10 May 2022, Shah Alam – Calling all early-stage tech startups to participate in the yearly Selangor Accelerator Programme (SAP) facilitated by Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec).
This year, the SAP is making a comeback with its fifth cohort themed ‘Net Zero, Sustainability & Circular Economy’ with an addition of a new vertical element which is HealthTech, alongside Agritech, Greentech, Smart City, and Fintech.
The SAP, supported by the Selangor State Government, with Affin Bank Berhad (AFFIN BANK) as its main sponsor and long-time collaborator who provides startups a platform to pursue new knowledge and boost entrepreneurial potential, as well as The Hive Southeast Asia and Agrobank as strategic partners, is an intensive and structured three-month programme that will benefit tech startups in Selangor through excellent guidance from well-versed mentors in the community and comprehensive workshops which will lead them to a level that is investment-ready.
This programme is aimed at developing and empowering the startup ecosystem, especially in Selangor, as well as providing the support and guidance they need to get matching funding based on the needs and background of their startup companies.
Yong Kai Ping, Chief Executive Officer of Sidec hopes to welcome a new batch of startup companies with fresh and variational solutions that will take this chance to pitch their business models and obtain funds from credible investors in the nation.
He also notes that since 2018, the SAP has nurtured 120 startups with a record of about 34% SAP alumni who have managed to successfully raise funds in elevating their business performance.
The introduction of HealthTech as a new vertical in this year’s Selangor Accelerator Programme is due to the pandemic that has pushed health technology into a greater, more crucial role in the healthcare industry in Malaysia and globally. The emergence of tech-based health services have indeed transformed the way people approach their healthcare needs.
The resourcefulness of Malaysian homegrown startups to adapt and stay ahead of the curve is what motivates AFFIN BANK to continue its support of SAP and Sidec. Consistent with its “Always About You” values, the Bank is excited for the opportunity to support and foster the burgeoning startups at the early stages of their growth.
Therefore, startup companies are encouraged to participate in this prominent accelerator programme including startups that provide smart city solutions related to net zero.
The official registration for this year opens today and Sidec also welcomes the participation of other startup companies that have innovative and creative solutions to effectuate.
The programme also works so that startups can prepare themselves for the final demo day on September 10, 2022 where they will have the opportunity to present their innovative ideas to potential investors, corporate companies and government agencies.
Previous SAP cohort recorded a total submission of 165 startup companies with only 30 best of the best startups being shortlisted.
The top 10 winners of SAP 2021 were eMLab, GFI Fintech, NexMind AI, Boss Boleh, Farmy, Xhinobi, Umorie, i-3s, Securepay, and SnappEd.
This year, the programme will be conducted in hybrid mode (online and onsite) with a programme module consisting of 11 workshops, three pitching clinics, five office-hour mentoring sessions, one closed-door semi final and final demo day.
Those interested are encouraged to submit an application before the closing date on June 13, 2022. The 30 shortlisted startup companies will tentatively start their programmes from June 30 to September 9, 2022.
For more information, please visit https://www.sidec.com.my/sap2022/