[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.]
It’s been a pretty good year for the Malaysian innovation scene. From groundbreaking technologies to sustainable solutions, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving. Notable projects like BoomGrow’s 5G-connected vertical farm and Brikoole, which won the national James Dyson Award 2024 for its innovative “breathable bricks” designed to reduce air conditioning needs, are just a few examples of the exciting developments taking place. However, the journey to success is not without its hurdles, including funding gaps and the need for robust research and development (R&D) resources. Fortunately, Malaysian startups and entrepreneurs are not alone in navigating these challenges.
The government has initiated various programs aimed at fostering growth and transforming bold ideas into innovative tech solutions. One such initiative is the Supercharger Series, designed to support startups in their quest for commercial success.
What is the Supercharger Series?
The Supercharger Series is a free program under the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI). Its primary objective is to fast-track the commercialization of startup R&D projects. In essence, this program is about transforming research and innovative ideas into market-ready solutions more efficiently and effectively.
By connecting startups with key industry professionals, including innovators and researchers, the Supercharger Series opens doors to a wealth of funding opportunities and invaluable insights.
So, what specific benefits can Malaysian startups expect from participating in the Supercharger Series?
1. Future-Proofing Your Startup’s Tech Innovations
In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, staying ahead requires continuous innovation. The Supercharger Series aligns startups with Malaysia’s strategic priorities, as outlined in the Malaysian Grand Challenge. This alignment ensures that startups are at the forefront of industries poised to define the next generation of innovation, including agriculture, healthcare, food security, and smart technology.
The program emphasizes these critical sectors, equipping startups with the technological prowess to develop solutions that address both current and future challenges. For instance, MRANTI collaborates with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to provide startups with cutting-edge knowledge and expertise in food security and drone technology, empowering them to create pioneering solutions and establish themselves as industry leaders.
2. Access to MRANTI’s Strong Network of Expertise and Resources
The Supercharger Series serves as a vital link between academic research and the commercial sector, connecting startups with Malaysia’s leading experts in R&D and innovation. This support is crucial for refining strategies and accelerating tech development.
Whether it’s enhancing a prototype, navigating regulatory challenges, or strategizing for a market launch, the program offers the guidance necessary for startups to progress with confidence. Mohd Izzat Muslim, founder of Fulkrum Interactive Media, shared his experience: “The Supercharger Series stands out for being much more hands-on and practical.” He noted that the program helped him overcome challenges related to market penetration and effectively utilizing grant funds.
3. Fast-Tracking Commercialization of Solutions and Business Ideas
MRANTI offers an in-depth bootcamp as part of the Supercharger Series called the Supercharger R2C (Road-to-Commercialisation) Bootcamp. This program is tailored for startups in the pre-commercialization stage and includes a three-day workshop followed by a three-month facilitation program. This hands-on approach equips startups with the essential knowledge to bring their products and services to market successfully.
Key topics covered in the bootcamp include defining value propositions, validating target markets, addressing intellectual property and regulatory considerations, and developing effective launch strategies. Notable alumni from this bootcamp include Qmed Asia (a healthcare tech startup), Agiliux (an insurance tech startup), and Life Origin (a foodtech startup).
To participate, interested startups can stay updated on announcements for the next Supercharger R2C Bootcamp here.
Expanding Reach and Impact
Currently, MRANTI’s Supercharger Series is hosted in key innovation hubs such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak. However, the organization is committed to expanding the program’s reach to meet the needs of the startup community across Malaysia.
“Our goal is to create equal opportunities for startups across Malaysia, supporting local ecosystems and facilitating greater nationwide impact,” the MRANTI team stated.
This year’s Supercharger Finale will take place at the I-Nation Global Summit 2024 on December 3. Participants will have the opportunity to learn commercialization strategies from Dr. Hamed Motaghi from Quebec University, Canada.
The session is scheduled for 4 PM to 5 PM at Connexion Convention Centre, Bangsar. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to secure their seats now before tickets run out.
To learn more about the Supercharger Series, visit here.
For additional insights into MRANTI’s past initiatives, check out other articles here.
Featured Image Credit: MRANTI
