[This is a sponsored article written in collaboration with Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec).]
Globally, 2025 seems to be the year we embrace artificial intelligence (AI).
We’re seeing more businesses increasingly prioritise AI integration into everyday activities, from using it for customer engagement to data analysis and automating simple processes. Even on a personal level, more and more people are actively using AI on a daily basis through tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s personal assistant Gemini.
But with Malaysia’s aim of becoming a high-tech nation by 2030, it’s not enough to just be a user of AI. We also need to join the movement and innovate AI technology to solve global challenges.
Enter Sidec’s Selangor Deep Tech Xccelerator (Deep-X) programme under its Twin Accelerator Programme, a dual-track initiative aimed at scaling Malaysia’s most promising startups and SMEs across deep tech and consumer-focused industries.
The programme is supported by dedicated partners including Cradle Fund, MRANTI, MDEC, Leave a Nest, Yayasan Hasanah, Universiti Malaya, Affin Bank, 500 Global, Ignite Asia, GenAI Fund, Mystartr, PitchIN, Ata Plus, and many more.
Designed for AI-driven startups, this launchpad by the Selangor government has one mission—empowering founders to scale breakthrough solutions and shape Malaysia’s future in deep tech.
Image Credit: Sidec
Here’s what you need to know about Deep-X
In an effort to shape the nation’s innovation frontier, Deep-X is built to support local startups in developing tech-based scientific breakthroughs and engineering innovations to address complex global challenges.
A specialised 12-week founder-first accelerator, the programme supercharges Malaysia’s next wave of AI-driven deep tech startups.
As the name suggests, Deep-X’s core focus is on AI. All selected verticals (and their subverticals) must be aligned with or powered by AI-driven solutions, applications, or technologies. This includes, but is not limited to:
AI in biotech
AI in healthtech
AI in agritech
AI in semiconductors and robotics
AI for net-zero and sustainability
By anchoring all innovation within the AI domain, the program ensures alignment with Malaysia’s national goals in advanced digital technologies, while still tapping into cross-sectoral breakthroughs.
Participants will gain access to an array of mentorship and exposure opportunities. The programme features deep tech showcases, research-drive workshops, and strategic engagements with key ecosystem players to name a few.
1. You’ll get the chance to connect and even collaborate with global tech firms
Image Credit: Sidec
Ever wondered how the leading tech companies at international firms operate abroad? Well, wonder no more.
If you join the Deep-X programme and rise up to be one of the 10 top performing startups, you could be selected to visit ASEAN or Asian tech firms for an international innovation mission.
There, you’ll get to network with some of the biggest industry names and engage in closed-door sessions with them. It’s a rare ticket to gain behind-the-scenes insights and know-hows to help your startup grow.
This golden opportunity also gives you the chance to explore cross-border commercial partnership opportunities, pitch and secure the interests of global investors, and connect with leading accelerators.
2. You’ll get to expand your international market reach and build key connections
Image Credit: Sidec
Since launching in 2018, the Deep-X programme has successfully accelerated 240 startups and funded 65 startups. At its core, the launchpad provides startups with connections to other industry stakeholders.
Whether you’re a university student, an entrepreneur, or an industry professional, the programme welcomes co-founders from all walks of life, making the space a valuable resource pool of connections.
Receiving advice and guidance is certainly one way the programme advances your new tech, not to mention industry networking which could take your startup to new heights and expand your cross-border market reach.
Your next business partner or customer could be sitting right next to you!
3. You’ll gain insider knowledge that will propel your invention forward
Image Credit: Sidec
Sidec has also set up hands-on, growth-focused workshops with a line-up of dedicated mentors and coaches. In the past, these partners were from established companies like Sunway iLabs, Carsome, Qmed Asia, and The Hive Southeast Asia.
This year’s confirmed mentors span across AI, VS, and product leadership. Some names you might be familiar with are:
Hajime Hotta, Co-Founder of Cinnamon AI
Tan Aik Keong, Founder & CEO of Agmo Holdings Berhad
Foong Chee Mun, CEO of YTL AI Labs
Dr. Ariffin Datuk Yahaya, Senior Distinguished Software Architect, Autodesk
Tunku Omar Asraf, Director of PACE by Artem Ventures
While AI has been around for a few decades now, it’s still actively developing and advancements are happening rapidly as the tech and ourselves become more efficient. What you know today could drastically change in the next week.
By joining these masterclasses, you’re able to get real-time insights from industry professionals, enabling you to shape and improve your products based on the latest developments.
4. You’ll be equipped with practical hacks to take your startup to the next level
Image Credit: Sidec
With the support of mentors that bring expertise in areas such as AI, robotics, semiconductors, sustainability, and venture capital, participants of the Deep-X programme will graduate with practical ways of scaling up.
This is thanks to the practical frameworks Sidec has to foster startup growth, including one-on-one pitch clinics and real-world case studies to prepare founders for fundraising, market traction, and global expansion.
You’ll be part of intensive workshops focusing on:
Fundraising and investor readiness
AI commercialisations strategies
Product-market fit and scaling models
Marketing and go-to-market execution
Cross-border expansion (ASEAN, US, China)
Participants will also receive cloud services, AI tools, and exclusive offers worth over RM120,000 from Sidec’s technology partners, such as Google Cloud (Cloud credits, developer tools, and mentorship) as well as BytePlus (AI-driven commerce tools and analytics).
5. You’ll get funding and investment opportunities to accelerate your startup’s growth
Image Credit: Sidec
Last but not least, everyone in the business world knows that progressing requires a certain amount of financial investments.
Some founders prefer to do this using their own savings, while others look towards business loans for support.
But tech startups typically need a much larger capital and funding compared to other fields. By joining the Deep-X programme, you’ll gain direct access to funding opportunities from a robust network of capital providers.
This includes venture capital firms (VC) like Artem Ventures, Gobi Partners, 500 Global, as well as equity crowdfunding (ECF) platforms such as pitchIN, Ata Plus, and MyStartr.
How your startup can join this exclusive programme
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These are just a few of the perks your startup will gain by participating in Sidec’s Deep-X programme, with the total programme value estimated to be over RM300,000.
You’ll also secure your spot to pitch and exhibit at the annual Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Convention (SDEC) that’s happening October 8 to 11, 2025.
To join, startups need to meet the following criteria:
A legally registered company (SSM certified)
Able to commit to 12 weeks of the accelerator programme
Has a lab-proven proof of concept (PoC), functional lab prototype, and registered intellectual property
Do note that there is a one-time participation fee of RM6,480 that’s inclusive of 8% SST. Applications are open now until the end of July, 2025, so don’t wait! Secure your spot now by registering here.
Image Credit: Sidec
For 10 years now, Sidec has supported over 320 startups, facilitated RM203 million in collective
fundraising, and provided regional exposure to founders through its international missions.
Looking ahead, the Twin Accelerator is a cornerstone of Sidec’s roadmap to nurture 500 startups by 2030, in line with Selangor and Malaysia’s broader digital economy transformation agenda.
Learn more about Sidec’s Deep-X programme here.
Read our other startup stories here.
Featured Image Credit: Sidec
