme, under Digital Penang, aimed to nurture solo creative technopreneurs.
“The programme reflects the government’s push to encourage and facilitate the growth of digital startups, particularly by leveraging AI tools to enable leaner business models.
“With AI being a powerful tool, it is now possible to have what we call an OPC – one-person company.
“It is a one-man show with AI as a tool, where it can run everything for you, although feasibility would still depend on the nature of the business.
“The programme aims to attract aspiring entrepreneurs interested in setting up AI-enabled ventures,” he said.
He said participants will receive structured incubation support, including mentorship, access to AI tools and guidance on developing ideas into market- ready digital products and intellectual property.
He added that while AI can significantly reduce the need for large teams in certain sectors, it would not eliminate jobs entirely but would reshape work and create new opportunities.
“AI is just another type of technology. It can empower small teams to do work that would previously have required more resources,” he said.
The pilot phase of the programme will select 20 participants, with applications open until July 30.
Selected candidates will undergo a six-month residency programme before showcasing their output in a public “living lab” demonstration.
The incubator will initially focus on the digital creative industry, with plans to expand into other sectors in future phases.
