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By Dr Lee Ching Shya I 5 July 2023
Universiti Malaysia (UM) - The UM Centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UMCIE) officially launched the highly anticipated UM Deep Tech (UMDT) Startup Accelerator Programme 3.0. The launching ceremony, graced by Prof. Ir. Dr. Shaliza Ibrahim, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovations) of UM, and Datuk Philip Benedict Lasimbang, Chairman of Yayasan Bank Rakyat, marked the beginning of an exciting journey for aspiring entrepreneurs and researchers.
The event commenced with a warm welcome extended by Prof. Dr. Ivy Chung, the director of UMCIE. She expressed her pleasure and enthusiasm in initiating the UMDT 3.0 programme, which seeks to empower the UM innovator community with an entrepreneurial mindset. The programme also aims to provide essential support to academic researchers, enabling them to navigate the early stages of company formation successfully.
The UM Deep Tech Startup Accelerator Programme serves as a vital element of UM's commitment to developing the Malaysian startup ecosystem. By focusing on advanced technologies and providing comprehensive support, the programme aims to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem that transforms cutting-edge research into successful commercial ventures. This initiative plays a crucial role in minimizing startup failures, resulting in both increased revenue and societal value.
During the ceremony, it was proudly announced that this marks the third cohort of the esteemed programme. The accomplishments of the previous cohorts have been remarkable, inspiring the university to continue this journey and expand its impact further. The University of Malaya invited all its researchers to participate actively in the event, as it offers a unique opportunity to learn, network, and take groundbreaking research to new heights.
A key supporter of the UM Deep Tech Startup Accelerator Programme is Yayasan Bank Rakyat. Datuk Philip Benedict Lasimbang, the Chairman of Yayasan Bank Rakyat, expressed the foundation's commitment to assisting less fortunate Malaysians and elevating socio-economic status through education and human capital development. The vision of Yayasan Bank Rakyat aims to enrich the lives of Malaysians beyond the basic economy, and its mission serves as a catalyst for economic improvement and higher living standards through knowledge-based programs and initiatives.
The programme has also forged strategic partnerships with other key stakeholders, including Origgin Ventures, Fingerprint for Success, Youth Venture, Reskills, MRANTI, and many others. These collaborations offer participating startups access to an extensive network of resources, expertise, and unwavering support, further enhancing the program's effectiveness.
To further inspire and engage the participants, a panel discussion forum was held during the launching ceremony. Mr. Clarence Tan, CEO of Origgin Ventures Pte Ltd, Dr. Afnizanfaizal, General Manager of MRANTI, Mr. Mahdu, CEO of Uniresearch Sdn. Bhd., and Dr. Lai Khin Wee, CTO of Biosight Sdn. Bhd., took the stage to share their insights and experiences. The panel discussion explored how cutting-edge technologies and innovations from university startups are shaping the future of the Malaysian economy. Their captivating narratives provided the audience with valuable perspectives and demonstrated the immense potential of deep tech startups in driving economic transformation.
The UM Deep Tech Startup Accelerator Programme 3.0 promises to be an exciting journey for the participants, with mentorship, training, and market validation study sessions aimed at propelling their entrepreneurial ventures to new heights. By fostering an ecosystem that nurtures innovation, UM is paving the way for a vibrant startup community that will contribute to sustainable economic development in Malaysia.
For more information about the UM Deep Tech Startup Accelerator Programme and its initiatives, contact Dr. Lee Ching Shya,RTTP